Women experience dissatisfaction with breast size at both ends of the spectrum, and breasts that are excessively large or heavy can cause a great deal of discomfort and self-consciousness. Dr. Charles Perry performs the latest techniques to address the issues associated with overly large breasts, including reducing the size of the areolas (pigmented area around the nipples). If you are unhappy with your breasts due to their size, a breast reduction from our board-certified Sacramento plastic surgeon may help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body.
Quick Facts About Breast Reduction Procedures
- Sedation: General anesthesia
- Inpatient/Outpatient: Outpatient
- Potential Benefits: Reduction of breast size to alleviate discomfort and improve confidence; removal of excess fat, skin, and breast tissue; a more proportional, flattering, and balanced effect
- Recovery: Work/regular activity can be resumed after two or three weeks; intensive exercise should be avoided for about six weeks
- Cost: From approximately $9,500 to $10,500
- Breast Reduction Benefits
- Breast Reduction Candidates
- Breast Reduction vs. Lift
- Complementary Procedures to Breast Reduction
- Breast Reduction Approaches
- Breast Reduction Procedure
- Breast Reduction Recovery
- Breast Reduction Scars
- Breast Reduction and Breastfeeding
- Breast Reduction Cost
- Additional Breast Reduction FAQs
What Can a Breast Reduction Treat?
In addition to creating greater balance between the breasts and body, breast reduction surgery can alleviate many concerns associated with having overly large breasts, including:
- Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Chronic skin irritation and chafing under the breasts
- Activity limitations due to large breasts
- Poor self-image associated with large breasts
- Difficulty fitting into clothing, including bras
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
In addition to desiring breasts of a more manageable and proportional size, women who are considering breast reduction surgery should be in good overall health and have reasonable expectations for what this procedure can accomplish. Furthermore, they should not use tobacco products, or they should be able to cease using tobacco products for a period before and after the procedure to ensure optimal healing.
*Disclaimer: If you are a smoker, you MUST DISCONTINUE smoking a minimum of 4 weeks BEFORE & AFTER SURGERY. A nicotine test will be administered.**
Breast Reduction vs. Lift
Although breast reduction surgery is frequently confused with breast lift surgery, the two are actually very different in the way they are performed and the issues they can address. Specifically, a breast reduction is often ideal for those experiencing physical and/or emotional distress due to overly large breasts. On the other hand, breast lift surgery (also called “mastopexy”) aims to combat sagging or drooping breasts (known medically as “ptosis”). In addition, breast reduction surgery can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits, whereas a breast lift is a solely cosmetic procedure.
In many cases, Dr. Perry is able to combine breast reduction and lift strategies. This comprehensive procedure can reduce breast size while also lifting and reshaping the breasts to achieve both aesthetic improvement and relief from discomfort. If you are interested in achieving both goals in one surgery, feel free to discuss this with Dr. Perry during your consultation.
Complementary Procedures to Breast Reduction
Combining your breast reduction with other cosmetic surgeries can further enhance your overall body contour and achieve a more balanced, harmonious appearance. Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Perry may be able to complement your breast reduction surgery with several types of procedures for the breasts, body, or even face.
For example, brachioplasty (or arm lift surgery) can be incorporated into your breast reduction to create a more toned and defined physique. Additionally, a thigh lift can be performed for a smoother and more contoured look. No matter your unique aesthetic desires, Dr. Perry will work with you to build a personalized treatment plan that enhances your natural beauty and boosts your confidence.
What Breast Reduction Approaches Are Available?
Breast reduction surgery can be performed utilizing one of several advanced approaches. Options include:
Inferior Pedicle Incision (“Anchor” Incision)
Often referred to as the “anchor” technique, the inferior pedicle incision is one of the more common approaches for breast reduction at our practice. One incision is made around the border of the areola, one or two are made vertically from the areola to the underside of the breast where it meets the chest (inframammary fold), and the last one is made horizontally along the inframammary fold, creating an “anchor” shape.
Vertical Incision (“Lollipop” Incision)
A vertical, or “lollipop,” technique is performed by creating an incision around the areola, as well as another incision from the areola down to the crease where the breast meets the chest.
Periareolar Incision (“Donut” Incision)
The periareolar approach involves an incision made around the areola. While the incision required is minimal, this technique is typically ideal only in cases where the level of breast ptosis (sagging) is relatively mild.
What Happens During a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery can typically be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia. During the breast reduction procedure, Dr. Perry will utilize the specific technique that has been determined to be ideal for your unique needs. Excess fat, skin, and breast tissue will be removed to create a smaller, lighter, and more proportional breast, and the nipple-areola complex will be moved up to create an aesthetically appealing outcome. The areolas can also be resized and reshaped during this procedure.
What Is Recovery From a Breast Reduction Like?
You should be able to return home the same day as your operation, and you will likely spend the next two weeks recovering at home. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort will peak in the first week and begin to decline, and we will provide medication to alleviate your pain. Dr. Perry will review the post-operative recovery instructions with you, and it’s important to follow these guidelines as closely as possible for the best experience and result. You should also avoid strenuous activity for six weeks, although other forms of activity, including most job responsibilities, can be resumed after two or three weeks.
Our Patient Photos*
What Will My Breast Reduction Scars Look Like?
The precise nature of residual scarring after breast reduction will depend on the specific incision techniques utilized for each patient’s customized procedure. With most breast reduction approaches, there will be noticeable scars; however, Dr. Perry will work diligently to ensure that the signs of scarring are as minimal as possible. In many cases, scars typically fade to some degree with time. Our practice also offers a range of scar reduction options that can help diminish the visible signs of scarring.
Will I Be Able to Breastfeed After a Breast Reduction?
Provided you had the ability to breastfeed before your breast reduction (as not all women are able to), you should be able to breastfeed after the procedure. If preserving the possibility of breastfeeding in the future is a priority for you, Dr. Perry can employ different surgical techniques to minimize contact with milk ducts and other anatomical structures.* That said, because breastfeeding, childbirth, and pregnancy can mar the final results of breast enhancement surgery, Dr. Perry generally recommends that patients complete their families before pursuing this type of procedure.
How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost?
The price of breast reduction surgery at our practice typically ranges between $9,500 and $10,500, and this number includes Dr. Perry’s surgical fee, the cost of using an accredited surgical facility, and the anesthesiology fee. The unique parameters of your treatment plan may alter this estimate, and our medical team will review the cost of your program with you at your initial consultation.
We believe providing a full, comprehensive quote gives our patients the best information from which to make their healthcare decisions. Our practice accepts a wide range of convenient payment options, and we can help you identify reputable lenders that offer plastic surgery financing if you are interested in paying for your breast reduction procedure over time.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery
Is a breast reduction painful?
Because breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia, patients typically do not experience any pain during the procedure itself. While you are likely to experience certain side effects (namely swelling, bruising, and discomfort) within the first few weeks, these phenomena should fade promptly if you follow your aftercare instructions and take post-operative medications as directed.
How long does a breast reduction take?
In most cases, a breast reduction takes approximately one to three hours to complete. With this in mind, the precise length of the procedure will depend on your individual needs and the particular breast reduction technique performed. The addition of other surgical strategies, such as mastopexy, can also make for a more lengthy procedure.
Can a breast reduction reduce areola size?
Breast reduction can also address the size of the areolas, ultimately reducing their appearance and making them more proportionate to the new, smaller breast size. A nipple/areolar reduction can also be performed as its own procedure for individuals who would like to diminish the size of the areolas without undergoing a full breast reduction.
Would you like to learn more about how breast reduction surgery may be right for you? Contact Chrysalis Cosmetics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Perry and get the help you need.
