OVERVIEW
While there’s a focus on women who are looking to enlarge their breasts, there’s a significant number who want to reduce their natural size. If a woman finds herself in this situation, she should seriously consider breast reduction surgery. Houston cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Kristi Sumpter, will remove the extra skin, fat and tissue from the breasts. This will result is smaller breasts that feel lighter and firmer and have a better shape. Breast reduction is a great way to alleviate problems associated with overly large breasts such as breast, back, or neck pain, breathing problems, irritated skin, and embedded grooves in the shoulders caused by bra straps.
These patients feel more confident and less self-conscious following breast reduction.
BEST CANDIDATES
Breast reduction is usually performed after breast development has stopped, since childbirth and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of the breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast reduction surgery before having children. Overall, the best candidates for this surgery are women that demonstrate:
- Breasts that are too large in proportion to a woman’s body frame
- Back, neck and/or shoulder pain aggravated by the weight of the breasts
- Indentions (grooving) in their shoulders from bra straps
- Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of the breasts
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
During breast reduction surgery, It is important to maintain a good blood supply to the nipple areola complex as there is risk of discoloration and loss of sensation when blood flow is restricted. Dr. Sumpter is very careful to ensure that this risk is minimized as much as possible. She will remove the extra loose skin and tightened the underlying skin to form the newly shaped breasts. During surgery, we may use one of the following incision patterns:
- One around the areola
- One vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease
- One horizontally in the breast crease
WHAT TO EXPECT
After breast reduction surgery, patients will immediately feel lighter on top. The amount of breast tissue removed during surgery will be based on the initial evaluation and the patient’s preference. Often, the reduction results in a cup or two smaller from the original breast size. For the first several weeks, Dr. Sumpter will recommend the use of a compression bra to protect the breasts. Patients may go back to work within 7-10 days and may resume physical activities (such as exercise) between 6-8 weeks post-operative. Nipple sensitivity will return gradually within the first year.
EXPECTED COST
There are many factors associated with a breast reduction procedure that may adjust the overall cost. Some of these factors include additional techniques used such as liposuction, a breast lift, etc. The average cost for a breast reduction procedure is between $8,000 to $10,000. Because many patients suffer medical problems due to having heavier, large breasts, insurance typically may cover a portion of this cost. However, it is not guaranteed. Our office will work to makes sure that if coverage is valid, it is applied accordingly.
REDEFINE YOUR BREASTS TODAY
If you have heavy, large breasts and are considering breast reduction surgery to help eliminate symptoms, please contact our cosmetic surgery office today. This procedure not only gives you relief from the discomfort of having excessively large breasts, but it allows you to wear the clothes you have always wanted to wear and to feel comfortable in your own skin.
