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 #130
A mother of 2 in her late 30s with an “I” cup who needs to wear expensive bras and has problems with back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and difficulty exercising because of the size of her breasts. She also gets a rash under the breasts in the warmer months. She is over her ideal body weight at 5”5” and 204 lbs but doesn’t feel that she is able to lose weight. She is shown before and again, 8 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 605 grams of breast tissue from her right breast and 759 grams of tissue from her left breast to reduce her to a full “C” cup.
She is thrilled with her new shape and size. Her symptoms have resolved. And she tells us she loves being able to buy her bras on Amazon now.
A mother of 1 in her later 30s who was a 42 DDD cup and had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, grooving and irritation of her shoulder from the bra straps, a rash under the breasts in the summer months, and difficulty exercising since she was 13. Her case is complicated by having a history of Von Willebrand’s disease. She is 5’ 2 1`/2” and 202 lbs and is shown before and again, 9 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 1074 grams of breast tissue from her right side and 876 grams of tissue from her left side, along with liposuction of the axillary lipodystrophy (bulges of fat in the upper armpit area). DDAVP also known as Vasopressin was given just before surgery to correct Von Willebrand’s disease.
She is thrilled to be a “C” cup, her surgery and recovery were thankfully uneventful, and her symptoms have all resolved.
A woman in her early 20s describes herself as a 36 D cup and has problems with back pain, shoulder pain, and difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She is shown before and again, 8 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 451 grams of breast tissue from her right and 510 grams from her left. ( 454 grams is equal to one pound) Scars are typically redder and thicker for 6 weeks and then will fade and improve over the next 2 years or longer. We have had her using topical silicone to help her scars fade.
She is thrilled with her new shape and C-cup size, and her symptoms have resolved.
A woman in her mid-20s with a 32DDD cup is bothered by back pain and difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts, as well as a rash in the summertime and problems with her posture. Her case is made more complex by not having significant drooping of the nipples.
It is a little more challenging to reduce the breasts and not elevate the nipples. So we chose a circum-vertical technique where there is only a little shaping of the skin but a lot of shaping of the breast tissue underneath the skin. She is shown before and again, 14 months after surgery. The breast is reduced to a C cup, and the scar is just around the nipple and then down, like a “lollipop”
Her symptoms have resolved, and she is happy with her normal shape and size after surgery.
The markings for the circum-vertical approach. We moved her nipple from a lateral placement to the median of the breast.
A woman in her early 20s who is 38DDD and has problems with back pain, shoulder pain, and a rash under the breasts) in the warmer months and difficulty running, even with wearing double sports bras.
She is shown before and again, 7 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of around 740 grams of breast tissue from each side. 454 grams = one pound. She loves her new shape and size, and her symptoms have all resolved. Scars are typically redder and thicker for 6 weeks and then fade and improve over the next 2 years. We have had her using topical silicone to help the scars fade faster.
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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