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 188
An early ( 6 week ) follow-up on a woman in her later 50’s who is bothered by the weight of her 38 D cup breasts as well as looseness of the skin in her back. She had grooving and irritation of her shoulders from her bra straps, back pain and difficulty with her posture. She did not have enough breast tissue to be removed to be covered by her insurance company but decided to proceed on a cosmetic basis. She is shown just 6 weeks after bilateral breast reduction combined with a bra-line back lift. She had 219 gms of tissue removed from her right breast and 313 gms from her left breast to bring her down to a c cup. Her shoulder and back pain have resolved, and she loves her new shape and size. A bra-line back lift places the scar directly under the bra strap area. Scars are at their reddest and thickest at 6 weeks and will now start to fade and improve over the next 2 years or longer. I have recommended topical silicone to help the scars fade.
A mother of 2 in her early 30’s who wears a 36 H to J cup bra and has problems with grooving and irritation of her shoulders, neck pain, back pain, difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts and a rash in the warmer months. She needs to wear multiple bras to exercise. She is shown before and again, 6 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 542 gm from her left breast and 624 gms from her right breast to bring her down to a C cup. Her symptoms have resolved, and she is thrilled with her new shape and size.
A woman in her mid to late 50’s who describes herself as a 38DD and has had problems for years with grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps, postural difficulties, back pain, shoulder pain, a rash in the warmer months and difficulty exercising. She is shown before and again, 9 months after a bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 371 gms from her right breast and 540 gms from her left breast to reduce her to a C cup. She is thrilled with her new shape and size, and her symptoms have all resolved! Scars will typically continue to fade and improve for the first 2 yearrs after surgery.
A woman in her early 30’s with a 34 DDD cup who has problems with back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, difficulty obtaining appropriate brassieres, difficulty with exercising and her posture. She gets a rash under the breasts in the warmer months. She is 5’6” and 143 lbs and is shown before and again, 4 moths after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 421 gms from her left breast and 404 gms from her right to reduce her to a C cup. Her symptoms have resolved and she loves her new shape and size.
Update: Our pt is now seen 7 months after her procedure. Her scars continue to fade and improve.
A Hispanic mother of 2 in her later 30’s who has a 38DD cup bra and has had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, difficulty exercising despite wearing 2 sports breas as well as a rash under the breasts ( intertrigo) in the warmer months. She has a tendency to hypertrophic scars as is seen in her right shoulder where she had a surgery for the fracture of her right clavicle. She is shown before and again, a little over 2 years since her breast reduction. Her symptoms have resolved, and she has lost an additional 14 lbs now that it is easier to exercise! Her hypertrophic scar was treated with kenalog injections in the office. Topical silicone was used twice a day to help with her breast scars.
Update: She is now shown 2 ½ years after her breast reduction. Her scars have continued to fade and improve.
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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