Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body. In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision. Breast reduction alleviates the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
Your breasts must be fully developed to undergo breast reduction surgery. You must also be at least 18 years old, but some surgical plans require a minimum age up to 25. Breast reduction surgery is right for you if your ability to live an active lifestyle is greatly impaired by excess breast tissue, or if you suffer from shoulder and back pain caused by added strain from the weight of excess breast tissue.
You’ll meet with a plastic surgeon during a one on one consultation. They will examine your breasts, discuss your desired aesthetic goals, and make sure breast reduction is right for you. Your surgeon will be sure to outline the full pre and postoperative process so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
When you check in to the surgery center, you will fill out a few forms before entering the surgery preparation room. Once changed into your surgery gown, a nurse will insert an IV and begin a saline drip to prepare your body for anesthesia. When it’s time for surgery, you will be taken into the operating room and then given medication through your IV so that you are unconscious during surgery. It will feel like you’ve only been asleep for a few minutes, but the full surgery will take anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on your surgical plan. You will wake up from surgery in a comfortable recovery room surrounded by our attentive postoperative team. It will take about an hour to fully recover from anesthesia before you are ready to sit up and walk around.
Your surgical team will provide detailed after care instructions following your breast reduction surgery. It is very important to follow these instructions. Failing to do so can result in serious postoperative complications.
You will need to wear a special support bra during the healing the process to compress your breasts and protect your incisions. This will also help minimize swelling. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood and fluid that may collect. Do not apply excessive force, abrasion, or motion to your chest area while you are healing. For at least three weeks following breast reduction surgery, you will experience swelling and mild to moderate pain which can be managed by prescription pain medication. It will take at least six weeks for your body to fully recover from surgery, and you must avoid strenuous physical activity during this time.
