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If you suffer from neck, shoulder, or back pain as a result of heavy breasts, a breast reduction, also called reduction mammoplasty, could bring you life-changing relief. This surgery improves the function and appearance of the breast area and offers patients many important quality of life enhancements. Clothing fits better, exercise is easier, and your figure is more proportionate. In some cases, insurance companies might cover the cost of the procedure.
Breast reduction not only reduces the size of your breasts but can reshape and lift them as well. It is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed and has a very high satisfaction rate. One study found that more than 90% of breast reduction patients rated their results as good or very good. In our practice, patients are generally delighted by their new look and smaller breast size.
If you’re reading this page, odds are your breasts are causing you discomfort. If you think they may be too large, they probably are. Come in for a consultation and talk with our board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Clinton or Dr. Pearce. They can help you decide if you’ll benefit from the procedure.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if:
Dr. Clinton and Dr. Pearce give all of their patients a great deal of one-on-one attention. They are both great active listeners and are empathetic to your concerns. Most importantly, they have the training and experience to evaluate your case carefully and create a unique surgical plan for you.
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure we perform regularly. Reveal Beauty has helped countless women find relief from heavy, pendulous breasts.
Breast reduction is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under a light general anesthetic, but some patients may need an overnight hospital stay with early discharge the next morning. Our priority is your safety; we’ll communicate your expected plans clearly so you can plan for your procedure and arrange for appropriate care.
The incisions usually create an inverted “T” formation on the breast, which means that there is a horizontal incision along the breast crease and a vertical incision from the crease to the bottom of the areola. An incision around the areolas may also be necessary. Vertical reduction mammoplasty is a technique that has gained some popularity, as it requires fewer incisions. This technique is highly specialized and works beautifully on some women while falling drastically short on others. It is not sufficient for all patients. During your consultation, Dr. Clinton or Dr. Pearce will let you know what incisions are recommended for you.
After the incisions have been made, our doctors’ remove excess tissue and reshape the breasts. The breasts are lifted, and the nipple-areola complex is resized and/or reshaped as necessary. Once we’ve achieved a beautiful breast shape and an ideal size, the incisions are sutured closed, bandaging is applied, and the procedure comes to an end. Patients awaken from anesthesia and head into recovery, for monitoring and post-surgical care.
After the appropriate time in our recovery room, you can go home in the care of a friend or family member. You should not drive for 24 hours, due to the effects of the anesthesia.
We will send you home with written instructions on how to take care of yourself after your surgery. This information will be a reinforcement of verbal instructions that you will receive on several occasions. You will also be evaluated the day after your procedure and monitored during your recovery period. We encourage you to call us if you have any questions at all.
Some bruising, swelling, and discomfort are expected after surgery. Swelling is usually the last side effect to go away completely. You will be able to determine your final bra size within about 6-8 weeks. The scars will improve over time, and we will give you instructions to speed their healing.
If you experience discomfort, you can take oral medications. Non-prescription meds are usually sufficient, but if you need something stronger, please use the prescription provided. Pain medications increase comfort so patients can rest comfortably and heal quickly.
A soft sports bra or a camisole top with a shelf bra is best to wear until your doctor recommends a change, and you will be more comfortable sleeping on your back for approximately 4 weeks. You must avoid heavy lifting and any strenuous activity or “straining” for 2 weeks.
Most women return to office work within 10-14 days, but we will discuss timelines with you based on your individual case. We will provide you with a post-operative plan to help you return to all normal day-to-day activities as soon as possible.
Results from breast reduction are permanent but sagging of breast tissue can still occur as a result of weight loss/gain, environmental factors, and the natural aging process. After 9-12 months, mammograms should be performed as recommended. Self-exam is an important part of maintaining your best breast health.
Breast reduction is covered by some insurance companies, provided a patient meets specific guidelines. We can help you figure out if your insurance plan will pay a portion of your surgical costs.
Many patients can benefit from breast reduction surgery, even if their insurance company won’t pay. We can discuss financing and payment options if you decide to self-finance this procedure.
Contact Reveal Beauty in Birmingham, AL for a breast reduction consultation with Dr. Clinton or Dr. Pearce, both board-certified plastic surgeons and breast surgery experts. Reduce your breasts and increase your lifestyle options with breast reduction surgery.
Reveal Beauty in Birmingham, AL is your complete source for aesthetic surgical information and services. Revealing your beauty could really change your life!
Reveal Beauty offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures by distinguished plastic surgeons, Dr. Michael S. Clinton & Dr. Ben Pearce. Our office is located Birmingham, AL and our highly-trained and friendly staff provides patients with exceptional care before, during, and after their procedures.
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