Why Breast Reduction?

At a time where breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures of all time, breast reduction might not seem en vogue. But for the many women who suffer from debilitating, overly-large breasts, surgical breast reduction offers relief and a restoration of confidence. The weight from overly large breasts can lead to long-term back pain, problems with posture, skin rashes under the breast, and sore shoulders from bra straps. Freedom of movement and even athletic activity can be hindered by overly large breasts, which make it much more difficult to find a sports bra that can work. On an emotional level, overly large breasts can create feelings of self-consciousness, and many women find that their unique silhouette makes most modern clothes ill-fitting. At Aesthetx, breast reduction can give you beautifully balanced breasts that complement your figure.

History of Breast Reduction

Records of breast reduction have existed as early as the 7th century from the medical encyclopedia of Greek Physician Paul of Aegina. For hundreds of years, breast reduction was seen as a form of reconstruction, a way for women to remove medically-problematic breasts. For many others, the size of their breasts reflected refinement and their social class, and breast reduction was seen as a way to assimilate into mainstream society. By the 19th century, however, standardized techniques were being refined and developed just as breast reduction was growing into an aesthetic procedure.

Since then, the goal was to create “natural” looking and moving results and, by the 20th century, more advanced standards for nipple movement, incisions placement, and tissue removal were being developed. One such innovation happened in 1956 when Robert Wise developed the Wise pattern, an incision pattern that became widely used for removing skin in breast reduction for decades. However, it did leave scars around the nipple, down the breast, and all along the crease. Today, the short scar technique allows for the beautiful reshaping of the breasts while creating only a subtle, lollipop-shaped scar that goes around the perimeter of the nipple and goes down vertically into the breast crease.

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Breast Reduction Technique

Dr. Zeidler is well-known for her mastery of the short-scar breast reduction, also known as the vertical technique. The short-scar breast reduction is practiced only by an exclusive group of surgeons in the area, but it’s proven itself by providing beautiful results and some of the most discreet scars available from breast reduction. The incision from short-scar breast reduction allows for sufficient access and removal of skin and breast tissue, which will reduce the breast to a more proportional size and create lift. Along with the short-scar technique, Dr. Zeidler reinforces the lift by using barbed sutures to hold up the breast tissue and increase fullness in the upper part of the breast.

Breast Reduction Recovery

You and your Aesthetx surgeon will work with you to create a plan for a healthy and safe recovery. You can rest assured that your surgeon will keep a close watch on your healing and will provide a wealth of information and resources to help you recover well. This procedure is completed under general anesthesia and patients go home the same day. Most women take one to two weeks off from work or school, return to their regular activities within three weeks, and can resume exercising within six weeks. After several months, the swelling will subside and you will be able to see the final soft, round shape and size of your new breasts.

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Breast Reduction FAQ

Who are good candidates for a breast reduction?

When will the results be visible?

What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?

What are the associated risks with breast reduction surgery?

Are there different breast reduction techniques?

Is breast reduction surgery painful?

How long is the recovery and downtime for breast reduction surgery?

How will the results affect my lifestyle?

Will my medical insurance cover my breast reduction costs?

Why should I choose Aesthetx to perform my breast reduction surgery?

Who are good candidates for a breast reduction?

Women whose breasts are too large for their body type are ideal candidates for a breast reduction, as are those experiencing back, neck, and shoulder pain due to heavy breasts. A widespread misunderstanding is that only women with huge breasts are good candidates for a breast reduction. Patients who are not happy with their body outline because their breasts are not in proportion to their body size often find desirable benefits with a breast reduction.

When will the results be visible?

You will notice an immediate improvement after surgery, which will continue as the after-surgery swelling subsides. Final results may take from six months to a year, but you will enjoy a new body outline after surgery.

What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?

An immediate end to neck, shoulder, and back pain is probably the most desired benefit. After recovery, a woman can maintain an active lifestyle including intense workouts or other physical activities like hiking or playing tennis. A woman will be able to fit more comfortably into all sorts of clothing after recovery. Many women enjoy the ability to wear stylish bras, tops, and dresses without the need for industrial-strength supportive bras. Many women feel a great sense of confidence with having a more balanced body.

What are the associated risks with breast reduction surgery?

Although rare, there may be some loss of breast tissue because of inadequate blood flow to the remaining tissue. This happens more frequently with women who smoke. There may be some asymmetry, and surgical scars may remain raised and dark after healing is complete. There is a low risk of losing nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed. At the time of a consultation, these risks will be addressed as they relate to each patient’s specific anatomy.

Are there different breast reduction techniques?

Yes, there is the vertical and short-scar technique, which is the preferred technique to minimize the length of the scar. This technique involves removing the heavy tissue at the bottom of the breast and keeping tissue in the top and cleavage region. Other techniques which have been used for longer periods of time involve larger scars and lead to body-shaped breasts lacking in projection (the inverted T or anchor incisions which both have long incisions under the breast that can be seen in the cleavage and the side of the chest).

Is breast reduction surgery painful?

There may be some mild to moderate pain involved with a breast reduction, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medicines or a prescription. We will consult with you on the best way to counter any discomfort.

How long is the recovery and downtime for breast reduction surgery?

Most patients can return to work with limited activity in a week to ten days; however, if your job involves strenuous activity, you may need to take a more extended recovery vacation. Exercise must be limited for the first few weeks as the incision heals and the swelling subsides.

How will the results affect my lifestyle?

You will live life without the discomfort associated with large breasts; you should become more active, and able to wear the clothes that your former figure made impossible.

Will my medical insurance cover my breast reduction costs?

If the breast reduction is a medical necessity, then many insurances will cover the procedure. If it is merely for aesthetic purposes, your health insurance will not cover the costs.

Why should I choose Aesthetx to perform my breast reduction surgery?

When it comes to optimal care with the best results, residents in Silicon Valley have become aware of the medical care and attention to detail our practice provides. We offer aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures by the finest, board-certified plastic surgeons in the Silicon Valley and Bay Area. If you are considering reducing your breast size safely, with excellent results, schedule a consultation today.

Aesthetx is renowned for extremely informative and in-depth consultations. To schedule your private consultation for a breast reduction or to learn more about the procedures, contact Aesthetx or call (408) 539-2791.

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