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.
Mastopexy/Breast Reduction – Patient 178
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.
A woman in her late 40’s who has been interested in breast reduction for many years and finally got her courage up to come in and discuss it. SH had been going to a chiropractor for 10 years for neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain but had not had relief. She was a 38 G cup. She is over her ideal body weight at 5 1 ½ and 200 lbs but was not able to lose weight easily because of difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She is shown before and again, 7 months after a bilateral breast reduction with the removal of more 500 gms of tissue from each breast. She is now a full C cup, more proportional to her frame. She is thrilled that all of her symptoms have resolved and she has not needed to go back to the chiropractor. She also tells me that she loves being able to do her yoga and not worry about her breasts falling out. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve for the first 2 years after surgery.
An RN in her mid 60’s who wears a 36D-DD bra and has problems with back pain, grooving and irritation of her shoulders from her bra straps, a rash under the breasts in the summertime (“intertrigo”) as well as difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She takes Plaquenil for rheumatoid arthritis. She is shown before and again, just 5 months after a bilateral breast reduction. Her healing was uneventful and her symptoms have resolved.
An 18 yo woman of color with severe macromastia and breast asymmetry. She describes herself as a 38G cup and has problems with grooving and irritation of the shoulders, back pain, shoulder pain, difficulty exercising and intertrigo. She is shown before and again, 5 months after bilateral breast reduction with an inferior pedicle Inverted T scar technique with the removal of 1538 gms from her right breast and 961 gms from her left breast to reduce her to a full Cup. Scars will typically fade and improve over the next two years. She is thrilled with her result. She no longer has symptoms due to the size of her breast and is able to exercise now. She is confident now, and showed me photos of her being able to wear beautiful dresses now from a recent trip to a bridal shop that she could never have been comfortable in before.
A mother of 2 in her early 50’s who wears a 34 DD and has problems with grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra as well as back pain, neck strain and difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She also feels that the size of her breasts draws too much unwanted attention and she hunches her shoulders to hide them. She is petite at 4’10” and 127 lbs. She is shown before and again, 7 months after a bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 391 grams from her right breast an 386 grams from her left breast ( 454 grams = 1 pound). An irritated mole was removed from her cleavage area for her at the same time. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve for 2 years after a breast reduction. She is already thrilled with her new breasts. Her symptoms have resolved, she no longer feels that the breasts are too large for her frame. She is learning to stand up straight again and like many patients, her “only regret is that she didn’t do this sooner”.
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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