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Breast Reduction

What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery, known medically as reduction mammaplasty, significantly reduces breast size to relieve physical discomfort and enhance self-esteem. Dr. Kristopher M. Day MD, practicing at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery in Bellevue, WA, is adept at performing this procedure, which entails the surgical removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, thereby achieving a breast size more in harmony with the body’s proportions.

When considering breast reduction, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, such as scarring and changes in sensation. Consultation with Dr. Day is essential to discuss the surgical technique, anticipated results, and any possible side effects, ensuring patients have a comprehensive understanding of the surgery’s implications.

A breast reduction may also be worthwhile if your breasts are asymmetrical, disproportionate to your body frame, you experience irritation and rashes on the skin underneath your bra, or your breasts prevent you from wearing the clothing you desire.

Breastreduction overview | pacific sound plastic surgery

Good Candidates a Breast Reduction

Good candidates for breast reduction surgery typically include individuals who:

  1. Experience Physical Discomfort: Those who suffer from neck, back, and shoulder pain due to the weight of large breasts are prime candidates. This discomfort can extend to physical activities, making exercise or even daily tasks challenging.

  2. Have Skin Issues: Skin irritation or infections under the breast crease are common in individuals with large breasts, making reduction a viable solution.

  3. Possess Fully Developed Breasts: It is crucial that the breasts have fully developed before undergoing reduction surgery. However, in cases of severe discomfort or functional impairment, the procedure might be considered for younger patients.

  4. Are Not Pregnant or Breastfeeding: The surgery is best performed when a woman is not pregnant or breastfeeding, as these conditions can alter breast size and affect surgical outcomes.

  5. Have Realistic Expectations: Understanding the potential outcomes and accepting the risks and limitations of surgery, including the possibility of scarring, is essential.

  6. Are in Good General Health: Ideal candidates should be free from any life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that can impair healing or increase surgery risks.

  7. Non-smokers: Smoking can significantly affect the healing process, increasing the risk of complications. Those willing to quit smoking for a prescribed period before and after surgery may also be considered.

  8. Struggle with Self-Image Issues: Individuals who are self-conscious or experience psychological distress due to the size of their breasts might find relief in breast reduction.

It is important for anyone considering this procedure to consult with Dr. Day, to discuss their unique situation, goals, and any potential health considerations to determine if they are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery.

What to Expect During a Breast Reduction

During the breast reduction surgery performed by Dr. Kristopher M. Day MD, patients can expect the following steps:

  1. Anesthesia: To ensure comfort throughout the procedure, anesthesia is administered, typically either general anesthesia, where the patient is completely asleep, or intravenous sedation.

  2. The Surgery: The procedure, which lasts 2 to 5 hours based on complexity, involves Dr. Day making precise incisions to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts. Depending on the patient’s goals and anatomy, the nipples and areolas might also be repositioned to achieve a natural, more youthful appearance.

  3. Closing the Incisions: After reshaping and contouring the breasts, Dr. Day closes the incisions with sutures or surgical adhesives. This step is crucial for shaping the final appearance of the breasts and will result in some scarring, which typically becomes less noticeable over time.

Patients undergoing surgery with Dr. Day can anticipate a meticulous approach aimed at achieving the desired breast size and shape while prioritizing safety and aesthetic outcomes.

Recovering from
a Breast Reduction

The recovery process after breast reduction surgery with Dr. Kristopher M. Day MD at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery involves several stages for optimal healing. Immediately after the procedure, patients might feel groggy due to anesthesia, with initial discomfort managed by medication. During the first few days, experiencing swelling and bruising is typical, and it’s essential to rest and wear a special surgical bra or compression garment as advised by Dr. Day to support the healing breasts.

 

By the end of the first week, patients usually see Dr. Day for a follow-up to assess the healing process. At this point, many are able to return to non-strenuous activities, still steering clear of heavy lifting or intense workouts. As recovery progresses over the next few weeks, swelling and bruising continue to diminish, allowing for a gradual reintroduction of more physical activities, guided by Dr. Day’s recommendations.

 

The complete healing process spans several months, during which scars, initially prominent, will fade significantly, and the final contours of the breasts will settle. Throughout this period, following Dr. Day’s post-operative care instructions, attending all scheduled follow-up appointments, and being vigilant for any signs of complications are crucial steps to ensure the best possible results from the breast reduction surgery at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery.

Breast Reduction Gallery

Breast Reduction Results

From breast reduction surgery with Dr. Kristopher M. Day at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery, patients can anticipate significant and beneficial changes, both physically and aesthetically:

  1. Reduced Breast Size: The most immediate result is a noticeable reduction in breast size, bringing them into better proportion with the rest of the body and alleviating the physical burden of excessively large breasts.

