NYC Breast Reduction
There are medical, aesthetic and emotional reasons why women may want to have a breast reduction, all equally important motivators in efforts to achieve a sense of well-being and maintaining a happy, active lifestyle. A breast reduction will reduce breast size and reshape the remaining tissue and may include altering nipple size and location.
NYC Board-certified plastic surgeon Darren M. Smith, MD, provides compassionate, expert care to his patients, guiding them through the breast reduction process at every step of the journey. If you’re ready to start exploring the idea of a breast reduction, give the office a call today or book a consultation online.
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts while raising the position of the nipple on the breast mound to improve the aesthetic appearance of the patient’s chest and to increase the patient’s comfort.
What are the benefits of a breast reduction?
There are a number of different reasons why you might want a breast reduction. These include:
- Improving the appearance of your breasts
- Treating chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
- Improving your ability to participate in physical activities
- Easing neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Achieving a breast size that is proportionate to your body
- Enhancing self-image and confidence
- Fitting into bras and clothing more easily
There are both physical and emotional benefits of having a breast reduction, which can all be discussed with Dr. Smith in more detail at your consultation.
How do I prepare for breast surgery?
Dr. Smith first consults with you about your breast reduction goals and expectations. He examines, measures, and takes photos of your breasts in order to plan your custom surgery. You will also discuss your medical history, current medications, procedure details, and post-surgery care.
You may be asked to:
- Complete various lab tests
- Stop smoking for a certain period before and after surgery
- You should also arrange for post-surgery care, including someone to drive you home and stay with you the first day or two after the surgery.
- Get a baseline mammogram
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that act as blood thinners
How is a breast reduction performed?
First, you’re put under general anesthesia at the hospital or outpatient surgical facility. Dr. Smith makes an incision in one of several patterns depending on your breast size and shape. He removes excess
tissue, fat, and skin to achieve the desired size and shape of the breast.
The most common patterns include a “vertical” breast reduction (incision around the areola and going down the front of the breast) and “inverted-T” breast reduction (like the above with an additional incision in the fold under the breast). Dr. Smith’s exquisite closure technique produces the finest scars possible that fade a great deal over time.
Dr. Smith expertly reshapes the remaining breast tissue and positions the nipple and areola. The procedure may use a combination of tissue excision and liposuction to create a natural looking final result. Dr. Smith uses stitches and surgical tape to close the incisions.
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What is the recovery like from a breast reduction?
Initially, your breasts will be covered with gauze dressings and a surgical bra. In general, you should plan to take approximately a week to ten days off from an office job to recover from a breast reduction. There is often some soreness, but the discomfort is usually minor. You can generally get back to light exercise in two weeks, and full activity in one month. You should wait six weeks prior to wearing an underwire bra.
When can I expect to see the results?
