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Breast Reduction Raleigh

Women who have overly large breasts can experience a variety of medical, social, and psychological issues caused by the size of their breasts. At Specialists in Plastic Surgery, we help patients from all over the area including Cary, Wake Forest, Durham, Knightdale, Clayton, Fuquay Varina, Apex and Holly Springs.

Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) can help correct many issues experienced with having larger breasts by reducing the size and weight of the breasts. This is accomplished by removing fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. Additionally, the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) can be reduced.

After your breast reduction, you will feel more confident and comfortable with your appearance, and Raleigh’s Specialists in Plastic Surgery is excited to give you the look and feel you’ve always wanted.

Why Should I Choose Specialists in Plastic Surgery for My Breast Reduction?

We are known throughout North Carolina for offering high quality results and dedicated care to our patients. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have over 75 years of combined experience in cosmetic plastic surgery and are often referred to by other doctors and physicians in the Raleigh area. We are the physicians’ physician!

Breast Reduction Patient 1
Before
After
Breast Reduction Patient 2
Before
After

Before & After Photo Gallery

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Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for Me?

Breast reduction reduces the size of overly large breasts to give women a more balanced and natural physique.

Many women with overly large breasts experience back and neck pain from the weight of the breasts, skin irritation, and even skeletal deformities.

Along with these issues, overly large breasts can cause women to feel self-conscious about their appearance, especially as they tend to garner unwanted attention from others.

Having overly large breasts can keep clothes from fitting properly and deter women from participating in certain activities, such as sports, as their breasts constantly get in the way.

If you experience any difficulties from the overly large size of your breasts (whether physical, social, emotional, or psychological), then breast reduction surgery may be right for you. If you think you may be a candidate for breast reduction, schedule your breast reduction consultation today.

Ideal candidates are non-smoking women who are in good general health with fully developed breasts. Having realistic expectations for their results is also helpful.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?

Women who undergo breast reduction surgery most often have improved confidence in their appearance. They feel less pain in their back and neck, their clothes fit better, they are able to enjoy some of their favorite activities, and they have an improved and more balanced physical aesthetic.

If you would like to learn more about breast reduction surgery and how it can benefit you, contact Raleigh’s Specialists in Plastic Surgery.

How Should I Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Your plastic surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before your surgery.

You’ll also receive specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

If you smoke (which includes vaping and all other nicotine and marijuana use), it is important that you quit at least six weeks before your procedure and do not resume smoking until at least six weeks after, as smoking can cause many complications during and after your breast reduction surgery.

While you’re making preparations for your procedure, make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

Your consultation is one of the most important aspects of your breast reduction. During your consultation:

  • You will be able to discuss your breast concerns and goals for your procedure as well as ask any questions that you might have.
  • Your plastic surgeon will examine and measure your breasts to develop a plan for your surgery.
  • Photos are usually taken before and after.
  • Your surgeon will also discuss the variables that may affect the procedure, such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin.
  • You will also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned, as they can be moved higher during the procedure.

How Is Breast Reduction Performed?

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the entire operation.

Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast (the inframammary fold).

The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and may move the nipple and areola into its new position. Your plastic surgeon will then bring the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.

In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue and may affect breastfeeding in the future.)

Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used to eliminate the vertical part of the scar.

Can I Combine Breast Reduction With Other Procedures?

While breast reduction surgery reduces the size, weight, and volume of your breasts, it does not completely correct sagging and pendulous breasts. If you’d like to combine procedures, you can discuss this with your plastic surgeon during the consultation.

We do not advise undergoing surgical and non-surgical procedures simultaneously. If you are looking for both, your treatments will be scheduled separately.

After Your Breast Reduction

What Is Recovery Like for Breast Reduction?

Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid strenuous activity, including lifting or pushing anything heavy, for four to six weeks.

Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work (if it’s not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks. However, you will have much less stamina than normal for several weeks. Because of this, you should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, slow walks, and swimming until your energy level returns. You’ll also need a good sports bra for support.

You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell, and to avoid anything but gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks.

A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some crusting, is normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, please call your doctor.

What Risks Are Associated With Breast Reduction?

All surgeries carry the risk of complications. Possible complications from breast reduction include discomfort, bruising, infection, asymmetry, and changes in skin sensitivity.

We’ll review breast reduction risks and safety information during your consultation.

When Will I See My Breast Reduction Results?

You will see some improvement immediately after your procedure; however, you will have swelling and bruising in the area, and your breasts will be covered in bandages. Over time, as the swelling subsides and your breasts settle into their final position, you will see improved results.

It can take six to eight months to see your final results.

Have More Questions About Breast Reduction?

Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation in Raleigh, NC

If you’re ready to learn more about breast reduction surgery or have questions about any of the other procedures we offer, please contact our office in Raleigh to schedule a consultation. Call us today at 919-785-0505

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