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 #139
A woman in her late teens with 38 DDD cup breast and lipodystrophy ( bulging) of the anterior axillae who is bothered by shoulder pain and irritation from her bra straps, back pain, problems with her posture and difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She is shown before and again, 4 ½ months after bilateral breast reduction combined with liposuction of the axillary lipodystrophy. She is 5’ 3 ¼” and 179 lbs and had 780 grams of breast tissue removed from each breast ( 454 grams = 1 pound) and 700 cc of liposuction from each breast along the lateral breast and anterior axilla. Scars are typically at their reddest and thickest at 6 weeks and then will fade and improve over the next 2 years or longer. We are having her use topical silicone to help the scars to improve faster. At 4 ½ months they are typical for this stage and can be expected to continue to improve. She is thrilled with her new shape and size, and her symptoms have all resolved.
A mother of 2 in her early 40s is a 38 DDD cup and is bothered by back pain, neck pain, a rash under the breasts, difficulty with her posture, and difficulty exercising due to the size and weight of her breasts. She is a little over her ideal body weight at 5’5” and 189 lbs and is shown before and again, 4 months after breast reduction with the removal of 908 grams of breast tissue from her right breast and 872 grams of breast tissue from her left breast, to reduce her to a full “C” cup. ( 454 grams = 1 pound). Her scars are fading nicely with the topical silicone and her symptoms have all resolved. She is thrilled with her new shape and size.
A young woman in her later teens with 38DD breasts. who has problems with back pain, shoulder pain, grooving, and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps, difficulty exercising, and difficulty with dance competitions? She is “Tanner stage V” which means that she has completed puberty and is no longer growing. She is shown before and again, 14 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 454 grams of tissue from each breast. 454 grams is equal to one pound. She is now a “C” cup and her symptoms have all resolved. Scars are typically redder and thicker for 6 weeks and then will fade and improve over the next 2 years or longer. Her scars have faded extremely well, in part due to the topical silicone and how she heals.
A woman in her later 50s with a 44DD cup who has problems with neck pain, shoulder pain, grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps, and back pain. She is a ½ ppd smoker. Smoking and a history of smoking dramatically increases the risk of healing complications It damages the tiny blood vessels that supply the skin and can lead to larger amounts of tissue dying at the time of surgery. She was very symptomatic and wished to proceed with surgery if it was possible and an acceptable risk. I had her stop smoking for 2 months before surgery with the nicotine patch. We then proceeded with a “free nipple graft” technique. With a typical breast reduction in someone who has never smoked and doesn’t have diabetes or other reason for vascular compromise, we will try and maintain the blood supply to the nipple either from above “superior pedicle technique” from above and the side “superior-medial technique” or from below “inferior pedicle technique”. In the case of someone with a significant smoking history the small blood vessels in the tissue connecting the nipple, the “pedicle” have been damaged enough that the tissue is likely to die. In that case, a free nipple graft is done, where the nipple is removed completely and replaced like a skin graft. Because it is thicker, it will become scabby and blister and generally not look very attractive in the first 6-8 weeks. But then it generally heals and allows us to proceed in someone with a smoking history and with fewer potential complications
A woman in her early 20s who is a 40DD cup and has problems with back pain, shoulder pain, irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps, difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts, and a rash under her breasts in the warmer months.
She is over her ideal body weight at 5’2” and 170 lbs but finds it difficult to lose more weight. She is shown before and again, 9 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of more than 500 grams of tissue from each breast as well as liposuction of axillary fullness. She is now a full C cup to match her frame, and her symptoms have resolved.
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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