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 181
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.
An registered nurse and mother of 2 in her later 30’s who described herself as a 36DD and had symptoms of back pain, shoulder pain, difficulty exercising, as well as postural difficulties. She has had cortisone shots in the past to the back for her pain. She is shown before and again, 8 months after bilateral breast reduction with a short T scar, inferior pedicle technique. She had 444 grams of tissue removed from her right breast and 544 grams from her left breast. ( 454 grams = l pound) Her symptoms have all resolved, and she is thriller with her new shape and size. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve over the first 2 years after surgery.
Woman in her early 20’s with severe macromastia who describes herself as a 36H cup bra. She has problems finding bras to fit, as well as difficulty with exercising, rashes under the breasts, posture, back pain and shoulder pain and irritation from the bra straps. She is shown before and again, 9 ½ months after inferior pedicle breast reduction with more than 1250 gms of tissue removed from each side. (more than 5 ½ lbs in total weight)
She is thrilled to have complete relief of her symptoms as well as beautiful, proportional breasts.
A woman in her early 50’s who wears a 42 G cup bra and has been bothered by the size and weight of her breasts, which has given her problems with back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain, as well as a rash under the breasts in the warmer months. She is also bothered by the prominence of her nipples in clothing and excess fat in the anterior axilla.
She is 5’ 4” and 191 lbs and is shown before and again, 4 ½ months after bilateral breast reduction along with nipple reduction and liposuction of the anterior axilla. 1063 grams of tissue were removed from her left breast and 857 grams from her right breast to reduce her to a full C cup to better match her frame. Her symptoms have resolved. Scars typically become thicker and redder for 6 weeks and then fade and improve over the next 2 years or more.
A woman in her early 50’s who is bothered by drooping and the size of her breasts. She described herself as a 34 DD-G cup before surgery and had probems with grooving and irritation of the shoulders, back pain, a rash under the breasts in the warmer months, and difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She is a runner and wished to be closer to a middle C cup. She also felt that her breasts were out of proportion to her frame and was a size 6 in pants and a size 10-14 in tops She is shown before and again, 7 ½ months after bilateral breast reduction including liposuction of mild lipodystrophy in her anterior axilla that would show in an off the shoulder dress. She is 5’ 7 ½ “ and 157 lbs and had a superior pedicle/ Short T scar techinique with the removal of 421 gms of tissue from her left breast and 381 gms of tissue from her right breast, along with Power assisted liposuction of the anterior axilla using the S. A.F.E. technique. Her symptoms have resolved and she is thrilled to be able to run without her breasts getting in the way. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve for 2 years or more after surgery.
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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