Breast Reduction
Breast reduction, medically referred to as reduction mammoplasty, is performed to alleviate the symptoms of overly large, heavy breasts, such as back and shoulder pain, difficulty exercising, and skin rashes, among other physical burdens. The procedure can also achieve a more proportional breast size for those who have cosmetic concerns related to excessive breasts. The goal of surgery is to produce a more attractive breast contour with a lighter, more comfortable breast size, thereby helping to decrease health problems associated with large breasts.
Some of the health concerns caused by large breasts include shoulder, neck, and back pain, as well as breathing problems and poor posture from the weight of the breasts. Many women also experience skin irritation and bra strap indentations. This can often make exercise difficult or keep patients from staying active in their daily life. Our San Antonio plastic surgeon, John Ayala, MD, can develop a treatment plan based on your goals and help you reduce these symptoms for a renewed sense of self-confidence.
- Breast Reduction Benefits
- Breast Reduction Candidates
- Breast Reduction Procedure
- Breast Reduction Recovery
- Breast Reduction Cost
What Can Breast Reduction Do for Me?
Breast reduction is considered the “gold standard” treatment to resolve the cosmetic, functional, or health-related concerns often associated with an excessive breast size. For those who dislike their overly large or heavy breasts, the procedure is typically among the most rewarding cosmetic surgeries available. Depending on the individual needs of each patient, breast reduction can:
- Reshape the breasts to achieve younger-looking contours
- Make overly stretched areolas more proportional and symmetrical
- Remove excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue, resulting in a more manageable bust size
- Alleviate uncomfortable physical symptoms, such as back and shoulder pain, aches, shoulder grooving (bra strap indentations), and skin chafing
- Make it easier to live an active lifestyle by enhancing your ability to exercise
- Attain a breast size that’s more proportionate to your body frame, improving your entire silhouette
Breast reduction also generally includes a “lift” to the breasts to some extent, allowing for additional rejuvenation. In some cases, superior results can be achieved by combining a breast lift with breast reduction to fully address ptosis (drooping) and gain a more comfortable breast size simultaneously. Dr. Ayala will listen to your concerns and work with you to formulate the most ideal treatment plan to achieve your goals.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
If you’re dissatisfied with an overly large breast size, breast reduction is the only treatment that can effectively reshape the breasts with long-lasting results. The procedure can help many women achieve a more comfortable quality of life, especially if a patient’s large and heavy breasts are causing debilitating symptoms, such as:
- Chronic pain in the back, shoulders, and/or neck
- Rashes, skin irritation, or chafing underneath the breasts
- Bra strap indentations due to the weight of a dominant breast size
- Inability to exercise without discomfort, or be active for long periods of time
- A poor body image as a result of disproportionately large breasts
- Tingling or numbness in the hands
- Difficulty finding clothes that fit well
The best results are usually seen when patients do not have any future plans to become pregnant or lose a significant amount of weight. If you are planning to grow your family or achieve major weight loss, we recommend postponing the breast reduction procedure.
How is the Breast Reduction Procedure Performed?
Dr. Ayala performs this breast surgery as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. During surgery, Dr. Ayala will make an anchor-shaped incision around the borders of the areolas, extending downward toward the breast crease and along the inframammary fold. He will remove excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat from the breasts to achieve a more manageable and proportionate breast size. If desired, breast reduction can also resize the areolas to remain consistent with your new breast contours. The incisions are then covered with a light dressing, and a surgical bra is worn to achieve a symmetrical outcome and facilitate the initial stages of healing. Breast tissue will also be sent to a pathology lab to rule out malignancy for all patients.
What is Recovery From Breast Reduction Like?
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness should be expected immediately after surgery and will fade gradually. Oral pain medications can help reduce swelling and manage discomfort until these reactions naturally resolve. Scars typically lighten or fade to some degree within 6 to 18 months. The final outcome of breast reduction should be apparent as swelling continues to subside, usually about six months to one year after surgery.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?
At Ayala Plastic Surgery, breast reduction costs vary and each person’s price estimate is calculated based on their needs. The cost of breast reduction in San Antonio also varies according to the experience of your plastic surgeon and the unique details of your surgical plan, such as:
- The extent of your concerns
- The complexity of your procedure
- The surgical technique(s) utilized
- Whether insurance coverage is applicable
While breast reduction costs fluctuate based on geographical region, cosmetic surgery in San Antonio is generally more affordable than it would be in more coastal cities and other parts of the country. Plastic surgery financing is available for qualified patients through CareCredit®, which can allow you to make payments in smaller, low- to no-interest installments. Please call our office if you have any questions about insurance coverage or the price of breast reduction surgery.
For more information about breast reduction, please contact Ayala Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.
