Breast Reduction Q&A With Dr C

A: Changing your body can feel like an immense decision to make, and it’s very normal to question yourself. If you’ve done your research about breast reduction and are aware of your personal reasons for wanting smaller breasts but still can’t decide, my recommendation is to come in for a consultation. Many patients begin to feel much more clarity on what they want once they can speak to a specialist who can answer any questions or respond to concerns about the procedure. I can also give you specific recommendations based on your goals that may help you come to a decision about moving forward. Keep in mind that a consultation is completely commitment-free and there is no pressure to make any further appointments unless you feel absolutely comfortable with continuing.

A: A breast lift is nearly always performed as part of a breast reduction because many women with large breasts have similar problems with sagging. For most breast reduction patients, a simple change in size wouldn’t deliver the type of results they’re looking for. In a breast reduction surgery, after removing the right amount of breast tissue, I reshape the remaining tissue, lift the breasts to a higher position and tighten the skin. The result is often not only a new size, but also improved breast shape.

A: Like any surgery, there is no way to completely prevent the scars that result from the incisions. However, the scars from breast reduction tend to fade dramatically over the first year following surgery, and after more time passes, some scars heal to the point of being barely noticeable. Of course, this depends largely on how your skin heals. Typically, the incision required for breast reduction follows from the areola down to the inframammary fold, the natural crease below the breast. Depending on the amount of tissue to remove, the incision may extend along the inframammary fold a short distance. While the scars will be noticeable for the first several months after surgery, they’re hidden in everyday clothing, including low-cut shirts or a bikini. Also, most women feel that the scars are well worth the benefits of a smaller breast size.

A: Because many women with large breasts experience some amount of sagging, the nipples can become droopy or off-center, and the areolas can also become stretched out. In a breast reduction, the nipples can be repositioned in central to your reshaped breasts, along with resized areolas if needed.

A: There is no way to fully prevent gravity and the aging process from having an effect on your breasts in the future. However, in the absence of hormone changes or weight fluctuations, your breast volume shouldn’t increase significantly again.