Breast Reduction in the Chicago Metro Area– Get a Breast Size and Shape in Proportion to Your Body

Are you bothered by your oversized breasts that negatively affect your self-esteem and normal lifestyle? If yes, a breast reduction could be what you need. Clinically known as reduction mammaplasty is a cosmetic procedure which surgically removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin. All these conditions which add up to overly large breasts can be surgically corrected to create breast size and shape in proportion to your body size. Reduction mammaplasty is commonly performed on women but can also be performed on men with gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition in which one or both male breasts abnormally grow in size. A reduction mammaplasty should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure that you achieve your aesthetic goals and to guarantee your safety during and after surgery. Dr. Bloch is a board-certified plastic surgeon from the Chicago metro area with over 30 years experience in plastic surgery. You can book a consultation at Body by Bloch online or call us at 847-432-0840.

What to think about

Keep in mind that breast reduction may make breast-feeding difficult or impossible in the future. Some women may still be able to breast-feed after having reduction surgery.

If you are thinking about having a breast reduction, contact your insurancecompany. Some insurance companies cover some or all of the costs of breast reduction surgery if surgery is being done to relieve back pain, skin problems, or other medical problems caused by large or heavy breasts. They typically will not cover breast reduction surgery being done solely to change the appearance of the breasts, because it is not considered a medically necessary procedure when done for this reason.

What is the procedure for breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery is performed in a hospital or in a licensed outpatient facility. The procedure takes about 2 to 5 hours or longer. You may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days under the careful watch of skilled nurses. The first step in reduction mammaplasty is admission of anesthesia. After the anesthesia puts you to sleep, Dr. Bloch will go ahead and make a key-hole shaped incision around your nipple and down toward your breast crease. Through the incision, excess skin, tissue and fat are removed. The nipple is then repositioned higher on the chest wall. Drainage tubes will then be placed beneath your breast skin to remove any accumulating fluids. Breasts are then dressed with firm gauze and a surgical bra. Next, the nurses will take you to the recovery room where you will rest as anesthesia wears off.

The risks of breast reduction and breast reduction complications include:

• • Unfavorable scarring
  • Infection
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding (hematoma)
  • Blood clots
  • Poor wound healing
  • Breast contour and shape irregularities
  • Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
  • Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
  • Breast asymmetry
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Excessive firmness of the breast
  • Potential inability to breastfeed
  • Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other
  • Potential, partial or total loss of nipple and areola
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Pain, which may persist
  • Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injectable agents
  • Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
  • Possibility of revisional surgery

What results can I expect with breast reduction?

When you wake up, you will likely experience breast pain which is normal but can be managed with pain medication which will be provided by your surgeon. Antibiotics will aslo be prescribed to control the risk of infection. You need help at home but you can resume work after 10 days. Other post-operative instructions issued by Dr. Bloch include:

• Abstaining from strenuous activities for the next 6 to 8 weeks
• Wearing surgical bra for the next 6 weeks or more to support the new breast contour
• Observing return visits for evaluation and for removal of stitches, drains and dressings within the first week

Your incision scars will fade after a few months but will not disappear permanently. The scars will however be hidden in clothes. Your new breast contour will refine after about 3 months or more. Aging, pregnancy or changes in body weight may however compromise the results of your new breast contour if you are a woman.

Filed under: breast reduction, reduction mammaplasty