Breasts that are overly large can be a source of discomfort, inconvenience or feelings of self-consciousness. A breast reduction, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, can resize the breasts to alleviate physical and emotional issues and create a more proportionate figure. If you’re considering a breast reduction, you likely have questions about what to expect from the procedure.
At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong will take the time to address any concerns that you may have so that you can feel confident and prepared as you move forward with your breast reduction. Below, Dr. Truong answers some of the most commonly asked questions about breast reduction surgery. If you have a question that is not listed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Q. Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction?
A. If you have breasts that you feel are too large in proportion to your body frame, you are likely a candidate for breast reduction. Many women who have breast reduction suffer from back, neck or shoulder pain as a result of their breast size or have heavy breasts with nipples that point downward. Some candidates for reduction mammoplasty must restrict their activities because of the size or weight of their breasts. Women who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations of what the procedure can offer them will experience the best outcome.
Q. How will a breast reduction affect the shape and appearance of my breasts?
A. A breast reduction will remove excess tissue to resize and elevate your breasts to give you a much more proportionate, balanced appearance. In most cases, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural central location on the breasts and the size of the areola may be reduced. A breast reduction also reshapes the breasts into rounder, more youthful contours.
Q. Can I get a breast lift with a breast reduction?
A. A breast reduction procedure always includes elements of a breast lift for the most natural looking result. If you have large, heavy breasts that are drooping, a breast reduction will not only reduce your breast size, it will also improve any sagging and tighten the breast skin while lifting the breasts to a more youthful position on the torso.
Q. How long will my surgery take?
A. A breast reduction usually takes between 1 and 3 hours. The length of the surgery depends on several factors, including how much breast tissue is being removed and whether your breast reduction is combined with other procedures. Many women choose to have breast reduction as part of a mommy makeover. When a breast reduction is only performed on one breast to correct asymmetry, the surgical time may be shorter. A breast reduction is an outpatient procedure, so you can expect to go home on the same day of your surgery.
Q. What can I expect during recovery?
A. It’s normal to experience some soreness, bruising and swelling during the recovery process. Discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs can be applied to help reduce the swelling. Most women who have a breast reduction are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks following their surgery.
Q. Will there be scars on my breasts?
A. With any surgery, a reduction mammoplasty results in some degree of scarring. However, Dr. Truong takes special care to make the incisions as carefully as possible, allowing any scars to be hidden by a bra or bathing suit. With proper scar management, scars can fade to the point that they’re barely noticeable. Most women report that their breast reduction was well worth some slight scarring.
Q. When will I see my final results?
A. After your breast reduction, you’re likely to see an immediate difference in breast size, although your breasts will initially be swollen and tender. The post-surgical swelling will gradually subside over the weeks and months following your procedure. You should be able to appreciate your final results within 6 to 12 months after surgery. Your scars will continue to heal during the first year or more after your breast reduction.