Breast Reduction Surgery in Mishawaka

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, reduces the size of overly large breasts which may cause medical problems and self-consciousness.

Breast reductions are extremely successful for women with very large, pendulous breast who have experienced medical problems such as back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems caused by the excess weight of the breasts.

Most women considering a breast reduction are in search of physical relief over cosmetic improvement.

At your consultation, your breast surgeon will measure your current breast size and review your medical history with you. Photos will be taken before and after the surgery for comparison and they may also be sent to your insurance company to see if your insurance plan would cover this procedure as being medically necessary.

Your plastic surgeon will discuss your expectations with you and determine your desired size. What to expect before and after surgery as well as the procedure itself will be explained by your plastic surgeon and our licensed staff members.

You may also be scheduled to have a mammogram (breast x-ray). A breast reduction costs between $5,600-$7,000 if it is done as a cosmetic procedure.

How is a Breast Reduction Done?

A breast reduction procedure is performed by making an incision around the areola (the colored area around the nipple), extending downward along the natural crease under the breast. The incision will be in the shape of an anchor.

Your plastic surgeon will remove glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and move the nipple up to a new position. Depending upon the shape of the breast, the areola may remain attached or may be completely removed and grafted to a high position on the breast which will cause loss of sensation in the areola.

The skin will then be brought down on both sides and around the areola, providing the breast with a new shape and contour. Sutures, or stitches, are placed along the incision line and the area is wrapped with an elastic bandage or surgical bra.

What Should I Expect When Having Breast Reduction Surgery?

Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication which will help to control pain for the first few days following surgery.

Your surgical bra will need to be worn twenty-four hours per day until the swelling and bruising have decreased. Sutures will be removed within one to three weeks of the surgery.

You will be up and moving within a few days but be sure to check with your plastic surgeon before resuming your normal activities. Scarring will fade within eighteen months.

How Long Do the Results of a Breast Reduction Last?

Breast reduction results could last for a woman’s lifetime, but it is essential to maintain a stable weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Additionally, having children after the operation could reverse the breast reduction changes as they grow during pregnancy. The procedure does not prevent the breasts from undergoing normal aging processes, so they will most likely sag as a patient gets older.

Typically, results are noticeable after a few months of recovery when swelling has subsided completely. Around that same time, surgical scars will also fade significantly.

Possible Risks and Side Effects of Breast Reduction

As with any invasive procedure, a breast reduction poses the risk of infections, temporary bruising, and swelling. Other risks associated with the operation include the loss of sensation in the areolas, nipples, and surrounding skin. In rare cases, a severe complication could necessitate removal of the nipples and skin surrounding the area.

For women looking to have children after a breast reduction or who are currently breastfeeding, the procedure could result in the inability or difficulty to breastfeed. Though the risks of a breast reduction operation need careful consideration, many women feel that the emotional and physical benefits outweigh any side effects.

Breast surgery is not safe for women who smoke, are significantly overweight, or have certain medical conditions such as heart problems or diabetes. Additionally, women who want to avoid scars on their breasts may benefit from other cosmetic treatment options.

Additional Motivators for a Breast Reduction

Physical discomfort due to a larger breast size is a common motivator for many patients seeking breast reductions at our Mishawaka plastic surgery practice. The operation is highly recommended for women whose breasts cause chronic shoulder, back, and neck pain. Furthermore, if a patient suffers from extremely painful nerve irritation and discomfort, the surgery may bring some relief.

Additionally, sagging of larger breasts can create a skin fold at the breast crease. A woman may experience chronic skin irritation or rash underneath the breasts in this area, which a breast reduction would alleviate.

Extra Benefits of a Breast Reduction Surgery

The primary benefit of a breast reduction operation is smaller breast size. However, beyond physical benefits, many women want to reduce their breast size for cosmetic reasons. The surgery lifts and firms the breasts for a more youthful and perkier appearance. Additionally, a breast reduction could balance a woman’s silhouette and allow tight-fitting clothing to look and feel better.

One essential benefit many women seek from the procedure is improved comfort and attractiveness when wearing bras. Women who are unhappy with the size of their areolas and nipples could feel more confident after the surgery reduces these features.

Though many women want to undergo a breast reduction for the physical advantages, most patients also experience positive psychological impacts after surgery. Higher levels of self-confidence translate into a better quality of life for a total transformation.

Contact Us

The breast reduction procedure is often complemented by liposuction which reduces excess fat deposits. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine if liposuction would be beneficial to you.

Our medical practice recommends the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing surgical procedures.

To learn more about a breast reduction in Mishawaka, call or email our plastic surgery staff to schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.