Breast Reduction Surgery for WomenConveniently located to serve Fairhope and Mobile, Alabama
Large, heavy breasts can cause a number of problems including neck pain, back pain, bra strap grooving, upper extremity nerve compression, rashes, or yeast infections, as well as considerable embarrassment, especially to younger women and teenagers. Women experiencing any of these problems may be candidates for a breast reduction. A breast reduction removes excess tissue and returns the descended nipple/areola to a more normal size and position, producing more comfortable, proportional, and aesthetic breasts.
Excessively large breasts (macromastia) are often the result of increased sensitivity to estrogen and may occur due to genetics, weight gain, or endocrine disorders. Teenagers may develop macromastia with hormonal changes known as virginal hypertrophy and observation is recommended as it may improve or recur if a reduction is performed in teenagers, but if significantly traumatic to the psyche, a reduction mammoplasty can be helpful.
Ideal Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction is suitable for healthy patients 18 years old and above. It is recommended for patients who have developed pain and discomfort due to their large breasts. Ideal candidates want to have smaller breasts. Candidates have realistic expectations about the surgery.
Breast reduction surgery is perfect for patients with no significant weight change plans. Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding can consider breast reduction surgery. Candidates are willing to commit to a full recovery process for safe and excellent results.
Your Consultation
Prior to the consultation with Dr. Park or Dr. Rebowe, a recent mammogram should be obtained and weight loss should be attempted. During the consultation, measurements of the breast, nipple position, body, height, and weight help determine if a reduction is an option and what technique will be chosen. Insurance companies require these measurements, photographs, a history of problems and previous treatment, and the planned reduction volume in order to determine potential coverage. Dr. Park or Dr. Rebowe will determine if there is a possibility for insurance coverage and assist with authorization in those cases. If insurance denies or the breast characteristics do not make breast reduction medically indicated, a reduction mammoplasty can be performed with self payment.
Dr. Park or Dr. Rebowe will explain the surgical plan to you. The discussion will cover the procedure, the recovery process, the estimated cost of the surgery, and more. You will also see photos of potential results. Pre-op instructions will be given so you can prepare your body for your breast reduction surgery.
The biggest drawback to a breast reduction is scarring, although most patients are happy with the trade off. Most breasts will require an inferior pedicle wise pattern reduction which leaves scars that extend around the areola, down to the inframammary fold, and across the inframammary fold in the shape of an anchor. Certain smaller breast can be reduced without the transverse scar below the breast, using a vertical breast reduction technique either medially or superiorly based pedicle. This method often leaves some excess skin at the bottom of the breast that dissipates in time, but may require a minor excision later. Projection is often greater with this technique, but 6 – 12 weeks of settling is necessary before the final result is appreciated. The nipple is left attached to blood and nerve supply and rotated up before adjusting the skin envelope for closure. Sensation, nipple survival, and nipple function should remain normal. Patients with extremely large breasts (gigantomastia) may require a technique where the lower breast is removed and the nipple is transferred as a free graft, disrupting the sensation and functional ducts.
Photo Gallery
Before
After
* Individual results may vary.
View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Park & Rebowe Clinic for Plastic Surgery
The operation and recovery process
The operation is usually performed as an outpatient but observation overnight may be desired. Extensive markings that may be awkward or embarrassing will be completed preoperatively to minimize the surgical time. Postoperatively, the breasts will be tender and swollen for several days. A support garment that is not too tight is helpful for healing and pain control. Dressings are used to collect minor oozing. Drains are occasionally necessary. Swelling and bruising will subside over the ensuing weeks. Stitches are removed between 7 and 14 days. Physical activity should be significantly limited for two weeks and strenuous activity can resume at six weeks. A baseline mammogram should be obtained after 1 year and routine screening thereafter.
A post-surgery appointment will be scheduled so Dr. Park or Dr. Rebowe can assess your recovery status and the results of the surgery. You will be advised to contact your surgeon if certain symptoms persist longer than the estimated timeline.
The risks of breast reduction include scarring, skin loss, fat necrosis, wound problems, nipple changes, bleeding, infection, asymmetry or an unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer that would need further treatment.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
Since a breast reduction can address chronic pain and other issues, it is typically covered by health insurance. The cost of breast reduction surgery will depend on the surgical plan. The techniques used and the changes made to achieve the goals of the patient may impact the overall price of the surgery.
To find out about financing for our various plastic surgery procedures, visit our Financing Options page.
Schedule Your Consultation
For more information about breast reduction surgery in Mobile, Alabama, visit us at The Park Clinic for Plastic Surgery. We provide comprehensive consultations. Contact us today for your consultation!
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The best decisions I have ever made
This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The results have improved my whole body image and have even enhanced my marriage. The size and shape is exactly what I’d hoped for.