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 161

A woman in her early 20’s who is a 38 DD cup and is bothered by back pain, shoulder pain, difficulty exercising even with 2 bras on, as well as problems with her posture when she is trying to sit up straight at her desk. She is 5’5” and 148 lbs and is shown before an again, 3 ½ months after a bilateral breast reduction with the removal of more than 500 gms of tissue from each breast. It is still early after her surgery as scars will typically get redder and thicker for the first 6 weeks and then will soften and improve over the next 2 years. She is thrilled with her new shape and size, and using topical silicone as recommended to help with the scarring. Her back and shoulder pain has resolved.

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Breast Reduction – Patient 160

A woman in her 70’s who described herself as a 32 DD who is bothered by shoulder and neck pain from the weight of her breasts, as well as by the drooping appearance. She is shown before and again, 4 ½ months after an inferior pedicle short T scar reduction mastopexy with internal plication sutures. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve over the first two years or longer. She is already thrilled with her new shape and size ( small C cup) and her symptoms have resolved.

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Breast Reduction – Patient 159

A mother of 4 in her later 40’s who wears a 32 G cup bra and has trouble with her posture, grooving and irritation of her shoulders from her bra straps, back pain and neck pain as well as difficulty exercising and a rash under her breasts in the warmer months. She is shown before and again, just 2 ½ months after bilateral short T scar breast reduction with more tissue being removed from her left than her right breast to balance the difference in size. Although scars will typically improve over the next 2 years she is already settling well with the topical silicone and is thrilled that her pain is gone. The short T scar approach utilizes an inverted T scar but gathers the skin at the inner and outer aspect to that it does not show along the sides of the breasts with revealing clothing styles.

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Breast Reduction – Patient 158

A woman in her mid 60’s who is bothered by drooping and fullness of her breasts. She was a B cup when younger but now describes herself as a D-DD cup. She is over her ideal body weight with a weight of 184 lbs at 5’1” giving her a BMI of 34.8. She is shown before and again, nearly 9 months after a bilateral breast reduction mastopexy using a central/inferior pedicle . She is pleased with her new shape and size. Scars can be expected to continue to fade and improve over the first two years or more.

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Breast Reduction – Patient 157

A woman in her early 50’s who has been troubled with macromastia for many years and describes herself as a 38G cup. She has had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, irritation and grooving of the shoulders, and a rash under the breasts in the warmer months. She is 5’2” and 190 lbs and is shown before and again, 4 months after a breast reduction using an inferior pedicle and an inverted T scar, with the removal of more than 2 lbs of tissue from each breast to reduce her to a full C cup. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve over the first 2 years after surgery. Her symptoms have resolved and she is thrilled with the new size and shape.

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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.