Breast Reduction Philadelphia & King of Prussia

Q: When do nipples look normal after breast reduction?

Your nipples can appear swollen, bruised, or temporarily misshapen after surgery, but they typically begin to look more natural within 6 to 12 weeks. It can take several months for swelling to fully subside, and you may also experience temporary changes to sensation if you opted for certain incision patterns.

Q: Why can't you lift your arms after breast reduction?

Lifting your arms can strain and put pressure on the incisions, increasing the risk of complications like bleeding. Our plastic surgeons recommend avoiding overhead arm movements for at least 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery.

Q: When can you go braless after breast reduction?

You’ll typically need to wear a supportive surgical or athletic bra continuously for about 4 to 6 weeks. After this period, you can begin to go without a bra for short periods of time.

Q: What is the best age to get a breast reduction?

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but not before breast development is complete—usually in the late teens or early twenties. If you’re bothered by your large breasts and are in overall good health, you can likely move forward with a breast reduction.

Q: What breast size is considered for reduction?

There’s no specific size requirement, but most patients have disproportionately large breasts that cause discomfort or limit activity. If the size of your breasts bothers you and causes you discomfort, the exact size is likely not an important factor.

Q: How many pounds do you lose with a breast reduction?

Weight loss after a breast reduction will vary from patient to patient. While all breast reductions decrease breast size, the goal of a reduction is to reduce the strain on the back and neck while still maintaining an aesthetic breast contour.

Q: Does a breast reduction include a lift?

A breast reduction almost always includes a breast lift because very large breasts tend to sag. However, in some cases, it may be performed alone. Your plastic surgeon can recommend the right surgical approach for your goals and needs.

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At Modern Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, our mission is to help our patients feel comfortable in their bodies and take on the world with confidence. For some people, the size of their breasts may cause them physical or emotional discomfort. If this is the case for you, read more to learn about reduction mammaplasty.

What Is Reduction Mammaplasty?

Reduction mammaplasty, otherwise known as breast reduction, is a procedure that reduces the size of the breasts. For many patients, large breast size can cause physical discomfort, including significant back pain, trouble shopping for and wearing certain clothing, and difficulty exercising. Large breasts can also cause other issues, including trouble breathing easily. For others, large breasts can be a point of self-consciousness, decreasing overall quality of life. A reduction mammaplasty offers patients a solution. During this procedure, skin and tissue is removed, and the remaining tissue is reshaped. We work closely with patients to discuss their aesthetic goals. In collaboration with you, we can make a plan to help you become the most confident version of yourself.

Who Is a Candidate for Reduction Mammaplasty?

Candidates for this procedure are people who are experiencing discomfort or decreased well-being due to breast size. Those who experience neck or back pain due to the size of their breasts may benefit from this procedure, as well as people who have a hard time with exercise or physical activity. Ideal candidates are relatively healthy and do not have unmanaged medical conditions that could cause surgery complications. Candidates should also not be smokers prior to the procedure. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and medical history with you to make sure that a reduction mammaplasty is the right decision for your unique needs.

What to Expect During a Reduction Mammaplasty Procedure

You might be asked to stop taking certain medications temporarily before the procedure, including anti-inflammatory drugs. This can help reduce bleeding. Someone should drive you to and from the procedure and stay with you for the first night after you get home.

Certain techniques used during a reduction mammaplasty will vary depending on your anatomy and preference. In some cases, we’ll recommend liposuction to remove fat. Anesthesia will be given, either local or general, so you won’t feel discomfort while the procedure is happening. Either a lollipop or a keyhole incision will be made, and the nipple will be positioned. Depending on personal preference, skin of the areola can be removed to reduce its size. Breast tissue will be removed and the remaining tissue will be reshaped. Sutures will be given in the underlying tissue and the skin to close incisions and provide support, giving a more lifted appearance. The procedure is usually completed within 3 to 4 hours.

Aftercare

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a couple of hours before you can return home. You’ll need to wear gauze and a compression garment. This provides support and aids in the healing process. Tubes might be inserted under the skin to drain fluid and blood, making sure you heal as smoothly as possible. Normal levels of activity can usually be resumed after about four weeks. Pain and swelling are common in the first couple of weeks, and you might be given pain medication and antibiotics. Our team will talk to you about how to take care of the healing incisions and make sure you’re on your way to a smooth recovery.

Dr. Robert Skalicky

Dr. Lana Feldman

EXPERTS IN
PLASTIC SURGERY

Our surgical team works to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes.
What makes our surgeons stand out is their attention to the patient’s experience
and their team approach to patient care.

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Our team is passionate about getting to know our patients and hearing your unique story. We understand that everyone has different reasons for wanting to get a procedure done. At our practice, you’ll be collaborating with a caring team to make sure you get superior results. To learn more about reduction mammaplasty, schedule a consultation today.

Breast Reduction