Breast reduction surgery in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size proportionate with your body. Large, heavy breasts can cause breathing difficulties, back, shoulder and neck pain, poor posture, and chafing. Furthermore, large breasts often result in poor self-esteem and concerns about personal appearance. Many women find that breast reduction surgery is greatly beneficial, whether it is emotionally or physically.
The benefits of a breast reduction are life-changing, as patients not only have relief from their symptoms but also the ability to exercise better, wear fitting clothes, and experience psychological improvements. Although patients of any age can benefit from a breast reduction, it is recommended they wait until the breasts have fully developed before undergoing any invasive surgery. Of all surgeries performed by plastic surgeons, breast reduction ranks among the highest in terms of patient satisfaction.
Am I a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Ideal breast reduction candidates are physically and mentally healthy, and non-smokers. Also, women who are bothered by their breasts during physical activity or experience back, neck, or shoulder pain due to the weight of their breasts are typically excellent candidates for this procedure.
Breast Reduction / Liposuction Patient #164
A woman in her late 20s with 36 G cup breasts and problems with back pain and shoulder pain. She has seen a chiropractor for the past year without success. She loves to run but has so much difficulty due to the weight of her breasts that she had to give it up. She has lost 40 lbs without improvement in her symptoms. She also has some “axillary lipodystrophy,” which is some bulging of the fat at the tail of the breast/ front of the armpit area. She is shown before and again, nearly 8 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 665 grams of tissue from her right breast and 753 grams of tissue from her left. (454 grams = 1 pound). We performed liposuction of the axillary lipodystrophy at the same time. She has lost an additional 15 lbs since her surgery. Her symptoms have all resolved, and she loves the new shape and size of her breasts!
A mother of 2 in her mid to later 70s who is bothered by drooping of her breasts as well as neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps of her 34D cup bra. She has problems with her posture as well as difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She is shown before and again, 6 ½ months after breast reduction with the removal of 333 grams of breast tissue from each side.
Discussion: The quality of results with plastic surgery is not just the “tailor”, it’s the quality of the “fabric” that we are working with. She has the typical skin elasticity of someone of her age, which can limit the result we might obtain. An inverted T scar, inferior pedicle breast reduction was performed, with internal dermal reinforcement of the inferior pedicle to add more structure and decrease recurrent drooping. The good news of being in the 70’s is that scars fade faster, and at 6 1/2 months her scars are fully mature- similar to someone in their 30’s might be after a year or longer. She has an excellent result, and her symptoms related to the weight of her breasts have all resolved.
A woman in her late 50s who was referred by another patient. She was a 40DD and had problems with back pain, neck, and shoulder pain. She has L4-5 Disc problems, which are exacerbated by the weight of her breasts. She was waiting to get approval for Tirzepatide ( Zepbound) and wanted to lose 25-30 lbs. She was so uncomfortable that she proceeded with breast reduction, with the removal of 624 grams from her right breast and 499 grams from her left breast (454 grams = one pound), and we left her with an ample C so that she would still be proportional if she lost weight. She then started the Tirzepatide and has lost 30 lbs at the time of her visit today, 4 ½ months after surgery. Her symptoms have all resolved, and she is thrilled with her new shape and size, which is still proportional despite her weight loss.
A woman in her early 50s who has had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, grooving and irritation of her shoulder from her bra straps, and difficulty with her posture. She is wearing a DDD cup bra. She is shown before and again, 6 months after bilateral breast reduction using a superior pedicle technique with the removal of 660 grams from each breast. (454 grams is equal to one pound). Her symptoms have resolved, and she is thrilled with her new shape and size. She is 5’4” and 182 lbs, and wanted her new breasts to be proportional.
A 6-year follow-up on a woman in her late 50s who was a 36 DD and had problems with grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps, back pain, rash under the breasts, and difficulty exercising. She was a size 6 in pants and a size 10-14 in tops and felt that her breasts were out of proportion. She is an avid runner and wishes to have a smaller C-cup breast. She also had some mild bulging of the fat pads in the armpit area/ upper breast (axillary lipodystrophy) and had liposuction of those areas at the same time. She is 5' 7 1/2” and 145 lbs. She is shown just before and again, 6 years after, 381 grams from her right breast and 421 grams from her left breast. (454 grams=one pound)
She is thrilled with her new shape and size, no longer needs to wear special bras to run, and states that “this is the best thing that she has ever done.”
During a breast reduction, Dr. Hall typically makes three incisions. One is made around the areola, another vertically from the areola to the crease underneath the breast, and a third following the natural curve of the breast crease. Once the targeted tissue, fat and skin are removed, the breast is reshaped. Sutures are used within the breast tissue to support the breast and other skin adhesives are used to close the skin at the incision. The procedure is performed under a general anesthesia and is designed for the protection of sensation.
What should I expect during recovery?
The majority of patients are overjoyed with their smaller, firmer breasts. Following the surgery, there is some initial discomfort, which can be controlled with oral pain medication. Dressings or bandages will be applied to the surgical incisions that will later be removed. You will be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, usually until the swelling or bruising diminishes. You may also have a drain placed to allow excess fluid or blood to drain from the incision. Patients can typically return to non-physical work in just one week, but should wait six weeks before returning to physical activities such as vigorous exercise. Dr. Hall will give you specific care instructions to follow during recovery and will schedule any follow up appointments necessary.
What Results Will I Experience?
Results from a breast reduction can be noticed immediately after surgery. You will continue to see improvement as swelling decreases and incision scars begin to fade. Results from a breast reduction are long lasting and can help you lead a happier, healthier lifestyle. You can expect to have less back and should pain and skin irritation. You will experience less physical limitations after surgery and a better-proportioned figure that will boost your self-confidence.
“I saw 3 surgeons before meeting with Dr. Hall and by far he and his staff was the most compassionate, thorough, professional and helpful. Can’t say how pleased and comfortable he and his staff made me feel.”
Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Specialist
"I treat my patients like I would treat
- Jonathan D. Hall, MD, FACSmembers of my own family."
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