Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life by reducing the size and weight of overly large breasts. This transformative surgery helps address common issues such as chronic upper back, neck, and shoulder pain, shoulder grooving, skin irritation, and nerve compression, empowering women to feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives. At The Centre, P.C., our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons in Mishawaka, IN, are here to guide you through every step of this life-changing journey.
The primary benefit of a breast reduction is a smaller breast size. However, beyond physical benefits, many women want to reduce their breast size for cosmetic reasons. The surgery lifts and reshapes the breasts for a more youthful and favorable appearance. Additionally, a breast reduction could balance a woman’s silhouette and allow clothing to look and feel better.
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 can translate into a better quality of life.
Breast reduction may be an excellent option for women experiencing physical discomfort or emotional distress due to overly large breasts. Ideal candidates are in good health, have realistic expectations, and face challenges like back, neck, or shoulder pain, shoulder grooves from bra straps, or skin irritation under the breasts. Women who find it difficult to participate in physical activities or struggle with the way clothes fit due to breast size may also greatly benefit from the procedure.
Candidates must be non-niocotine users or willing to stop all nicotine products 4 weeks prior to surgery to promote good wound healing. It’s also important to consider whether future pregnancy or breastfeeding is a concern, as breast reduction can impact milk production. During your consultation at The Centre, P.C., our experienced plastic surgeons in Mishawaka, IN, will evaluate your medical history, lifestyle, and personal goals to determine if this procedure is right for you.
A breast reduction is performed by making an incision around the areola (the colored area around the nipple), extending downward, and along the natural crease under the breast. The incision will be in the shape of an anchor. Like all scars, it is permanent but fades beautifully over the next 12–18 months.
Your plastic surgeon will remove breast tissue and skin and move the position of the nipple and areola up to a more favorable position. Depending upon the shape and size of the breast, the nipple will remain attached to the breast tissue, or it may be completely removed and grafted to a higher position on the breast. This may cause loss of sensation in the areola, which will be discussed during your consultation.
Wedges of breast tissue are removed, then the skin is repositioned around the areola, providing the breast with a new shape and size. Dissolvable sutures, or stitches, are placed along the incision line underneath the skin and sealed with surgical glue. The breasts are then bandaged and placed in a surgical compression bra.
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 a day for the first four weeks after surgery.
You will be moving at a slower pace for the first few days after surgery. At about a week post-op, you should be able to resume normal routine daily activities. You will be restricted from exercising or lifting anything more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks after surgery.
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 having a breast reduction could reverse results as the breasts change during and after pregnancy. The procedure does not prevent the breasts from undergoing normal aging processes, so gravity will take its course as a patient ages. Many patients feel their physical symptoms are relieved immediately, but it takes about three months or longer to see final results.
Recovery from breast reduction surgery typically requires a few weeks of rest and proper aftercare to ensure optimal healing. Initially, you may experience mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort during the first few days. It’s crucial to wear your surgical compression bra around the clock for the first four weeks to support healing and reduce swelling.
Most patients can resume light daily activities within a week, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least four weeks. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside, and you’ll begin to notice the improved contour and feel of your breasts. Full results are typically visible within three to six months as swelling resolves completely and scars fade over time. Regular follow-up appointments will ensure that your recovery stays on track.
As with any surgical procedure, temporary bruising and swelling will follow after a breast reduction. Risks associated with the procedure include the loss of sensation in the areolas, nipples, and surrounding skin. In rare cases, an infection can occur, or a severe complication could necessitate removal of the nipple and skin surrounding the area.
For women considering having children after a breast reduction or who are currently breastfeeding, the procedure could result in the inability to breastfeed. Though the risks of a breast reduction operation need careful consideration, many women feel that the emotional and physical benefits outweigh any potential complications.
Breast reduction is not appropriate for women who use a nicotine product, are significantly overweight, or have serious medical conditions.
I was recently hospitalized last week for a finger infection. I ended up having surgery and Dr. Downs was my doctor. Very good bedside manner and great doctor. He takes his time to explain things to you. I really liked that. And went to his office for my follow up. All the staff were so sweet and professional.
I had a great experience here, the staff are so friendly and make you feel comfortable. Dr. Downs is the best, I will definitely be returning.
Dr. Downs and The Centre, P.C. staff are wonderful to work with for questions/concerns prior to and after surgery during recovery period. Dr. Downs consults with patient prior to surgery to confirm understanding of what results are important to them.
Additionally, Dr. Downs personally follows up after surgery to ensure that things are going well after discharge which I was extremely impressed by. The office/surgical center provides a more discrete and personalized patient environment with a separate door entrance for the follow-up appointment the day after surgery as well.
Dr. Downs and his staff are amazing!
He took me on as a patient after another surgeon botched me.
Dr. Downs will take the time to review everything with you and let you know what your options are.
His staff are wonderful and they make you feel so comfortable!
You will be in great hands with Dr. Downs and his team!
I’ve been going to the Spa for a few years now and have always had a positive experience with my services and staff. Everyone is always kind and informative. Ashley Kweder has easily been my favorite cosmetic injector! She has always been able execute everything I wanted, keeping me well informed and being absolutely the sweetest! Highly recommend
Dr. Macias is AMAZING!! She is so caring and kind. She listens to her patients and seems to really love her job and cares about her patients. I would highly recommend her. Her staff also has been very wonderful and caring all the time!
I received a rhinoplasty from Dr. Macias and my nose is PERFECT. 😍
I enjoyed my whole experience but here are a few specific highlights that stuck out:
Everyone here is so kind, helpful, talented and caring.I trust highly in them and will always come to them for all my cosmetic concerns and care!!❤️
I had a great experience here, the staff are so friendly and make you feel comfortable. Dr. Downs is the best, I will definitely be returning.
Dr. Downs is fantastic. He is very knowledgeable and communicates very effectively. The staff made this experience comfortable for me. I am very happy and pleased with the results.
From the time I walked in the door to the moment I walked out, I felt respected, seen and heard! The staff are kind and gentle and I will never go anywhere else for the things I need. Dr. Macias is outstanding.
I recently had a surgical procedure done with Dr. Macias. The staff was absolutely amazing from my consult to surgery everyone was soooo sweet and kind! So very helpful from the front desk to the treatment coordinators to the pre op the whole surgery experience to post op!!
If you are considering on having anything done I highly recommend. I am extremely happy with my results so far and it’s only been a week.
To learn more about breast reduction, call or email our staff to schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Call today at 574-968-9100 option #2!
Breast reduction costs typically range from $8,000 to $9,500 when performed as a cosmetic procedure. Insurance coverage may apply if it is deemed medically necessary.
Breastfeeding may still be possible after surgery, but it depends on the surgical technique used and the extent of tissue removal. This is a key topic to discuss with your surgeon during the consultation.
Most patients can return to light activities within a week, with full recovery taking about six weeks. Final results are usually visible three to six months post-surgery.
