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 184
A Hispanic mother of 2 in her later 30’s who has a 38DD cup bra and has had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, difficulty exercising despite wearing 2 sports breas as well as a rash under the breasts ( intertrigo) in the warmer months. She has a tendency to hypertrophic scars as is seen in her right shoulder where she had a surgery for the fracture of her right clavicle. She is shown before and again, a little over 2 years since her breast reduction. Her symptoms have resolved, and she has lost an additional 14 lbs now that it is easier to exercise! Her hypertrophic scar was treated with kenalog injections in the office. Topical silicone was used twice a day to help with her breast scars.
A woman in her early 60’s who is bothered by breast hypertrophy and describes herself as a 36 double D cup. She has had symptoms for many years of neck, back and shoulder pain, grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps, a rash under the breasts in the summer months, and problems with her posture. She also has fatty deposits in the anterior axilla ( armpit area)
She is shown before and again, 5 months after bilateral breast reduction along with power assisted liposuction using the S.A.F.E. technique ( suction aspiration fat equalization) to the lateral breast and anterior axillary area. Scars typically will continue to fade and improve for the first two years. Her symptoms are gone and she loves the new contour and looks forward to wearing evening dresses the show the upper breast and shoulders without the unsightly bulges in the anterior axilla.
A woman in her early 50’s who is a 38 DD cup and has problems with back pain, shoulder pain, grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps as well as difficulty exercising. She does not like the droopy appearance of her breasts. She is 5’3” and 153 lbs and is shown before and again, 6 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of more than 350 gms of tissue from each breast. An inferior pedicle/ short inverted T scar procedure was used. She is thrilled with her new shape and size, and her symptoms have disappeared. We have had her using topical silicone for her scars, which will typically continue to fade and improve for another 18 months.
A woman in her early 40’s who is a 32 E cup bra and has problems with back pain, shoulder pain and difficulty exercising due to the size and weight of her breasts. She is shown before and again, 8 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 200 gm from her left breast and 175 gms from her right breast. She is petite at 5’1” and this reduced her to a C cup. She is thrilled to be able to fit in her clothes and bathing suit now, and her symptoms have resolved.
Scars typically fade and improve for 2 years.
An early ( 6 week) follow-up of a nurse and woman of color in her early 60’s. She described herself before surgery as wearing a 38 DD bra and had problems with upper back and shoulder pain, as well as grooving and irritation of her shoulders from her bra strap. She has required epidural injections by the pain clinic on multiple occasions but continues to have symptoms. She is 5’ 5” and 159 lbs, and did not want to be too small after her surgery. She is shown before and again, just 6 weeks after a bilateral breast reduction with a short T scar technique and the removal of 424 gms from her left breast and 397 gms from her right breast to reduce her to a full C cup. ( 454 gms in a pound) . Her back and shoulder pain is gone now and she is thrilled with her new shape and size. Scars are typically at their worst at 6 weeks and then will continue to fade and diminish over the next 2 years. She has just removed the Micropore tapes that we have her use for the first 6 weeks and we are having her start topical silicone which has been proven to help with scar maturation.
Update: Our patient is now seen 4 months after surgery. Her scars continue to fade and she is thrilled with her new shape and size. She has been using her topical silicone as recommended to improve the scar quality.
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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