Breast Reduction

Is a breast reduction right for me?

If you feel that you could benefit from a more youthful and uplifted breast profile, then a mammaplasty reduction may be the right procedure for you. Breast reduction surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Good candidates:

• Are physically healthy
• Have realistic expectations
• Do not smoke
• Are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
• Have breasts that limit your physical activity
• Experience back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
• Have regular indentations from bra straps that support heavy, pendulous breasts
• Have skin irritation beneath the breast crease
• Have breasts that hang low and have stretched skin
• Have nipples that rest below the breast crease when your breasts are unsupported
• Have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin

Where are the incisions made during a mammaplasty reduction?

Your breast lift surgery can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. Dr. Vartany typically uses one of three.

• The Benelli lift – A circular pattern around the areola. The incision lines that remain are visible and permanent scars, although usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra. This technique is typically used in patients who desire a slight lift.
• The “keyhole” or “lollipop” lift – A keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. This is a very effective lift for women with low-hanging breasts.
• The “anchor” lift – An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern. This is the most invasive breast lift procedure but very effective for women with significant breast droop.

Dr. Vartany will discuss the various types of lifts and advise you during your personalized consultation what approach will be best for you and the results you wish to achieve. The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on a number of factors such as:

• Breast size and shape
• The size and position of your areolas
• The degree of breast sagging
• Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

Once Dr. Vartany makes the appropriate incision, the nipple, which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply, is then repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary.

Underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted, and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft).

The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breasts. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Absorbable sutures are used to close the skin. Incision lines are permanent but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover.

Are there additional instructions for my mammaplasty reduction recovery?

After your breast reduction procedure is complete, dressings and/or bandages will be applied to the incisions. On the day of your surgery, a medical support bra will be provided. You will need to wear this bra, morning and night, for 4-8 weeks after surgery. The bra is designed to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. If you would like to purchase additional support bras, it is important to find something that provides compression, support, and opens in the front with a zipper or Velcro. No underwire garments may be worn for 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Small, thin tubes with drains attached may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. If drains are necessary for your procedure, they will need to be emptied twice daily. A form will be provided for you to log the amount of fluid being drained from each side, both morning and night. Your drains will be removed, in the office, once the fluid output goes down. This is generally 3-5 days after surgery.

You may not shower while your drains are in place.

It is extremely important that you limit the use of your arms for 10-14 days after surgery. Do not extend your arms over your shoulder level.

You may not sleep on your stomach for 4-6 weeks after surgery.

You may not drive a vehicle until you have been permitted to do so.

Special note: While a breast lift does not usually affect breast function, if you are planning to become pregnant, discuss this with Dr. Vartany. Changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides. Likewise, plans for significant weight loss should also be discussed.

How much time should I take off of work?

You will need to allow between 10 to 14 days off from work or school for this procedure due to swelling and discomfort. You may have drains, therefore you may not shower until after the drains are removed, which is typically between 3 to 5 days post-procedure.

What are some procedures that may complement a mammaplasty reduction?

• Breast Augmentation
• Abdominoplasty
• Liposuction