Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is usually performed to provide physical relief, versus improving the breasts' appearance. Women who have large breasts may experience many problems such as: neck pain, back and shoulder pain with bra strap grooving, irritation underneath the breasts, tension headaches through the back and neck and even migraines. If conservative management to minimize the issues related to large breast is unsuccessful, breast reduction might be an alternative.

Our team of New York Plastic Surgeons is experienced in performing breast reduction procedures with outstanding results. Our New York doctors are licensed, holding required certifications to practice in New York. Find a good New York doctor, do the research and ensure New York licensing and registrations are up to date.

Breast Reduction Procedure

The breast reduction procedure is conveniently performed in the New York area. The reduction procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes between 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours. The breast reduction procedure helps eliminate the neck, back and shoulder pain based upon two mechanisms: 1) The breast tissue is physically removed making the breasts lighter and 2) the nipple is repositioned at a higher level to take the stress and weight out of the bra. This procedure requires an incision around the areola, an incision from the bottom of the areola towards the chest and sometimes an incision underneath the breasts. The final size of the breasts is determined during consultation. The main risks with breast reduction are: unfavorable scarring, infection, change in nipple sensation, bleeding, hematoma, and possible nipple necrosis due to poor blood supply. This is more often seen in patients who smoke or who are Diabetic. While most patients do experience a significant improvement in their back, neck and shoulder pain from the reduction procedure, it is a procedure that does result in significant scarring and one must weigh the risks, benefits and alternatives of the procedure.

During the breast reduction process the size of the areola can be reduced. Our goal is to resize the breast in proportion with the rest of the body.

Side Effects to Breast Reduction Procedure

There are possible side effects to breast reduction procedure: bleeding, infection or reaction to the anesthesia. It is imperative that you keep in contact with your New York plastic surgeon with your progress. Additionally, some patients may develop small sores that can be treated with antibiotic creams.

Recovery

During the first week, swelling and bruising of the new breasts may disappear. Soreness of the new breasts may last longer, so you must avoid high impact activity and lifting. The shape of the breast will continuously settle during the following 6 months of the procedure.

Scaring may dissipate over time, but permanent scaring is possible. Follow up surgery may be required to correct asymmetry and unevenly positioned nipples. Although possible but not common, numbness of the nipple and breast may occur. Future breast feeding may not be possible since much of the breast reduction is accomplished by removing some of the milk ducts.

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  • Dr. Robert Goldstein Board Certified Plastic Surgeon View Profile Call (718)405-7500
  • Dr. Heather
    A. Erhard     Board Certified Plastic Surgeon View Profile Call (718)405-7500

VIDEO LIBRARY

Video 1 : Welcome
Video 2 : Introduction to Plastic Surgery
Video 3 : Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

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