Breast Reduction
What is Breast reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical option for women who are unhappy about the size of their breasts or want to treat symptoms caused by their breast size. A breast reduction involves the removal of excess breast tissue, reduction of any excess skin, lifting the breast and nipple area, as well as occasionally reducing the width of the areola.
Breast reduction surgery has proven to be a turning point for many of Dr. Eric Schaffer’s patients. Dr. Eric Schaffer is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is frequently named as a National Top Doctor and Texas Monthly Super Doctor.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Reduction Mammoplasty?
Ideal candidates for breast reduction include women with oversized breasts that are causing physical, social, emotional discomfort, or medical complications. Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot receive reduction surgery. Additionally, men with enlarged breasts can undergo a breast reduction that typically including liposuction.
Benefits Of Breast Reduction Surgery
A common reason for choosing breast reduction is to relieve physical discomfort caused by enlarged breasts. Benefits of breast reduction include:
- The disappearance of bra strap discomfort
- Improved posture
- Neck, back, shoulder pain relief
- No irritating rashes between or beneath breasts
What Is Involved In The Reduction Mammoplasty Consultation?
Before surgery, we require patients to have a private consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Schaffer. During this time patients can discuss their symptoms, physical attributes, and goals. To put you at ease, Dr. Schaffer invites you to our office the business day prior to surgery to review any surgical questions or concerns and to have preoperative markings applied in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Dr. Schaffer believes that designing a careful, well thought out blueprint for your procedure is the key to obtaining a consistently reliable outcome.
Breast Reduction Before & After
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Recent advances in breast reduction surgery facilitate an improved appearance with better long-term shape maintenance, a quicker recovery from surgery with less postoperative discomfort, and rapid relief of symptoms. Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia and, depending on the chosen technique, take about 2 to 5 hours to complete. Dr. Schaffer commonly chooses an anchor or lollipop incision. An anchor incision begins at the breast crease and extends around the areola while a lollipop incision starts around the areola and lowers to the breast crease. These incisions can result in permanent scars, however, they generally heal nicely enough that they are well tolerated.
Small Incision Breast Reduction
If you have a history of unfavorable scars, do not need any skin excision or lifting, or have a strong desire to preserve a breastfeeding option, small incision, or minimal incision, breast reduction may be a satisfactory alternative. During a small incision breast reduction, one or more small incisions will be made, through which Dr. Schaffer can extract excess breast and fatty tissue. This is done using suction-assisted lipectomy or liposuction. In contrast to a traditional breast reduction, this procedure does not generally elevate the breast or nipple area much, and in some instances, can cause a more droopy, deflated appearance. Additionally, if you agree at your consultation, Dr. Schaffer can convert the procedure to a standard breast reduction if liposuction proves to be incomplete or unsatisfactory.
Reduction mammoplasty Recovery
Once the surgery is complete patients can expect some bruising, soreness, and swelling for a short period of time. Typically, patients take 1 to 2 weeks off from work and postpone the majority of physical activity for a month. Dr. Schaffer offers the opportunity to have an ON-Q pain relief pump following surgery. This ON-Q device delivers local anesthesia to the surgical site to minimize discomfort after surgery. Patients can remove and replace bandages from surgery with a surgical bra 2 days after their procedure. Finally, patients can come to have stitches removed after about 3 weeks.
Results of Breast Reduction Surgery
While there is some swelling the results of reduction mammaplasty are immediately noticeable. The breasts’ appearance will continue to improve and scars will fade in the weeks after surgery. The results of reduction mammaplasty are permanent, but breasts can experience the effects of aging, gravity, hormone changes and weight fluctuation.
Breast Reduction Patient Testimonials
The dramatic breast reduction I underwent a mere 8 months ago has changed my life. Not only am I pain free for the first time in many, many years but I am now confident in my appearance and capable of more physical activity. My self-esteem has risen and I no longer hide behind baggy clothes. Dr. Schaffer was kind, patient and professional throughout. His attention to detail and follow-through put me at ease. I never took a single pain pill and my reduction took me from an “I” bra size to a “D”. He knew exactly how much to remove to give me a balanced attractive appearance. If you are even thinking about a reduction-don’t put it off- I wish I had not waited so long. And you will not find a better doctor than Schaffer! – P.S.
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Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consult Today!
If you are interested in a breast reduction, call 210-227-3223 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric Schaffer. You can also click here to fill out our Appointment Request Form, and our talented staff will help you set up your consult! Our practice serves San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding areas in TX.
