Breast Reduction

Although having large breasts seems appealing to many women, it can also have its downsides.

Woman in a purple bodysuit laying in bed

Relief through Breast Reduction

For example, large breasts are significantly heavier than small breasts, which can put quite a bit of extra strain on the neck and back, resulting in chronic pain and other problems. In some cases, women whose breasts are disproportionately large may also feel self-conscious about their appearance. If you feel that your physical and/or mental health would be improved by your breasts being smaller, you might want to consider breast reduction.

What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure performed to decrease the size of the breasts. The surgery is frequently performed on women with disproportionately large breasts that are causing back, neck, and/or shoulder pain. Breast reduction surgery is often performed for purely cosmetic reasons as well.

How Is Breast Reduction Performed?

Typically, breast reduction surgery is performed by removing excess fat, skin, and other tissues from the breasts. For most patients, the positions of the nipples are also adjusted during the procedure to better suit the new size and shape of the breasts. That said, the specifics of breast reduction surgery will always depend on the needs and aesthetic preferences of the patient.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

For individuals who would like smaller breasts, breast reduction surgery can provide some or all of the following benefits:

Reduces the size of disproportionately large breasts
Alleviates back, neck, and/or shoulder pain caused by large breasts
Increases self-esteem
Create a more proportionate figure
Expands wardrobe options
Allows better fitting clothes.
Offers permanent results
Improves mobility and athletic performance

Schedule A Consultation

Your Breast Reduction Consultation

The first step of your breast reduction procedure will be to have a consultation with Dr. Landford. This meeting will give you the chance to learn more about the surgery, ask the doctor any questions you have, and make sure that breast reduction is right for you. If you’re a good candidate, Dr. Landford will work with you to put together a custom-tailored treatment plan for your breast reduction procedure. She’ll also give you instructions to prepare for the surgery.

What Should I Expect During the Surgery?

Usually, breast reduction is performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia, which will render you temporarily unconscious during the surgery. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Landford will start by making incisions that go around the nipples and down the center of each breast. She will then carefully remove and adjust excess skin, fat, and other tissues to create your desired breast size. The doctor will also relocate the nipples to ensure that they’re properly positioned. Finally, she will close the incisions with sutures before applying bandages and, potentially, drainage tubes.

In total, breast reduction surgery typically takes between two and four hours to complete. You’ll be able to leave the facility after a couple of hours of monitoring, but you’ll need someone else to drive you home.

How Long Is the Recovery Time?

For the first week after your breast reduction surgery, you’ll need to rest frequently, and you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. You should start taking light walks as soon as you feel up to it, but you’ll need to wait one to two weeks before returning to work and resuming your normal routine. You will also need to wait at least four to six weeks before you partake in any strenuous physical activity. Dr. Landford may have you wear a special surgical support bra for several weeks after your procedure as well.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Adults who would like to reduce the size of their breasts could be good candidates for breast reduction. Ideal candidates for the surgery should:

Have fully developed breasts
Be in generally good physical health
Have the desire to reduce the size of their breasts for aesthetic reasons or to improve their comfort and/or physical health
Have realistic expectations for the procedure
Not be currently pregnant or nursing
Be a non-smoker

Why Choose CCFPS for Your Breast Reduction?

You deserve the very best experience and results when it comes to your breast reduction surgery, and that’s exactly what you’ll receive at Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery. Under the expert care of Dr. Wilmina Landford, a Johns Hopkins-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon, you’ll be provided with a personalized treatment plan and top-notch care. We’ll take the time to understand your needs, make you as comfortable as possible, and provide you with the life-changing results that you deserve. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, simply contact us today.