Breast Procedures
Breast Reduction in Freehold, New Jersey | Red Bank
Heavy breasts can lead to physical discomfort, a variety of medical problems, shoulder indentations due to tight bra straps, and extreme self-consciousness.
Information on breast reduction in Freehold, NJ and in Red Bank NJ with Dr Kim. Read about reduction mammoplasty, surgical procedure, recovery, results and more.
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is for a woman experiencing health problems and/or extreme self-consciousness associated with very large, heavy breasts. The goal is to give the woman a more attractive contour with smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. She will then benefit from freedom of health problems associated with large breasts and an improved self-image.
Medical problems associated with very large breasts include back and neck pain caused by the excessive weight, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave shoulder indentations. Large, heavy breasts also contribute to poor posture, and can interfere with normal daily activities such as exercise. Excessive breast size may also lead to a decreased sense of attractiveness and self-confidence.
The Procedure
Breast reduction is done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis or in the hospital. The surgery removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
Incisions are made around the pigmented nipple-areolar complex and extend vertically below the nipple and sometimes in the fold under the breast. Some women are candidates for a vertical breast reduction procedure. This avoids the lower breast crease incision found in traditional breast reduction surgery. The nipple-areolar complex is moved upward to the desired location. The incisions are covered with a light dressing.
Incisions outline the area of skin, breast tissue, and fat to be removed and the new position for the nipple.
Afterward, the breasts are placed in a surgical bra that will hold them symmetrically during initial healing. Initial discomfort subsides daily and can be controlled with oral medications. Scars will fade in 6-18 months. Surgery will likely reduce, but not eliminate the ability to breast-feed.
The result may be further enhanced by liposuction of the axillary area to reduce excess fat deposits.
Recovery: What to Expect
When performed by Dr. Kim, breast reduction is a safe procedure. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and after surgery.
Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions, giving the breast its new contour.
Much of the swelling and bruising disappears in the first few weeks following the surgery. Breasts may appear slightly uneven. Their new shape will be apparent within 6 months to a year, and will depend on hormonal fluctuations, weight changes and pregnancy.
Although your surgeon will make your scars as inconspicuous as possible, some permanent scarring is inevitable. Smokers are more likely to experience poor healing and wider scars. The scars will be red and lumpy in the months following the surgery, but the redness will fade and in time the scars will be less obvious. The good news is, your bra or bathing suit will cover whatever scars remain, and most likely, the scars will not prevent you from wearing low-cut tops.
Ability to Breastfeed
Because the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples, breast-feeding may no longer be an option.
Scars around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast are permanent, but can be easily concealed by clothing.
Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.)
Results
Breast reduction produces the most dramatic results of all plastic surgeries. It ends the physical discomfort or large breasts and makes your body appear more evenly proportioned, and clothes fit better. Your new image will take some getting used to, as much as you desired the change. Give yourself—and your family and friends—time to adjust to the new you and, like most women, you will enjoy the benefits.
Information on breast reduction in Freehold, NJ and in Red Bank NJ with Dr Kim. Read about reduction mammoplasty, surgical procedure, recovery, results and more.
