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Women choose to have breast reduction surgery for a variety of reasons, including back and neck pain, skin irritation, embarrassment when doing physical activities, or struggling to fit into clothes properly. Whatever your reason is, a breast reduction at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery can be a life-changing procedure that gives you the proportionate breasts you’re looking for.
What is Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed for women who are bothered by their breast size. Some women naturally have very large breasts, and others may have breasts that do not reduce in size after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast reduction can improve appearance and eliminate discomfort caused by large breasts, helping many women enjoy a better overall quality of life.
The procedure involves removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, then reshaping and elevating the remaining breast tissues to create smaller, more proportional breasts. It is often accompanied by breast lift techniques to elevate the breasts to a more youthful position on the chest wall.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
There are a variety of reasons people have breast reduction surgery, but there are some qualifications that make some people better candidates for the procedure than others. Some of these specifications include:
- Struggling with physical activity due to excess breast tissue
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain due to your breast size
- Shoulder indentations from bra straps
- Skin irritation in the breast crease
- Good general health and non-smokers
- Having realistic expectations
- Bothered with the feeling of your overly large breast size
During your initial consultation with board-certified Dr. Andrews, he will assess your breasts, examine your medical history, and discuss your concerns to build a personalized treatment plan. Your comfort is important to us, and we encourage you to ask questions so that you can feel confident about your choice to undergo this cosmetic surgery.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction surgery begins with general anesthesia being administered. But unlike local or general anesthesia you may be familiar with, Dr. Andrews uses a pectoralis block called Exparel. Once it kicks in, you will be unaware of the surgery until it’s over. The procedure typically takes about 2-3 hours.
Dr. Andrews will begin by making incisions to the breasts, and then he will carefully remove excess skin, fat, and breast tissue. The type of incision used will differ depending on your needs. It may be a lollipop incision or a keyhole incision.
If needed, he will also raise the nipple/areola complex to an appropriate location. Once he has reshaped your breasts, he will close the incisions with sutures. Drains may be inserted to ensure there is no buildup of fluid after surgery.
Finally, surgical tape will be placed on the incisions to keep them in place. A surgical compression bra will also be put in place to aid healing.
You will then be sent to our recovery room so you can wake up from anesthesia in a safe environment. After that, you can return home with the help of a friend or family member.
DR. KAHLIL ANDREWS
Dr. Kahlil Andrews is a board-certified plastic surgeon from Los Angeles specializing in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
At his location in Coralville, Iowa, Dr. Andrews’ academic and technical achievements are only exceeded by his commitment to patient care. Whether they are seeking reconstructive breast surgery, outpatient injectable treatment, or a full-blown mommy makeover, Dr. Andrews gives his full attention and focus on achieving excellent patient outcomes.
MEET DR. ANDREWSRecovery
After breast reduction surgery, you can go home the same day. To ensure you’re completely comfortable and healing properly, you will be prescribed pain medication and given instructions on how best to take care of yourself and your incisions.
You will likely notice some swelling and bruising for the first few weeks after surgery. You will want to take about three weeks off work, especially if you have a labor-intensive job. You will also need to limit your activity and exercise and continue to wear your support bra for several weeks to aid in recovery and minimize possible risks of complications. When you can return to work and begin to perform more strenuous activities will be up to Dr. Andrews. He will let you know when you can return to your normal routine at your follow-up appointments.
As for results, you’ll likely notice some immediately after surgery, but the final results won’t show up until your swelling goes down and your bruising fades. It can take 3-6 months before you see your full results.
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Schedule A Consultation
Ready to reduce your back pain, fit into clothes better, and feel more confident? Breast reduction surgery can be a great solution. Take the first step today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrews. He can address your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and build a customized treatment plan that allows you to achieve your aesthetic goals.
To schedule a consultation, call our Coralville, IA office at 319.800.6877 or use our online scheduling form.
