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 171
A mother of 2 in her early 30’s who was a 34 DD cup before surgery and had problems with her posture due to the weight of her breasts. She was having increasing problems standing up straight, as well as back pain, shoulder pain, a rash under her breasts in the summer months, and grooving and irritation of her shoulders from her bra straps. She is shown before and again, 7 months after breast reduction with the removal of more than 400 gms of tissue from each breast, bringing her down to a 34 C cup. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve over the next 18 months. She is already thrilled with her new shape and size, and her symptoms have all resolved.
A 71 yo woman who describes herself as a 32 DD cup. She did not like the drooping of her breasts, and also felt that they were out of proportion to her frame and embarrassing in some clothing. She had shoulder and neck pain. She has had problems since she first developed breasts but has finally decided to do something about it. She is shown before and again, 7 months after bilateral breast reduction with an inferior pedicle/ short T scar technique. She is 5’2’ and 120 lbs and had just over 300 gms of breast tissue removed from each side to reduce her to a C cup.
A woman in her late 40’s who wore a 42 GG cup bra and was bothered by back pain, grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra strap as well as a rash under the breast in the warmer months and difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She is significantly over her ideal body weight at 5’3” amd 239 lbs but was not able to lose weight before surgery. She is shown before and again, just 4 months after surgery with the removal of more than 2 lbs of breast tissue from each breast. And inferior pedicle short T scar technique was used. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve over the next 2 years. She is already pleased with her new shape and size, and her symptoms have gone away.
A 17 yo high school student who was 16 at the time of her surgery. She had consults with and interviewed multiple plastic surgeons before deciding who she wanted to perform her breast reduction. I am, of course, delighted that she chose our office. She was a 30 G cup and had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, irritation of her shoulders from her bra as well as difficulty exercising. She was active in gymnastics until she had her breast development at the age of 13, but was not able to do gymnastics since because of the size of her breasts. As an aside, 30 is a difficult band size to find and she was able to obtain these at Lula Bell in Hanover, Massachusetts. She wished to be a full C after her reduction. She is petite at 5’2” and 127 lbs and is shown just before her surgery at the age of 16 and again, now 10 months after her surgery. She had a short T scar, superior pedicle breast reduction with the removal of 596 gms of tissue from each breast. (454 gms make a pound). She is thrilled with her new shape and size. Her symptoms are gone. She was proud to show me the difference between her size 6 prom dress, which she called a “granny dress” before her surgery, and this year’s prom dress which is a size 2, and looks like it she belongs on the red carpet in a Hollywood premiere.
A 17 yo woman with 36DD-DDD breasts that have large since she was 13. She has not had any further breast development since she was 15. She has back pain, and also feels that her breasts are out of proportion to her body and draw undue attention. In addition she does not like the drooping appearance of her breasts. She is petite at 5’2” and 136 lbs .
She is shown before and again, 8 months after a superior pedicle breast reduction with a short T scar pattern and the removal of 250 gms of tissue from each side. Scars continue to fade and improve for 2 years or longer. She was meticulous in wearing a postoperative support bra and using the topical silicone that we recommended, as well as “resting her breasts” as instructed for 6 weeks after surgery. She loves her new shape and size, but is even happier to no longer have back pain. And the exciting news is that recent studies confirm that breast reduction via the inferior, medial or superior pedicle does not decrease the ability to breast feed later. And her clothes fit better now. She happily reports that she was able to go from a size 8 dress before her surgery to a size 4 for the most recent school dance! She is thrilled to be able to start her college without back pain or drooping breasts.
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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