  2. Alleviation of Discomfort: Many patients experience relief from the chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain that often accompanies large breasts. This reduction in discomfort can significantly improve quality of life and increase the ability to engage in physical activities without pain or restriction.

  3. Improved Posture: With the weight of the breasts reduced, many individuals find their posture improves, as there’s less strain on the back and shoulders to support heavy breasts.

  4. Enhanced Appearance and Confidence: The surgery can lead to more aesthetically pleasing breast contours, which can boost self-esteem and body image. Clothes may fit better, and patients often feel more comfortable with their appearance.

  5. Reduced Skin Irritation: By eliminating the excess weight that can cause skin to rub together, patients often see a decrease in skin irritation and infections under the breast area.

It is important for patients to have realistic expectations and understand that while the results are often very positive, there will be scars, although they typically fade over time. The final shape and size of the breasts will also take some time to settle, and following Dr. Day’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome.

Schedule Your Consult

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Frequently Asked Questions About a Breast Reduction

Dr. Kristopher M. Day typically considers individuals who experience physical discomfort, such as neck, back, and shoulder pain, skin irritation under the breasts, and those who are self-conscious about their breast size, as good candidates. It's important that candidates have realistic expectations and are in good general health.

The amount of breast tissue removed during a reduction surgery by Dr. Day at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery can vary greatly depending on the individual's goals, current breast size, and physical health. Dr. Day works closely with each patient to determine a reduction size that aligns with their desired outcome and body proportion.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and scarring. Changes in breast or nipple sensation can also occur. Dr. Day ensures that all patients are fully informed of potential risks before proceeding.

While many women are able to breastfeed after a reduction, the surgery can potentially impact breastfeeding capabilities. Dr. Day discusses these concerns with patients during the consultation process to ensure they are fully informed.

Recovery varies by individual, but most of Dr. Day's patients at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery are able to return to non-strenuous work within a week or two. Full recovery, including a return to more vigorous activities and the final settling of breast shape, can take several months.

Although scarring is inevitable with breast reduction surgery, Dr. Day is skilled in minimizing and strategically placing incisions to reduce visibility. Over time, these scars typically fade and become less noticeable.

Following Dr. Day's pre- and post-operative instructions closely, including activity restrictions and care for the surgical site, is crucial. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking can also significantly impact the healing process and outcomes.

Dr. Day works closely with each patient to understand their aesthetic goals and physical discomfort. He provides professional guidance on what breast size might be most proportional to the patient's body frame and most likely to alleviate any physical symptoms associated with large breasts.

Breast Reduction

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Plastic surgery is an art and a science that is best performed tailored to each person’s specific goals. Call us to set up a consultation and discuss yours today.

Contact Us

Get in touch to schedule a consultation.

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Kristopher M. Day, MD, FACS

1260 116th Avenue NE, Suite 201

Bellevue, WA 98004

info@pacificsoundplasticsurgery.com

425-818-8991

Fax: 425-818-2709

| pacific sound plastic surgery

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WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?

Many women are surprised to learn that a breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. Larger-than-desired breasts can cause neck and back pain, grooving where the bra strap sits, social self-consciousness, and impair activities like running and dancing. In fact, it is not uncommon for women considering a breast reduction to experience weight loss and enhanced self-esteem after a reduction procedure. While not all breast lifts involve size reduction, all breast reductions also bring about a breast lift, or mastopexy.

The breast is made up of skin, fatty tissue, and glands; all three are modified in a reduction mammoplasty. Some things that a breast reduction can help accomplish are:

  • Decreased breast size
  • Decreased areola and/or nipple size
  • Lifted breast position on the chest
  • Increased symmetry of breasts that significantly differ in size or shape
  • Decreased neck, back, or shoulder pain
  • Decreased functional impairment related to breast size
  • Increased self-confidence

If you are interested in a breast reduction, remember that this procedure requires surgery in an operating room and you should expect some recovery time. Breast tissue is also routinely screened for cancer with a mammogram, ultrasound, or other imaging study, which is important to complete prior to performing surgery on the breast. Breast reduction is usually performed by a surgeon with advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In good candidates, the procedure can be performed as an outpatient in an ambulatory surgical center, though complex procedures may take longer and require more recovery time. Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery are quite pleased that they made the commitment to becoming their best self.

If you would like to learn more about a breast reduction, reach out to Kristopher M. Day, MD, FACS by emailing Info@KrisDayPlasticSurgery.com to schedule a complementary consultation. Dr. Day has extensive experience in breast reduction of all shapes and sizes and would be excited to speak with you about your goals!