Breast Reduction
What is a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is a procedure designed to reduce the size of the breast. A breast lift is usually performed as well to improve the breast shape. Breast reduction is often done for functional reasons to reduce back and neck pain, shoulder grooving, improve the ability to exercise, make bras easier to shop for, and greatly improve self-esteem.
How is a Breast Reduction Done?
Breast reduction typically involves removing breast tissue (both the fat and the gland), along with the excess skin to make the breast smaller. The nipple-areola complex is also usually repositioned to the appropriate area to create a pleasing breast appearance. The “key sutures” for breast support are placed internally, and the skin incisions are carefully closed with minimal tension to reduce the scar appearance. The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, but can be done under sedation in some circumstances.
Liposuction may also be used for smaller breast reductions without excess skin, or to shape the side of the breasts and chest when also performing a “traditional” breast reduction.
Who is a Good Candidate?
A good candidate for a breast reduction is somebody who is overall in good health and desires smaller breasts, either for functional or cosmetic reasons. Ideally, you would want to wait until you are done having children before breast reduction, as the breasts can change significantly with pregnancy. However, many women choose to get breast reduction before pregnancy and know that a revision may be necessary at some point. Please note that following breast reduction there is a significantly increased likelihood that patients will not be able to breastfeed, so if breastfeeding is important to you, it is not recommended to do this surgery if you are planning a pregnancy.
What is the Recovery For a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction recovery is pretty straightforward. You’ll be a bit sore for a few days (like you did a lot of pushups), but you’re otherwise functioning and feeling fine. You’ll get pain medication to help with the discomfort, but surprisingly many patients don’t even take them! Many patients get immediate relief of their back and neck pain and are actually in LESS pain right after surgery. Most patients are out to dinner the following day, and driving after several days. You can shower the next day, but no soaking in water, heavy lifting, or strenuous activity for 1 month. For postoperative garments, you’ll be given a special surgical bra to wear afterwards to keep the breasts in the proper position while the scars heal.
What About Finding Breast Cancer?
Depending on your age and family history of breast cancer, your surgeon may require you to be up-to-date on your mammograms before doing your breast reduction surgery. Many surgeons will also routinely send breast tissue to pathology to have it examined under a microscope. The chances of finding breast cancer during your surgery are rare, but if it IS found, it may be a blessing in disguise (it was likely discovered much earlier than it otherwise would have been, which is always a good thing).
Who is the Best Breast Reduction Surgeon in Chicago?
There is no “best” surgeon for any procedure. But, there are some qualifications and credentials that improve the chance that you will achieve your desired result safely. Make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Make sure they operate in a fully accredited facility. If the procedure is not being done in a hospital, make sure they have privileges at a local hospital to do the procedure you are getting done. Make sure they have completed an accredited residency or fellowship program, or have received specialized training in the procedure you want. Read their reviews to get a sense of what other patients have experienced. Check out their before/after pictures to get a sense of their technical and artistic style, and see if they operate on patients that appear similar to you.
And most importantly, schedule a consultation with that doctor to see if they are a good “fit” for you. Every doctor has his or her own personality and approach to patient care, so you will want to see if you like that particular approach. Do they inspire confidence and trust? Are they calming and reassuring? Do they take the time to answer your questions? Do they discuss alternative approaches and say why those approaches may or may not work? Do they seem like they will continue to care for you after the procedure?
There is no “best breast reduction surgeon”, but there is a “best” surgeon for you. You just may need to consult with several to find the right one. Hopefully Dr. Krochmal is on your list of Chicago and Hinsdale plastic surgeons to see. We’re happy to help shape your future!