Breast Reduction in Boston, MA.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

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 – Patient 198

An early ( 6 week) follow-up on a woman in her early 20’s with macromastia. She is 5’ 2 ½ “ and 126 lbs and is shown before and again, just 6 weeks after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 378 gms from her right breast and 423 gms from her left breast to reduce her from a 34 DDD to a 34 Cup. Scars are typically at the reddest and thickest at 6 weeks and will now begin to soften and fade over the next 2 years. She is already thrilled with her new shape and size and her symptoms of back and shoulder pain have completely resolved.

View Breast Gallery

Breast Reduction – Patient 197

A mother of 2 in her later 20’s who is over her ideal body weight at 5’5” and 210 lbs. She is a 44 DDD cup and has had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts and problems with her posture. Her case is complicated by forming hypertrophic scars and she has had prior kenalog injections from her dermatologists. She is shown before and again, 17 months after bilateral breast reduction. She has used topical silicone to help with the scars and we have injected some with kenalog as necessary. She is thrilled with her new shape and size and her symptoms have resolved. She will continue to use topical silicone for the next 6 months or longer until the redness in her scars has resolved.

View Breast Gallery

Breast Reduction – Patient 196

A woman in her later 50’s who was a 40 D cup and had problems with grooving of her shoulders, shoulder pain, back pain and difficulty with her posture. She is shown before and again, nearly 5 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of just over 300 gms of tissue from each breast to reduce her to a C cup. Her symptoms related to the macromastia have resolved, and she is thrilled with her new shape and size. A braline back lift was performed at the same time.

View Breast Gallery

Breast Reduction – Patient 195

A woman in her early 40’s with a 40 DDD-E cup bra who has difficulty exercising and running on a treadmill, even with wearing 2 or more support bras. She has back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and a rash under her breasts in the warmer months. She had wanted to wait until after children in a wish to breast feed, but was unable to breast feed. Studies now show that around 64 % of women are able to breast feed, and the same number are also able to breast feed after either a superior pedicle or an inferior pedicle breast reduction. So, although not all women can breast feed, having a breast reduction does not reduce the chances. She has also lost 40 lbs recently but her breasts were still too large for her frame. She is shown before and again, 7 months after an inferior pedicle, inverted T scar breast reduction. She is now a C cup and all of her symptoms have resolved! She is thrilled with her new shape and size. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve for the next 18 months.

View Breast Gallery

Breast Reduction – Patient 194

A woman in her later 20’s is shown before and again, 6 months after a bilateral breast reduction. She returned to see us again, nearly 10 years later, and after two pregnancies. Her breasts have held up remarkably well despite the two pregnancies.

View Breast Gallery

How is a breast reduction performed?

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.