Breast Reduction

Women with very large breasts may experience a variety of medical problems from the excessive weight. These problems may range from back and neck problems and skin irritations to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave deep, irreversible indentations in their shoulders and the large breasts can leave a woman-or a teenage girl-feeling extremely self-conscious.

Breast reduction removes fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breast making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. The goal being, to give the woman smaller, shapelier breasts proportionate with her body. Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. In most case, the surgery is not performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it may be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort.

This procedure will leave noticeable, permanent scars, although your bra or bathing suit will cover them. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers). The procedure may also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples, and future breast-feeding may not be possible since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts.

Before your surgery

You will have a consultation with Dr. Carli at which time pictures will be taken and measurements will be made. You and Dr. Carli can discuss the procedure and you will go home to think about questions you may have thought of. Dr. Carli sees all his patients twice before surgery. A mammogram, lab work, and possibly an EKG and/or chest x-ray will be scheduled. Certain insurance companies do pay for this procedure. You will need to check with the front office staff to verify if yours will, and if Dr. Carli accepts that insurance plan. If your insurance will be covering it, pre-authorization will be needed prior to your procedure.

Where is the surgery performed?

The surgery is performed at The Magnolia Surgery Center. Dr. Carli has a fully licensed and accredited surgical facility where he performs all of his procedures. It is likely though, that after your procedure, Dr. Carli and his staff will transport you to a local hospital for a one-night stay, for your benefit.

How is the surgery performed?

The surgery is done under general anesthesia and takes approximately 3.5 hours. There are several different techniques that can be used with varying incisions. Most commonly there will be an incision that circles the areola and a straight incision that extends downward to the crease of the breast. On occasion an anchor-shaped incision may be used that would circle the areola, extend downward, and follow the natural curve of the crease of the breast. The surgeon will remove glandular tissue, fat and skin, moving the areola and nipple into their new position. Dr. Carli will then reshape the skin to form the new contour of your breast. In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves, but for very large or pendulous breast the nipples and areolas may need to be removed and grafted to a higher position. This would result in a loss of sensation. Stitches are used to close the skin and they will dissolve in about 2 weeks.

What can I expect after surgery?

After surgery you will have a very large, bulky dressing and drains coming from both breasts. You may have mild to moderate pain for several days-pain medicine will be provided. The bandages and drains will be removed in 3-5 days, after which you will begin wearing a sports bra around the clock for a week or more. You will remain in the recovery room after surgery for approximately two to three hours. Then, if Dr. Carli has recommended you stay the night at the hospital, you will be transported for your stay, after which you will go home. You will have a small to moderate amount of swelling that will decrease as the weeks go on. You may also experience random shooting pains for a few months. Expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breasts due to the swelling-this should subside.

When can I return to normal life?

Although you may be up and about in a couple of days, you will still be very sore. Most women can return to work (if it is not strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks. You may be asked to avoid sexual relations for about one week, as sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell. You should limit exercise to light stretching and bending until you energy level returns and your incisions have healed.

Your improved look

Although much of your bruising and swelling will disappear in a few weeks, it may be six months before your breasts reshape and settle into their new form-be patient with your healing. What you will need to remember is that you will be rid of the physical discomfort, your body will be more proportioned, and your clothes will fit you better.