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 147

A woman in her early 50’s who had liposuction of her breasts elsewhere, 11 years before. Her breasts have increased in size and she is having problems with a chronic rash under her breasts, back and shoulder pain, difficulty exercising. She also has cervical stenosis and neck pain and was concerned that her 36 JJ cup breasts were jaking this worse. She is shown before and again, 8 ½ months after a bilateral breast reduction using a short inverted T scar /inferior pedicle technique with the removal of over 2 lbs of tissue from her left breast and 1 ½ lbs of tissue from her right. Internal plication sutures were used to provide more lift. She is thrilled with her result, and reports that all of her symptoms have resolved, including her neck pain!

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Breast Reduction – Patient 146

A physician in her early 60’s who is an avid athlete and is bothered by difficulty exercising, back pain, shoulder pain, and grooving and irritation of her shoulders which she attributes to her 32 DD size breasts. She is shown before and again, 11 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of just more than a lb of tissue from her left breast and just less than a lb from her right. Her symptoms have resolved and she is now comfortable again engaging in her athletic pursuits.

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Breast Reduction – Patient 145

A woman in her late 40’s with macromastia. She was a 46 E cup and had problems with back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and difficulty exercising. Her case is complicated by being a current smoker and having been a smoker since the age of 18. Smoking interferes with healing because it has damaged the microcirculation and blood supply to the skin. She would be more at risk for necrosis of the nipple with a traditional technique. In her case I chose a free nipple graft technique- the nipple is completely removed and replaced like a skin graft. It will be “scabby” for 6 weeks but then heals and gives a good result. She is shown before and again, 17 months after her surgery. 5 lbs of breast tissue were removed at the time of her surgery. She is thrilled that her symptoms have gone away, and also pleased by her new shape and size.

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Mastopexy/Breast Reduction – Patient 144

A mother of one in her late 40’s who is bothered by a drooping appearance of her breasts as well as the size. She describes herself as a D cup and wished to be a C. She is shown before and again, 14 months after a mastopexy with the removal of around 200 gms of tissue from each breast to bring her down to a C cup, using a superior/medial pedicle and an short T scar technique.

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Breast Reduction/Mastopexy – Patient 143

A mother of 4 in her late 50’s who wears a 36D bra and is bothered by back and shoulder pain as well as feeling that her breasts are two big for her frame. She also has some fat deposition in her anterior axillary area. She is shown before and again, 4 ½ months after a superior medial pedicle breast reduction along with S.A.F.E. ( Suction Aspiration and fat equalization) liposuction of the axillary fat deposits (“axillary lipodystrophy”). We can expect her scars to continue to fade and improve for the next 20 months, but she is already thrilled with her new shape and size.

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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.