Atlanta Breast Reduction
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is an excellent procedure if you have very large, pendulous breasts and are experiencing back and neck pain due to the weight of your breast, rashes or skin irritations, and grooves left in your shoulders from your bra straps. It is one of the most transformative Atlanta breast enhancement procedures our plastic surgeons perform.
Do you feel self-conscious about the size of your breasts? If all the answer is "Yes," then Plastic Surgery Center of the South can help you answer all your questions by calling 770-421-1242. In some cases, insurance companies will cover breast reduction surgery if it is medically necessary, however, they may require a certain amount of tissue be removed. To learn more, request a consultation online.
Candidates for Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a procedure to remove fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breast, reshaping them into smaller, lighter, firmer breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). Many women seek breast reductions to relieve physical discomfort rather than for simply cosmetic improvement. Large sagging breasts can restrict your activities as well as self-esteem. In our young teenage patients, large breasts can be a problem, not only physically, but emotionally. In most cases, surgery will not be performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed. The best candidate for breast reduction at our Atlanta practice is a mature, well-adjusted individual, who fully understands the procedure and has realistic expectations. It is not recommended for women who still want to breast-feed since the surgery may remove many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. It is important to discuss your expectations and have a thorough consultation with your physician.
About the Procedure
This outpatient plastic surgery procedure can take two to four hours depending on your individual case. It can be performed in our state-of-the-art certified operating room located in Marietta, Georgia or another outpatient surgery center. Techniques vary. One of the most common procedures involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Your surgeon will remove the excess tissue, fat and skin and will move the nipple and areola into their new position. He will then bring the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping and contouring your new breast. Cosmetic contouring may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit and lateral chest area to give you a more aesthetic appearance. In extremely large breasts it is sometimes necessary to completely detach the nipple and areola and graft into a higher position. A short scar technique can also be used to eliminate the horizontal part of the scar. When fat only needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size.
Recovering from Atlanta Breast Reduction
Recovery will take approximately 10-14 days before you are ready to return to work. After surgery you will be placed in an elastic bandage or surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed to drain off excess blood and fluids for the first couple of days. You will feel some discomfort for the first few days. This will be easily controlled by pain medication prescribed by your physician. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. You can return to your social activities in about 2 weeks however your stamina will be much less for several weeks and you should limit your exercise. Your physician will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible, but remember breast reduction scars are permanent and will take several months before fading.
Your new look: Breast reduction results in the quickest body-image change of all breast enhancement procedures. By getting rid of the physical discomfort you have experienced, your body will feel better with smaller more proportioned breasts, and your clothes will fit better and be more comfortable. It might take several months before your new breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to weight changes, hormonal shifts or pregnancy. The results are very pleasing.
To schedule a detailed consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South please call 770-421-1242. Or, feel free to request a consultation online right now. Our physicians will be happy to answer any of your questions regarding breast reduction surgery. We welcome patients from all over Georgia as well as other states and countries.