Breast Reduction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that achieves breasts that are more manageable and more beautiful. It is a surgery that can reduce the size of large breasts that have become problematic.
The plastic surgery practice of Dr. Michael Howard M.D. offers first-rate breast reduction surgery that could change your life for the better. Dedicated to patient care and satisfaction, he serves the areas of Lake Forest, Chicago, and Glenview. For more information, call (224) 271-4250 or contact us online.
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About Breast Reduction
Having large breasts can make life seriously difficult, affecting daily functioning both physically and psychologically. (1) It can keep you from doing and wearing the things you want, and can even affect your posture. Oversized breasts can often outgrow the natural supporting structure of the breast and sag below the crease where the breasts meet the ribcage. Luckily, breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, offers a solution that can not only reduce the size of your breasts but make them perkier too.
According to traditional beauty standards, the bigger the breasts, the better. For this reason, many women struggle with the decision to have their breasts reduced. However, the majority of women who receive this treatment are delighted with the results and have no regrets. Where size is lost, ease of living and a more refined, shapely appearance are gained.
Breast reduction procedures are categorized by the incisions that surgeons use for them. These incisions indicate the severity of the condition being addressed. They include:
The “Donut” Incision
The donut incision technique involves one incision, extending around the areola. It is best for patients who require minimal reduction. It leaves minimal visible scarring.
The “Lollipop” Incision
The lollipop incision technique involves two incisions, one extending around the areola and another extends down from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold, the crease at the bottom of the breast. It is best for patients who have some sagging and require moderate reduction. The vertical incision does leave some visible scarring, though it will fade over time.
The “Anchor” Incision
The anchor, or inverted-T incision technique involves three incisions. One incision extends around the areola, another extends to the inframammary fold, and the third extends horizontally across the length of the inframammary fold. It is best for patients with severe sagging and exceptionally oversized breasts. This technique leaves similar visible scarring to the lollipop incision, as the third incision is well-disguised by the inframammary fold.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
There are numerous life-changing benefits that breast reduction can provide. These include:
- Boosted self-esteem
- Improved confidence and self-expression
- Easier to move around and be active
- Reduced back pain
- Reduced shoulder indents from bra
- Reduced skin irritation below the breast
- Easier to breathe without excess weight on the rib cage
Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Breast reductions are not intended only for patients with excessively large breasts. While it can alleviate painful symptoms, the procedure can also be for purely cosmetic purposes. Even if your breasts are not oversized, you have every right to receive a breast reduction. An ideal candidate for this treatment will simply want to have smaller breasts. If you can relate, breast reduction might be right for you!
To be considered eligible for breast reduction surgery, you should be in relatively good health. Your body needs to be able to heal properly after surgery. You should also have realistic expectations about what a breast reduction can do for you. This treatment can address the issues you have with your breasts, but it cannot solve all of your cosmetic problems at once. A healthy diet and lifestyle will always be the key to looking and feeling your best.
Personal Consultation
At your personal consultation, we will provide you with everything you need to know about breast reduction surgery. We will review your medical history and your current bill of health to determine if surgery is a safe option for you. We will examine the condition of your breasts and discuss your cosmetic goals. With the information we gather, we can determine the details of your breast reduction procedure and create a personalized treatment plan for you. When your procedure has been approved and scheduled, we can let you know what to expect moving forward.
To schedule your personal consultation, call (224) 271-4250 or fill out this form.
Preparation
We will provide you with personalized instructions on how you can thoroughly prepare for your breast reduction procedure. Try to follow them closely to ensure that your treatment goes smoothly. More general ways to prepare include:
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce bleeding
- Stop smoking to increase your ability to heal
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Prepare your home for recovery- make sure everything is within reach
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reductions are performed as outpatient procedures. They typically take one to two hours, depending on the treatment details. On the day of your surgery, we will administer general anesthesia to begin your treatment.
The procedure involves Dr. Howard making incisions in discreet locations around the breast in order to remove excess skin, fat and tissue. Surgeons often use liposuction to remove the excess fat. Liposuction involves surgeons using thin tube-like tools called cannulas to break up the fat and suction it out of the body. When all of the excess material has been removed, Dr. Howard will reshape your breast to sit higher on your chest and appear more youthful. He will reposition your nipple so that it points outward for a perkier look. Many women who have large breasts have large areolas as well. At your request, Dr. Howard can reduce the size of your areolas during the procedure.
Recovery
We will give you personalized instructions for your recovery. These can include medications to stop or start, how to take care of your incisions, and when you can return to work. Most patients are able to return to work an average of three weeks after their procedure. (2) You should avoid strenuous activity for six weeks, allowing your body enough time to recover. You will not be able to lift your arms very high, so make sure you have everything in reach.
You will experience some swelling around the breasts that gradually go away over the course of several weeks. We can prescribe medication to help you deal with any discomfort that you might feel. You may experience hypersensitivity or numbness in your breasts after your treatment. These symptoms typically subside within a year.
Results
The results of your breast reduction will be immediately apparent. Your breasts will be smaller and the weight of their presence will be lifted from your life. The full extent of the aesthetic results, however, will show themselves when swelling has gone down. Your results will be long-lasting if you are able to maintain a steady weight. The fat cells that are removed from your breasts cannot grow back, but the remaining cells can grow and make your breasts larger than you want them to be. As always, a healthy diet and lifestyle are important components in prolonging the benefits of cosmetic treatment.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Dr. Howard offers procedures that can correspond with and complement your breast reduction.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from the body. It involves a surgeon making small incisions in order to use a suction tool to break up and remove pockets of fat. It can address stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is commonly used within the breast reduction procedure. Outside of breast reduction, you can receive liposuction on other parts of your body that you feel have too much fat.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in Chicago?
The cost of your breast reduction surgery will be determined by your individualized treatment plan. To find out how much breast reduction costs with Dr. Howard, call (224) 271-4250 or visit our contact page.
FAQ
Can breast reduction surgery be covered by insurance?
In some cases, breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. This typically requires documentation of physical symptoms, such as chronic pain and interference with daily activities, as well as specific criteria set by the insurance provider. It is advised to consult with your insurance company to understand their coverage policies and requirements.
How long does breast reduction surgery take?
Breast reduction surgery typically takes two to four hours, depending on how complicated the surgery must be. There are different techniques for breast reduction designed to deal with different levels of severity, and some are more involved than others.
Is breast reduction surgery painful?
To perform breast reductions, providers administer patients with anesthesia so that they feel no pain during their surgery. Providers often prescribe medication to alleviate discomfort during recovery, as well.
References
- Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
- Holopainen N, Oranges CM, Pietro, Toia F, Giordano S. Return to Work after Breast Reduction: A Comparative Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023;12(2):642-642. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12020642