Breast Reduction
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Breast Reduction
Women with excessively large breasts may seek a breast reduction, in order to achieve a more proportional silhouette and a lifestyle that is uninhibited by conditions such as back and shoulder pain. Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to achieve a breast size more in-proportion to a patient’s body by removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin. The breasts are made smaller and lifted in order to alleviate the discomfort associated with macromastia, or excessively large breasts.
Candidates
Good candidates for breast reduction will have mature breasts, whose growth and development has stabilized. Patients seeking breast reduction may feel that the size of their breasts is out of proportion to the rest of their body. Typically patients seeking a breast reduction may suffer from chronic rashes or irritation under the breasts, shoulder grooves from bra straps, or may have a long-standing history of chronic neck, back or shoulder pain. If a patient is hoping for insurance to cover the procedure, she will need to meet insurance criteria for surgery and obtain prior authorization. Patients should be non-smokers and women over 40 should have an up-to-date mammogram. Surgery should be done at least 6 months after breast-feeding has finished.
Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Surgery takes between 2.5 to 4 hours. There are several surgical techniques which Dr. Kim might use, depending on the patient’s breast size or shape. One common technique is the keyhole pattern, which involves an incision around the areola border and a vertical incision below. Another technique, the anchor pattern, involves the keyhole and an additional horizontal incision in the breast fold. The incisions are then closed with layers of dissolving sutures beneath the skin surface. Dressings and a surgical bra are placed over the breasts after the procedure has finished.
Recovery
Pain medication may be required for the first few days of recovery. The patient should remain in her postoperative dressings for the first week and should sponge-bathe until the drains have been removed, generally about a week after surgery. Patients can resume driving once the drains are removed. Most patients are back to work within two weeks, unless their work requires vigorous physical activity or heavy lifting. Patients may return to more strenuous physical activity after 4 to 6 weeks. At two weeks, the patient can resume light lower body exercise. After six weeks, the patient should be able to return to unrestricted activity. Patients will wear a surgical bra or sports bra for six weeks.
Breast Reduction with Implant
Which Implant is Right For Me?
A woman seeking a breast reduction with augmentation may find herself overwhelmed by the many types of breast implants available to her. She may find herself asking questions: What are the differences between saline and silicone implants? Which implants are best for me? Dr. Kim is experienced with all types of breast implants and will answer any questions you might have. During your consultation, he will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant, so that you can make an informed decision on the implant best suited to your needs.
SILICONE
SALINE
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a saltwater intravenous fluid. They are frequently used in breast reduction with augmentation surgery and have been available for decades. The advantages of saline implants include a smaller incision when placing the implant and no need for long-term follow up or medical monitoring. When saline implants leak, the sterile salt water is absorbed by the body. A leak in a saline implant will be obvious to the patient, as the affected breast will become smaller over a few days, so she will know to have her implants reevaluated by Dr. Kim. The disadvantages of saline implants include a firmer feel and increased rippling.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are very popular implants for cosmetic breast reduction with augmentation, and there are many types available. The most common types of silicone implants used in cosmetic breast surgery are smooth, round implants. The type of silicone gel within your implant can vary in consistency, based on the patient’s needs and preferences. Each type of silicone gel has advantages and disadvantages, which Dr. Kim will discuss with you. Traditional silicone implants have a thinner, softer gel while cohesive gel implants, commonly known as gummy bear implants, contain a more stable silicone. Gummy bear implants are firmer than traditional silicone gel implants, and this firmness allows for less rippling. Some gummy bear implants are round, while others are teardrop-shaped to give the breast a more natural appearance. However, some women find that the teardrop-shaped implants provide less cleavage and upper fullness than is desired. In addition, shaped implants require texturing on the surface of the implant that does not allow them to move inside the breast pocket as much as smooth implants.
" For as long as I can remember I have always had really large breast that caused significant back pain not to mention how difficult it was to find clothes that properly fit. Dr. Kim was really sweet and understanding. He reshaped my breast and made them perfect!"
29 year old, CT
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for a Breast Reduction
To schedule a private consultation with Dr. CS Kim please call the office or request an appointment online. We welcome your visit.