Considering Breast Reduction?
Heavy breasts can lead to physical discomfort, medical problems, and self-image issues.
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that reduces the weight and volume of large breasts. It is typically performed to alleviate health issues– back and neck pain, breathing difficulty, and impaired ability to enjoy physical activities–caused by large, heavy breasts. Though most breast reduction patients are women, men with gynecomastia also undergo the procedure.
Breast Reduction Techniques
There are a number of different methods to reduce the size of breasts. The most common requires incisions around the nipple, vertically down to the inframammary crease, and along the crease, similar to a breast lift. In most cases the nipple and areola are moved upward so they are better centered on the breast, and the areola may be reduced in size as well. Most techniques maintain the nipple’s attachment to blood vessels, nerves, and milk ducts, so breastfeeding may still be an option for female patients who become pregnant after the procedure.
Variations on this technique allow a surgeon to reduce or eliminate the horizontal incision in the breast crease or the vertical incision from nipple to crease. Your individual physiological characteristics and intended outcome will determine what method your surgeon decides upon to achieve the best results.
Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast.
Liposuction and Breast Reduction
Liposuction is sometimes employed as part of the reduction process to remove fatty tissue from the underarm area, and liposuction may even be used by itself in certain circumstances. Liposuction alone won’t have as dramatic an effect on your final appearance, but minimizes scarring and recovery. Liposuction is often used to treat the condition of gynecomastia in men.
Breast Reduction Surgery Risks
Though serious complications are rare, breast reduction surgery can have unwanted consequences that include loss of symmetry, changes in shape, and excessive scarring. If milk glands or ducts have been cut, removed, or damaged patients may be incapable of nursing. Nipples, or even the entire breast, may end up with reduced sensitivity.
In the end, most patients report being satisfied with their breast reduction decision and enjoy greater physical and psychological comfort thanks to smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts.
Click on the link to see our photo gallery of Philadelphia breast reduction patients.
Scars around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast are permanent, but can be easily concealed by clothing
The content of this Web site is intended to be used for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or instruction. If you have more questions about Philadelphia breast reduction surgery, other cosmetic treatments, or plastic surgery procedures, please call Dr. Lohner’s Main Line Pennsylvania office and we’ll be happy to schedule a consultation.
