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Breast Reduction

in Pasadena, CA

Many women rely on cosmetic enhancement to enlarge their breasts; but for a woman whose bustline is naturally oversized, the weight of excessively large breasts can lead to a number of regrettable problems. If you can identify with this, it’s likely that you experience one or more of the following:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Skin irritation/bra strap indentation
  • Skeletal deformities
  • Breathing problems

Additionally, abnormally large breasts can lead to embarrassment and emotional distress. Self-conscious women and girls may refrain from exercise; and consequently, unhealthy weight gain may result.

Fortunately, there is a surgical solution. Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) can remove the unwanted fat, glandular tissue, and hanging skin that causes undue discomfort. Dr. Taylor has helped countless patients attain smaller, lighter, and firmer breast volume with breast reduction surgery. Other benefits of this procedure include:

  • Reduced areola (dark skin surrounding the nipple)
  • Rounder, more attractive breasts shape (for those whose previous breast shape was pendulous)
  • Improved proportion to the rest of the body

BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE

At Dr. Taylor’s practice, breast reduction surgery is performed in the following manner:

  • An anchor-shaped incision is created circling the areola, extending downward, and following the natural curve of the crease.
  • Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed, and the nipple and areola are moved into their new position.
  • Breast skin is redraped from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.

Normally, stitches are located around the areola in a vertical line extending downward. If scars are a concern, inquire about techniques that can occasionally be used to reduce their risk; or, in rare cases, reducing the breasts with liposuction alone for minimal scarring.

WHEN CAN I HAVE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?

Typically, breast reduction isn’t performed until the breasts are fully developed. However, there are exceptions; for example, some teen girls may undergo the procedure if a physician determines they are undergoing physical or emotional discomfort that is severe enough to warrant it.

Ideally, the best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully comprehend the procedure and have realistic expectations regarding the likely results. Additionally, women who intend to breastfeed should postpone breast reduction until they have completed childbearing and nursing.

To address your personal options for breast reduction, request a consultation appointment with Dr. Taylor. He will be glad to answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction

  • Should I lose weight before a breast reduction?

    The best breast reduction outcomes are achieved when patients are at a healthy weight before the surgery. If you are overweight, Dr. Taylor may recommend that you get at or close to your ideal weight and maintain it for a few months before scheduling an appointment. This is because most women will experience a considerable change in breast size when they lose weight, which can impact the results.

    Significant weight loss changes the skin and impacts the strength of the underlying tissues, resulting in sagging and droopy breasts that will require an additional procedure — like a breast lift — to correct.

    More importantly, when you are at your desired weight, it is much easier to choose an ideal breast size that matches your new body style.

  • Which method of breast reduction is best?

    There are various breast reduction techniques suited to different types of patients and desired outcomes. The method used for each patient is determined by the amount of glandular tissue, fat, and excess skin that needs to be removed. In nearly all cases, Dr. Taylor performs breast reduction using the anchor technique. This allows for the most amount of reduction while maintaining the best post-operative breast shape.

  • What is recovery after breast reduction like?

    Recovery timelines will differ based on an individual. Generally, most individuals can get back to normal/light activities in two to three weeks. You can expect to experience some mild swelling and tightness in the chest area but will feel better as you recover.

    Vigorous activity and heavy lifting are restricted for about six weeks. Complete recovery usually takes around eight to 12 weeks.

  • Will breast reduction affect pregnancy and breastfeeding?

    Many women are concerned that reducing their breasts may negatively affect their chances of breastfeeding. While this is certainly a possibility, new techniques allow your surgeon to give you the best outcome possible.

    Always discuss your future plans with your surgical team prior to the surgery.

  • Will there be significant scarring after my breast reduction surgery?

    Since all breast reduction techniques require some sort of incision, scarring is inevitable. The visibility of the scars will largely depend on the surgical technique used to accomplish the procedure.

    A good surgeon will choose the method that delivers the most desired results with minimal potential for residual scarring.

  • Are the results from my breast reduction permanent?

    The results of breast reduction surgery are expected to remain fairly constant unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight. It is important to note that the size and shape of the breasts may change slightly over time due to the effects of aging and gravity.

  • What procedures can be combined with breast reduction?

    Breast reduction is always performed alongside a breast lift to ensure that the reduced breasts are also lifted and tightened. Additionally, some women choose to add breast reduction as a part of a more extensive Mommy Makeover. This is a combination procedure that also includes liposuction and tummy tuck techniques.

Thomas S. Taylor, MD, FACS

The Aesthetic Society American Society of Plastic Surgery Fellow American College of Surgeons American Board of Plastic Surgery ABMS MOC American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

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960 E Green St #214
Pasadena, CA 91106

Phone: (626) 577-7730

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