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 174
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”.
An 18 yo with bilateral macromastia since the 5 th grade who was wearing a 32 Double D bra . She needed wto wear 2-3 bras just to support her breasts and had problems with back pain, shoulder pain, irritation of the shoulders from her bra straps, difficulty exercising and problens with her posture. She is petite at 5’1” and 112 lbs and had very large areola, which made it difficult to perform a traditional Inverted T scar technique. In her case we elected to perform a short scar technique, known as a S hort P eri ariolar I nferio r Pedicle (SPAIR) technique. This incorporates a permanent Gortex suture around the areola to decrease it’s diameter along wth a “J” shaped incision. The blood supply to the nipple is from an inferior pedicle. She had the removal of 271 grams from her left breast and 336 grams from her right breast to reduce her to a 32 “C” cup, more in keeping with her frame. She is shown before and again, nearly 2 ½ years after surgery. Her symptoms have resolved. Her scars have faded. And she is thrilled with the new shape and size of her breasts.
A woman in her early 50’s who describes herself as a 38DDD cup and has had problems with back pain, grooving and irritation of her shoulders, a rash under the breasts in the warmer months, postural difficulties and problems with exercising due to the size of her breasts. She is over her ideal body weight at 5’ tall and 193 lbs but has had difficulty loosing weight. She is shone before and again, just 4 ½ months after a bilateral short T scar inferior pedicle breast reduction with the removal of more than 600 gms from her right breast and more than 500 gms from her left breast to bring her down to a full C cup. Her symptoms have resolved and she is thrilled with her new shape and size. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve over the next 2 years.
A mother of 2 in her early 30’s who was a 34 DD cup before surgery and had problems with her posture due to the weight of her breasts. She was having increasing problems standing up straight, as well as back pain, shoulder pain, a rash under her breasts in the summer months, and grooving and irritation of her shoulders from her bra straps. She is shown before and again, 7 months after breast reduction with the removal of more than 400 gms of tissue from each breast, bringing her down to a 34 C cup. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve over the next 18 months. She is already thrilled with her new shape and size, and her symptoms have all resolved.
A 71 yo woman who describes herself as a 32 DD cup. She did not like the drooping of her breasts, and also felt that they were out of proportion to her frame and embarrassing in some clothing. She had shoulder and neck pain. She has had problems since she first developed breasts but has finally decided to do something about it. She is shown before and again, 7 months after bilateral breast reduction with an inferior pedicle/ short T scar technique. She is 5’2’ and 120 lbs and had just over 300 gms of breast tissue removed from each side to reduce her to a C cup.
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."
Schedule Consultation