Breast reduction surgery can drastically improve the overall quality of life for women who struggle with the physical and emotional concerns associated with overly large or heavy breasts. Our Greensboro plastic surgeon, Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis, has extensive experience customizing reduction procedures to help her patients enhance their confidence and achieve a more proportionate figure.
What Is Involved in Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as “reduction mammoplasty,” is performed on women with overly large breasts to ease their discomfort and synchronize their breast size to match the rest of their body.
The process involves removing not only excess fat from the breasts, but excess skin and other tissues as well. Breasts that are overly large can hinder a woman’s ability to be active, including participation in exercise, sports, and various other physical activities.
In some cases, the strain to the body is so great it can cause pain and discomfort in the back, neck, and shoulders. Breast reduction can, in many cases, offer much-needed relief from constant pain.
Symptoms of Overly Large Breasts
Medically known as “macromastia,” excessively large breasts can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms that often create difficulty in day-to-day life, including:
- Chronic pain in the upper back, shoulders, and neck
- Bra strap “grooving,” in which bra straps dig into the shoulders
- Skin rashes, irritation, and inflammation
- Difficulty or discomfort exercising
- Strained or labored breathing
- Poor posture
- Self-consciousness due to unwanted attention
- Inability to find well-fitting clothing
Beyond physical discomfort, overly large breasts can significantly impact daily activities and emotional well-being. Many women report unwanted attention, difficulty finding supportive bras, and challenges with finding attire. These ongoing frustrations can affect confidence, body image, and even mental health. For many patients, breast reduction surgery is not solely a cosmetic consideration, but a functional solution aimed at improving comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.
What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?
Women who elect to have breast reduction surgery are typically very happy with their decision and thrilled with their results. Breast reduction surgery receives higher levels of satisfaction rates than all the other cosmetic surgeries performed in this country. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Boosted self-confidence and improved body image
- Clothes are more comfortable and fit better
- Breasts are lifted, firmer, and in proper proportion to the rest of the body
- Relief of pain and discomfort from heavy breasts
- Ability to be more active
In addition to the functional benefits of a breast reduction, many women also enjoy the aesthetic improvements, which are similar to that of a breast lift. By removing excess tissues, the breasts are lifted higher on the chest, giving them a more youthful perkiness. In cases where the breasts have become stretched or uncomfortable after pregnancy or breastfeeding, a breast reduction can also be incorporated into a comprehensive mommy makeover.
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After Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
If you’re a healthy adult woman who is bothered by the size of your breasts, suffer pain, or must limit your activities due to their size, chances are you’re a good candidate for breast reduction. Dr. Contogiannis can further evaluate your candidacy on an individual basis during a consultation.
“I had breast reduction surgery with Dr. C at Moses Cones Surgery Center due to having back and neck issues for years. I had a pleasant experience. Dr. C was exceptional. Everyone was kind and caring.”
How Does Breast Reduction Work?
For breast reduction surgery, general anesthesia is administered, so you’re asleep throughout the procedure. After the excess skin, fat, and breast tissue is removed, Dr. Contogiannis reshapes the breasts (also using liposuction if necessary) to shape the breast contours.
Dr. Contogiannis uses surgical techniques specifically designed to preserve the sensitivity of the breast and nipple area as much as possible. She may also be able to shorten or eliminate the long horizontal scar traditionally left after breast reduction surgery.
What Can I Expect During Recovery Following Breast Reduction?
Following breast reduction surgery, you’ll be required to wear a post-op light support bra. Any pain during the healing process can be controlled with prescribed medications. You may experience breast tenderness and swelling during your next menstrual cycle, and occasional pain for a few months. You may need to wear a surgical bra for several weeks after the surgery. You will have noticeable scars, but they’ll soften and fade over time, usually within 6 to 12 months.
Dr. Contogiannis will give you post-op instructions specific to your case, and for best results, you should read them and follow them closely in order to achieve the best results and the speediest recovery.
How Long Do Breast Reduction Results Last?
Breast reduction surgery is widely regarded as a long-lasting and often permanent solution for individuals struggling with the symptoms of overly large breasts. Once excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed, the breasts are reshaped to a smaller, more proportionate size that better aligns with a patient’s body frame. For most women, the physical relief — such as reduced back, neck, and shoulder pain — can be felt soon after recovery and remains stable for many years. The improvements in posture, mobility, and ability to exercise comfortably are typically long term.
However, while breast reduction results are enduring, they are not entirely immune to life changes. Significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the natural aging process can affect breast size and shape over time. Gravity and skin elasticity may cause some degree of sagging years after surgery, although the breasts generally remain smaller than they would have been without the procedure. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve your results. Overall, most patients find that breast reduction provides lasting physical and emotional benefits, making it one of the most satisfying procedures in aesthetic surgery.
Will I Have Breast Reduction Scars?
Breast reduction surgery, while highly effective in relieving discomfort and enhancing body proportions, does involve some scarring. The extent and visibility of scars depend on the technique used and individual healing factors. Most commonly, incisions are made around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the crease. Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable, often taking 6 to 12 months to mature.
To minimize scarring, Dr. Contogiannis uses precise techniques, and post-operative care is crucial. Patients are advised to avoid sun exposure, use silicone sheets or gels, and follow their surgeon’s recommendations. While some scarring is inevitable, many patients find the relief from pain and the aesthetic improvement well worth the trade-off. With proper care, scars can become a minor aspect of the overall outcome.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?
Since there are always a number of contributing factors that must be considered, breast reduction cost tends to vary between patients. Dr. Contogiannis will thoroughly discuss your specific case during your initial consultation and be able to give you an accurate amount at that time.
Insurance companies rarely cover the cost of purely cosmetic surgeries, but they may provide some or all of the cost when the surgery is needed for functional or health reasons. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to find out which surgeries they will or will not cover.
At The Renaissance Center for Plastic Surgery & Wellness, we try to keep our procedures affordable for all of our clients. We’re pleased to offer our clients the option of financing their procedure using Alphaeon® or CareCredit®.
Contact our office to set up a personalized consultation to see if breast reduction may help you achieve your aesthetic goals. The Renaissance Center for Plastic Surgery & Wellness is pleased to offer our services to residents in Greensboro, NC, including Winston-Salem, Burlington, High Point, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
