Breast Reduction Information, Before and After Photos
Women commonly choose to undergo breast reduction surgery because the size and weight of their breasts is affecting their comfort and health. Breast reduction represents a means to an end to the physical symptoms and discomfort they have suffered with for years, and sometimes decades. These patients are usually the happiest in our practice as this drastic change in their breast size and shape results in a complete change in the perception of their own bodies. After surgery, these patients dress differently, become physically active, gain confidence and in general adopt a healthier way of life that leads to further weight loss and ultimate happiness.
Although we usually perform breast reductions under general anesthesia, they can also be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Most often, the incisions for breast reduction are similar to those used for breast lift techniques. Breast reduction surgery is a trade-off between the extent of the scars and the extent of the reshaping and size reduction possible. Whenever possible, we perform a Vertical Reduction to limit the number and length of the incisions and yield the best possible aesthetic outcome.
The most common technique for reducing the breasts involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Unlike the older version of this technique, the incision in the crease of the breast is kept shorter and curves onto the breast. This allows for the ultimate scar to be easily hidden within bathing suits and other revealing clothing. Incisions outline the area of skin, breast tissue, and fat to be removed and also outline the new position for the nipple. In all cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves and thus nipple sensitivity and the ability to breast feed are preserved. Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed, and the nipple and areola are moved into their new position. The breast tissue is then wrapped on itself and sutured to create a beautiful conical breast shape. The skin is re-draped over the reduced breast and the excess skin removed. While the resulting scars around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast are permanent, they continue to improve for up to one year and can become nearly imperceptible.
In many cases, where a sufficient amount of breast tissue will be removed, insurance coverage may be obtained. Every effort will be made to utilize one’s health insurance to cover the procedure if at all possible.
New York plastic surgeon Eric Sadeh offers breast augmentation using saline and silicone breast implants, breast lift surgery, and breast reduction surgery. Located in New York City serving Manhattan, Queens and Forest Hills.