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 233
A woman in her mid 20’s with 38 D bra and problems with neck, back and shoulder pain, as well as grooving and irriation of her shoulder from her bra straps. She has smoked cigarettes for years. Cigarettes are a problem with surgery, because they damage the blood supply to the skin and to the nipples, and with a traditional technique that depends on the small blood vessels to give blood supply to the nipples, the nipples can die and the breast tissue can lose its blood supply and cause “fat necrosis” with the tissue becoming hard and lumpy. I cases such as this, I encourage patients to stop smoking for 2 months or more before and after the procedure. A “free nipple graft” technique, where the nipple is detached completely and put back on in the correct position as a free graft can have a lower risk of problems. At 7 months the breasts have healed well and are soft. There is frequently some depigmentation of the areolas which can improve over time. She loves her new breasts and is happy that her symptoms have resolved. She and I are also both thrilled that she has stopped smoking for the surgery and has not gone back.
A 64 yo woman who described herself as a 36 DD bra and has had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, grooving and irritation of the shoulders, as well as difficulty exercising. She is shown before and again, 5 months after breast reduction with the removal of more than 500 grams of tissue from each breast. She is thrilled with her new shape and size. Her symptoms are gone. And she “wishes that she had done this sooner”. She was worried about the pain from surgery, and although everyone’s experience is different, because of our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, her surgery was performed as an outpatient, and she only took Advil after.
A woman in her mid 20’s with a 36 D cup breast who had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, difficulty exercising and a rash under the breasts in the warmer months. She wanted to be a small C cup. She is shown before and again, 21 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 414 grams from her left breast and 339 grams from her right breast to reduce her to a small C cup. Her symptoms have resolved and she is thrilled with the new shape and size of her breasts.
A woman in her mi 20’s with bilateral macromastia. She wears a 34 DD bra and has problems with shoulder pain, back pain, rash and difficulty exercising. She has had irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps. Her breast becam larger in college when she was on birth control pills. She is shown before and again, 5 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 341 grams from her right breast and 459 grams from her left breast to reduce her to a C cup. ( 454 grams= one pound). She is 5’4” and 128 lbs.
A nurse in her early to mid 20’s who described herself as a 34 D cup and had problems with back pain and difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She was not able to obtain insurance coverage for her procedure because the amount of tissue to be removed to reduce her to a C cup did not meet insurance criteria for her carrier. She proceeded as a cosmetic breast reduction and is shown before and again, 15 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of just over 200 grams of tissue from each breast to reduce her to a C cup. Despite gaining 13 lbs, her breasts remain in a c cup range and her symptoms have resolved and not recurred.
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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