Breast Reduction Surgery (Mastopexy)
Thomas Lois, MD Atlanta Ga Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Before and After Photos

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty) …each year thousands of women…of all ages - decide to have their breasts reduced in size in order to gain “significant relief” from many physical and emotional discomforts …as well as a new sense of “freedom.”

Some of the many benefits of a breast reduction surgery:

• Breast reduction results in…smaller - firmer breasts
• Breast reduction can give relief from many physical & emotional discomforts
• Breast reduction offers a new sense of freedom in your physical activity
• Breast reduction offers breasts that are more proportioned to the rest of your body
• Breast reduction offers a “new enhanced” shape…that results in great personal satisfaction!

Some questions our patients frequently ask about breast reduction surgery:

Is breast reduction right for me ? It could be…if you have any of the following conditions and requirements:

• Your breasts are “disproportionately large for your body
• You suffer from back, neck & shoulder pain – caused by the weight of your breasts
• You have frequent rashes underneath the breasts
• You suffer loss of sensation in the hands – dilated veins on the breasts – enlarged aerola
• You have “grooves” (indentions) in your shoulders from tight bra straps
• You restrict your physical activities – due to the size & weight of your breasts
• You feel “self-conscious” about your “large” breasts
• One breast is much larger (asymmetry) or shaped differently than the other breast

Requirements for breast reduction surgery:

• You are not pregnant or breast-feeding
• You are in good health - & have mature – realistic goals
• Your breast development has stopped (fully developed)
• You are in your 20’s or older – (reduction usually not performed before this age)
• You are at a normal – healthy weight – with breasts disproportionate to your size

Why do some women have overly large breasts? There are thousands of women with this condition who successfully have a breast reduction performed…with wonderful results! You are not alone.

This condition can be an “inherited” trait – age-related, hormonal, or be due to excessive weight gain. It may be a combination of these things….whatever the reason…there is higher patient satisfaction with breast reduction procedure… than with any other.

What’s involved in the breast reduction consultation? This time spent with the doctor is very important! Your physical and emotional health will be discussed – your concerns evaluated and your goals and treatment plan customized. Please bring the following information with you to the consultation:

• Medical records – especially concerning previous surgical procedures
• Past and present medical conditions information
• List of all medications you are taking – including herbals and vitamins
• History of experience with weight gain/loss and its affects on your breast size
• List of previous problems such as – lumps, nipple discharge, pain, family history of breast cancer

What to expect during the physical exam portion of your consultation:

• The size and shape of your breasts will be determined – your age is taken into consideration
• Skin quality and placement of the nipples and areola – is determined
• Measurements and photographs will be taken for your medical record

 Are there risks or possible complications? There is always risk involved with any surgical procedure…however…when performed by a skilled, qualified plastic surgeon – risks and complications are greatly reduced. Our doctors are highly skilled with many years of experience and thousands of successful procedures. Possible risks and complications include: excessive bleeding, infections and or reaction to anesthesia. Scarring will result…we minimize this by using hidden incisions. Smokers are always at higher risk for poor healing and wider scars. Decreased sensation in the nipples and breast may occur…this usually returns in a few months. Breast feeding may be difficult…since some of the milk ducts are removed during this procedure. We have found that if patients adhere to the Doctors instructions pre and post operatively…these risks/complications are greatly reduced or never occur.

Breast reduction – how it’s performed:

• You will be anesthetized – cleaned and draped.
• An incision is made around the nipple, from the nipple down to the chest wall and horizontally beneath the breast (following the natural crease). 3) Excess fat and skin are removed. 4) The nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position and the areola is reduced in size. 5) Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. 6) Sutures close the incisions – and give the breast its new contour (form). 7) Gauze dressings are applied and a surgical bra is placed over top of them. 8) a drain tube is inserted in each breast to remove blood and fluids that may accumulate the 1 st day.
• * Note – the incisions “outline” the area of skin, breast tissue and fat to be removed. Also…in the case of very large breasts – the nipples and areola may need to be removed and repositioned - but in most cases the nipples remain attached to their current blood vessels and nerves.

Time involved; anesthesia, recovery time and other things involved in a breast reduction:

• The procedure normally takes 1-2 hours “for each breast”
• Anesthesia is local with sedation – or general anesthesia – you and the doctor will decide
• This is usually an out-patient procedure – if performed in hospital – your stay is short (1-2 days)
• Side effects – temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry skin and scars
• Recovery – usually up & about 1-2 days following surgery – you must take it easy for at least 1 week
• Activity will be limited until you heal and energy levels return – avoid strenuous activity!
• You will continue wearing the surgical bra until swelling and bruising subsides
• Results – are long lasting – except if pregnancy occurs, weight changes dramatically, aging & gravity
• Stitches are removed within 1 -3 weeks
• Discomfort is controlled with oral pain medication – and does diminish each day

Each year thousands of women have “breast reduction” procedures performed…with outstanding, gratifying results and minimal side effects. We anticipate outstanding results for each of our patients…including you!

What is required in preparation for breast reduction?

• You must be at a healthy weight
• Smokers should refrain from smoking for 1 week prior to - & 2-3 weeks following surgery
• Avoid taking medications, vitamins & herbals – unless prescribed by the doctor
• Take the homeopathic remedy (Arnica) prescribed by Dr. Lois – 1 day before surgery & 10 days after
• Arrange for someone to drive you & take care of you after your surgery *Note – Smoking can cause complications & increase risks – risk of infection & slower healing.

What about getting back to normal? You should be feeling better within the 1 st week - with less discomfort …surgical drains are removed and dressings changed. Over the next few weeks…swelling, bruising, general discomfort…will all diminish. After all stitches have been removed…you will be able to stop wearing the surgical bra …return to normal activities including mild exercise … and sensations in the breasts generally improve. Incision lines…gradually fade over time and are easily concealed with clothing …we try to make them as inconspicuous as possible.

Breast reduction ( reduction mammoplasty) ranks among the highest in patient satisfaction! The results it produces afford our patients new freedoms they have never before been able to enjoy. Your new “form” is better proportioned to the rest of your body…uplifting – physically and emotionally…and conditions that held you back before…no longer exist. We’re confident you will be very pleased… should you choose to have breast reduction!

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