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Breast Reduction
The size and weight of your breasts can have a substantial effect on your body. If their size isn’t balanced with the rest of your body, you may suffer from pain or discomfort. For other women, their breasts can grow at different rates. This imbalance can also lead to both practical and cosmetic concerns. Dr. Moelleken understands that undergoing a breast reduction surgery can be a difficult choice. But, for many, it can result in a better quality of life overall.
What Can a Breast Reduction Do?
Breast Reduction is a procedure that decreases breast size for those suffering from the pain and discomfort of heavy or uneven breasts. Both breasts can be reduced, or only one.
If you have disproportionately large breasts that are causing pain in your shoulders, neck, and back as well as other physical and emotional symptoms, you may want to consider reduction surgery to alleviate this.
Breast reduction can do more than reduce pain. When performed with a breast lift, a lively shape can be restored to your breasts, creating a whole new you.
The Procedure
The specific technique used to reduce the size of your breasts may vary. However, most of the steps remain the same.
ANESTHESIA
The vast majority of breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia. This means you will be asleep during your entire surgery. Local anesthesia is mostly used in liposuction/liposculpture procedures.
THE REDUCTION
Though there are a variety of breast reduction techniques, most surgeries involve removing tissue from your breast and realigning your nipple area. Dr. Moelleken removes the excess tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size of each breast. Then, he moves your nipple and areola into their new position. Lastly, he brings the skin from both sides of your breast down to shape and contour your new breast.
Cosmetic contouring may be used to remove excess fat from your armpit and lateral chest area to give you a more aesthetic appearance at this time as well.
Your procedure will last anywhere from one to three hours. The precise length of the surgery depends on the number of incisions and the amount of skin and tissue removed. Afterward, you will be taken to a room to recover from your anesthesia before traveling home. Of course, Dr. Moelleken will check on you before you leave.
Schedule a
Consultation
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310.273.1001
Beverly Hills
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805.898.9299
Santa Barbara
Types of Breast Reduction Procedures
The type of reduction you will need depends on your unique situation. During your consultation, Dr. Moelleken goes over the available options and recommends which would be best for you.
THE WISE PATTERN REDUCTION
The Wise Pattern breast reduction technique is the original procedure. It removes skin, fat, and tissue from your lower breast area to reduce the mass of your breast. This procedure works well on women who are looking to reduce the size of their breasts significantly.
VERTICAL INCISION
The Vertical technique requires less surgical time, a shorter healing period, and less scarring. All of this has caused this option to grow in popularity.
LIPOSCULPTURE/LIPOSUCTION ONLY
This technique is performed using liposuction only. The excess fatty breast tissues are extracted, decreasing the size and weight of your breasts. This technique leaves less physical trauma to the breast tissue and has a minimal risk of complication and scarring.
STEVENS LASER BRA
Dr. Moelleken creates an internal bra from your own tissue to produce a permanent support system. The result is a more natural effect in the long term for patients. The Laser Bra is attached internally to your chest wall, creating an internal bra support structure. When done right, you will not be able to see or feel it.
BREAST REDUCTION WITH LIFT
Most women interested in breast reduction also benefit from a breast lift. it can successfully remove excess tissue. But, this alone will not bring your breasts back to a desirable position on your chest. That is why breast reductions are often combined with a breast lift so that your new, smaller breasts are situated higher up on your chest for an attractive and more youthful appearance.
Recovery and Results
The total time of recovery can vary depending on your unique procedure. However, below is an outline of what the usual recovery and downtime look like.
THE FIRST WEEK
The first days after surgery will require a lot of rest. Your breasts will be slightly bruised and swollen. Dr. Moelleken will prescribe medication for your pain and discomfort if you need it.
THE SECOND WEEK
For the first two weeks, it is very important to avoid any physically strenuous activity. After the first week of recovery, the swelling and bruising will subside, and you may return to a basic routine.
THE FOURTH WEEK
At the end of the fourth week, your scarring will have subsided greatly. The long-term results of your surgery will be visible.
Results
Your new breast size should help relieve you from the pain and physical limitations experienced before your breast reduction. The results of your surgery will be long-lasting. And, your more natural-proportioned figure will boost your self-confidence.
Am I a Candidate for a Breast Reduction
If you experience even minor discomfort from the size and weight of your breasts, a reduction surgery could help. Also, if you are unhappy with a difference in the sizes of your breasts, a reduction of a single breast can help you achieve balance.
Below we lay out a few conditions that sign a breast reduction could benefit you. You are a candidate if:
- You feel self-consciousness about the size and shape of your breasts
- One breast is much larger than the other
- You experience back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- Bra straps cause indentations in your shoulders
- Physical activity is restricted due to the size and weight of your breasts
- You experience frequent skin irritation or skin rashes beneath your breasts
Candidates must also meet a few qualifications. These include not smoking, being at a stable weight, and being in overall good health. During your consultation, Dr. Moelleken can discuss your expectations. He will work with you to determine what procedure best fits you.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If the size of your breasts has been giving you issues or decreasing your quality of life, schedule a consultation today. Dr. Moelleken, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, and his team of professionals are ready to discuss your expectations. Together, we work with you to develop a personalized plan.
We understand that this can be a big step in your life. Our goal is to provide an informed and comfortable experience that leads you to the body you deserve.
