Breast Reduction

Bloomfield Hills Michigan

Breast reduction is among the most popular procedures in cosmetic surgery. This procedure can be performed at any age, but is recommended to wait until breast development has stopped. Large breasts can cause a number of health problems such as neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, indentation of the shoulders from bra straps and rash along the breast folds.

Some women naturally develop large breasts while others experience breast enlargement after pregnancy. Weight gain may also contribute to an increase in breast size. Patients with large breasts tend to have poor posture which aggravates back pain. Many patients experience difficulty in exercising because of the weight of their breasts. Finding clothes is sometimes a challenge, not to mention the expense of buying expensive bras.

Breast reduction patients are some of the happiest patients, as they find the surgery to be a life-altering experience. Most insurance companies cover the procedure as long as a certain amount of weight is removed. Patients are encouraged to call their insurance company to find out if it is a covered benefit.

What to expect from the consultation

During this visit you should expect to sit at length with your doctor and discuss your goals for surgery. It is important to be informative about:

Past surgeries
Past and current medical conditions
Any medications and vitamins you are currently taking
Any and all supplements you are using
Allergies to drugs, foods, dyes and rubber

How the surgery is performed

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and patients are able to go home afterwards. There are a number of ways to perform breast reduction. This depends upon the surgeon’s experience and the physical attributes of the breast.

The most common is a method called a “three-part incision”. The incisions are made around the areola, vertically to the crease underneath the breast, and horizontally beneath the breast following the natural crease. This is also known as the “anchor” technique. Another method that is gaining popularity is the vertical scar technique also known as the “lollypop” technique. In this technique the scar is limited to just around the nipple and straight down to the fold. It eliminates the horizontal scar along the breast crease.

Selection of the appropriate procedure is made after careful examination. In either case, excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed and the nipple and areola are repositioned. The areola can also be reduced in size at that time. The breast is then meticulously contoured. Some patients are, however, prone to forming keloids. Drains are sometimes placed to help with fluid evacuation. Scarring is permanent but will fade with time.

What to expect after the surgery

You can expect some discomfort for a few days. Some bruising and swelling will be noticed but it will gradually subside over a few weeks. Drains are removed after a few days. Patients are advised to refrain from strenuous activities for 6 weeks to allow sufficient healing.

After a few weeks patients can discontinue the support bra, and start wearing normal bras. Nipple sensations will gradually improve over a period of 4-6 weeks. Patients can breast feed afterwards but are advised to supplement with formula. A return to normal activity is expected within a few weeks.

Find out what Doctor Ali’s patients are saying about their experience.

Online research is no substitute

No amount of research is a substitute for a professional consultation with a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, not some other cosmetic association. Your physician must be board certified in order to become a member of this Society, the most elite organization of plastic surgeons in the world.

Talk to Dorine, our patient coordinator, to schedule your consultation. If you have a question for Doctor Ali, ask him now or read common questions about breast procedures.