Breast Reduction in Phoenix, AZ
Large, cumbersome breasts can lead to physical discomfort that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Breast reduction lessens the size of large, heavy breasts by removing excess tissue and fat while reshaping the breast mound. This procedure is often one of the most gratifying cosmetic surgeries, as it can create natural-looking and balanced breasts.
What a Breast Reduction Can Address
Heavy, Overly Large Breasts
Overly large breasts can develop naturally during adolescence or due to weight gain and pregnancies. The presence of this excess tissue and fat can lead to an unbalanced appearance between your breasts and the rest of your body. Breast reduction can help minimize breasts so that they remain proportional to the rest of the body.
Upper Back/Neck Pain
Large breasts not only affect your appearance, but they can also lead to physical discomfort. Many women experience pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and chest. This pain as well as the additional skin irritation and divots that form on the shoulders from the pressure of the bra straps can make activities such as sports or exercise difficult. Breast reduction eases this discomfort.
Droopy Breasts
As breasts enlarge and become heavier, the natural supporting ligaments become stretched and the breasts become droopier. Cyclic weight gain or pregnancies can also cause breasts to become heavier and sag. A breast reduction removes excess breast tissue and lifts the breasts.
“I wish I had known how much better I would feel
I wish I had known how much better I would feel and how little pain was involved. I love my reduction and I wish I would have done it sooner!!!”
– by Happy Patient
Breast Reduction Procedure
Consultation
The consultation is one of the most important aspects of your breast reduction. During this meeting with Dr. Boll, she will examine the tissue and fat in your breasts to determine the treatment plan for you. You will also be given specific instructions to follow before and after your procedure to ensure that your recovery goes swiftly and smoothly.
Combining Procedures
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue and fat. Often, the additional weight of this tissue and fat causes the breasts to sag prematurely. This unwanted sagging can be remedied with a breast lift. A breast lift removes excess breast skin and repositions the breasts to a higher, perkier elevation on the chest. This procedure can be performed alongside a reduction through the same incisions.
Breast Reduction Incisions
Several different techniques can be used to perform a breast reduction. Dr. Boll commonly uses an incision known as the anchor, or key-hole, incision. This technique allows for the most significant correction. Incisions are made around the areola, vertically down the breast from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally across the fold on the underside of the breast. Excess tissue and fat are removed, the nipples are elevated to a higher position on the breast, and the incisions are closed to reveal a smaller, more compact breast.
Concerns
Recovery
Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure that typically takes between two and four hours to complete. You are required to have a driver present who can get you home and stay with you for the first night. You will experience bruising and swelling in the breast area. A compression garment will be wrapped around your breasts to aid in the healing process while reducing swelling and increasing blood circulation. Most women feel up to returning to work after seven to 10 days, but all strenuous exercises and activity should be limited for six weeks.
Scars
Scarring will result at the incision sites. You will have scarring around the dark part of the areola, a vertical scar between the areola and the breast crease, and a horizontal scar along the breast crease. All scarring will fade with time.
Cost
You will be given a cost estimate for your reduction during your consultation. The cost of your breast reduction will depend on the techniques used as well as factors like anesthesia costs, surgical fees, and facility fees. If you choose to combine your procedure with liposuction or any other surgery, the additional procedure will be factored into the cost.
Pain
Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia to prevent any pain during the surgery. Afterward, you may experience discomfort and tenderness of the breasts. Oral pain medication is prescribed to alleviate any of this discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for breast reduction?
Candidates for breast reduction should be at least 16 years old and have fully developed breasts. Women often consider breast reduction when they are tired of the physical and psychological symptoms associated with overly large, cumbersome breasts. Ideal candidates are in good mental and physical health, willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure, and have realistic expectations of their results.
What are the potential side effects of breast reduction?
Breast reduction is a safe surgical procedure that involves minimal risks and complications. While rare, potential side effects can include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Changes in nipple or skin sensation
- Swelling
- Breast asymmetry
Can my nipples be repositioned or resized during this procedure?
Yes. Many women who desire breast reduction find that their nipple-areola complex points downward because of the weight of their breasts. The incisions made by Dr. Boll allow for the nipples to be repositioned higher on the breast. The areola is also typically reduced as a part of this procedure.
Are my results permanent?
The results of your breast reduction can be long lasting if they are paired with a healthy lifestyle. Additional weight gain or pregnancy may affect the quality of your results. Aging will also continue to affect you and your breasts.
If I get pregnant after my breast reduction, can I still breastfeed?
The ability to breastfeed after breast reduction is a case-by-case situation. If the nipples remain intact during the procedure, you may be able to produce milk. If you think that future pregnancies are possible and wish to breastfeed, let Dr. Boll know this during your consultation so that she can use techniques that can preserve the milk ducts. It is important to remember that not every woman can breastfeed, whether she’s had breast reduction surgery or not.
Want to Learn More About Breast Reduction in Phoenix, AZ?
To learn more about breast reduction and your options in Phoenix, AZ, call our office at (480) 833-5200 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule your consultation.
Kind Words From Our Patients
“Thank you all for your professional compassion and kindness while I was your patient. I feel good and appreciate all that you all have done for me. You are the best!”
“I could not have asked for better care. Dr.Boll, along with her staff, are the consummate professionals. I made a consultation appointment with Dr. Boll to discuss a facelift. She discussed, in depth, every aspect of the procedure including what I could expect for an outcome. Her kindness and compassion are genuine. Her knowledge unparalleled. I left that consultation knowing I had made the right decision.”
“Post- surgery attention was outstanding, I felt completely comfortable in Dr. Boll’s care; and I am 68, never having surgery before.”
“Thank you all for your professional compassion and kindness while I was your patient. I feel good and appreciate all that you all have done for me. You are the best!”
“I could not have asked for better care. Dr.Boll, along with her staff, are the consummate professionals. I made a consultation appointment with Dr. Boll to discuss a facelift. She discussed, in depth, every aspect of the procedure including what I could expect for an outcome. Her kindness and compassion are genuine. Her knowledge unparalleled. I left that consultation knowing I had made the right decision.”
“Post- surgery attention was outstanding, I felt completely comfortable in Dr. Boll’s care; and I am 68, never having surgery before.”