Breast Reduction in Philadelphia
Introduction to Breast Reduction
Reduce & Restore!
Heavy breasts can lead to physical discomfort, medical problems, and self-image issues. Women seek to have a Breast Reduction, or mammoplasty, for many different reasons. This procedure will help lift and reduce the size of a woman’s breasts restoring shape and contour to a woman’s breast and often alleviating stress on both the back and the neck caused by large breasts.
Besides the physical strains that large breasts may place on a woman’s body, social and emotional stressors may also be a factor that leads a woman to choose a reduction procedure. Many patients complain of having a hard time finding t-shirts to fit their breast size, and often feel uncomfortable in tight clothing or swimwear. Vigorous exercise, such as running or aerobics, can be difficult and may cause additional discomfort.
What is Breast Reduction?
Let’s start with the basics
The technical name is reduction mammaplasty, but it’s commonly referred to as breast reduction. This surgical procedure is designed to make large breasts more proportionate for the individual patient. The invasive technique can reduce heavy, sagging breast tissue, reshape pendulous breasts, and raise tissue to a healthy placement on the chest.
Patients opting for surgical reduction of the breasts may have only natural breast tissue or implants from a previous Breast Augmentation. Women who opt for a reduction are noted as the most satisfied cosmetic surgery patients.
What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?
As one of the top breast reduction practices in Philadelphia, Dr. Lohner has extensive experience in treating patients who would like to reduce the size of their breasts. We’ve included some of the advantages we’ve seen first-hand in our patients
- Many patients find they gain self-confidence
- Patients gain comfort in their back and shoulders
- Patients are able to fit better in the clothes they desire to wear
Gallery
Results speak for
themselves.
Who are the Best Candidates for Breast Reduction?
Women of any age, unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts, may make an excellent candidate. Patients with heavy, sagging, and pendulous breasts can find exceptional benefits from the surgical procedure.
Women considering Breast Augmentation should be in generally good overall health. As with all cosmetic procedures, patients must have realistic surgical expectations. During the consultation appointment with Dr. Lohner, it will be determined if this is the correct procedure for the individual situation.
*Men suffering from enlarged breast tissue, or Gynecomastia, can also make a very good candidate for this procedure. During the procedure, Dr. Lohner will sculpt and reshape the breast to a tight, flat, masculine appearance. Before scheduling the surgery, the cause of Gynecomastia should be determined, to rule out serious health conditions.
What’s the First Step?
Patients should begin the process with online research. Understand the reasons women choose this procedure, the benefits of the procedure, techniques for surgery, and the recovery period. If the procedure still sounds like a good idea, contact Lohner Plastic Surgery for a consultation appointment.
At the initial consultation appointment, Dr. Lohner will review the patient’s medical history, perform a brief physical examination, discuss surgical desires, and explain the surgical techniques available. He will use computer imagery to assist in the visualization of results, as well as share Before/After photos of past patients. If this is determined to be the best procedure for the situation, a unique surgical plan will be created.
What are the Reasons women with large breasts may seek Reduction?
- Back or shoulder pain
- Painful bra-strap indentions
- Discomfort during exercise or physical activity
- Inability to find appropriately fitting clothing
- Avoidance of social activities due to embarrassment
- breast lift
What to Expect on the Day of Breast Reduction Surgery?
The exact technique for this procedure will depend on each individual patient’s corrective needs. Generally, surgery will take two to three hours, performed as an outpatient procedure, under general anesthesia. Dr. Lohner will begin by making a thin incision around the areola, vertically down the mid-breast, and horizontally across the breast crease.
Once the incisions have been made, Dr. Lohner will excise the excess fatty and glandular tissue. He will reposition the areola and nipple proportionate to an appropriate height. Normally, the blood supply, nerves, and milk ducts will remain intact with the nipple, allowing women the option of breastfeeding in the future. Once the tissues have been sculpted to the desired shape and size, Dr. Lohner will suture the incisions for proper healing.
Some procedures may require different techniques or additional steps. Dr. Lohner can resize and reshape the nipple and areola, as needed. A woman’s individual physical characteristics may allow for the horizontal incision, across the breast crease, to be greatly reduced or even eliminated.
Liposuction may be used during the surgery to remove excess fatty tissue from underneath the arm and sculpt breast contours. At times, although less often, Liposuction alone can be used to reduce the size of the breasts. During the consultation appointment, Dr. Lohner will explain all the surgical choices available.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Patients should expect the breast reduction recovery period to last between one and two weeks. Initially, mild to moderate pain may occur, but Dr. Lohner will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to keep patients resting comfortably at home. Swelling is not uncommon; patients will need to wear a special compression garment or surgical bra after surgery to keep this to a minimum. Dr. Lohner may use sutures and drain tubes, both of which will be removed in about a week. Some bruising will be noticeable, as well as temporary numbness around the nipple. These will resolve over the first several postoperative weeks.
Patients generally feel well enough to return to work or school, after a Breast Reduction, in ten days or less. Strenuous activities and vigorous exercise must be postponed for four to six weeks.
Visual scarring will occur after a mammoplasty, although they will be well concealed under clothing and swimwear. Scars will run around the areola, vertically down the center of the breast, and horizontally along the breast crease. Over time, these will fade, although they will always remain visible. Normally, women are extremely pleased with the results from their surgery and relieved to have their breasts down to a proportionate size, making the resulting scars inconsequential.
How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Once the consultation appointment with Dr. Lohner has been completed, and surgery has been scheduled, it is time for preparation to being. To ensure a satisfactory surgical result, with a smooth recovery period, women should remember the following key points:
Always ask questions
Whatever questions or concerns arise contact the office immediately; never wait until the day of surgery to get clarification.
Pick up all medications
Prescriptions should be filled out before the day of surgery. The pain medications, antibiotics, and other prescriptions will need to be taken exactly as ordered. Also, pick up other over-the-counter products such as ibuprofen or allergy medications, to have on hand.
Centralize important phone numbers
Have all emergency contact information, and insurance information, together in an easy-to-find location. If an emergency arises, you or someone you know can easily reach out for assistance.
Make transportation arrangements.
Patients need a ride home from the surgical center. Arrange for this, and transportation to follow-up appointments, ahead of time for a stress-free recovery.
Schedule all follow-up appointments
Follow-up appointments are vital for proper healing and satisfactory results. Put these on your calendar before your surgery, and know others may pop up. Never skip out on a post-surgical check-up with Dr. Lohner.
Breast Reduction Potential Risks
A mammoplasty is considered a safe procedure, with few risks involved. As it is an invasive surgery, there is always a small chance for complications. These can include infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, and loss of sensation in the nipple area. When patients choose to work with a Board Certified cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Lohner, they reduce their chance of complications even further.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in Philadelphia?
The cost of breast reduction in Philadelphia will vary. Dr. Lohner tailors all procedures to each patient’s specific needs, so the best way to get the most accurate cost will be to schedule a consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Lohner will be able to answer all questions and provide a full breakdown of the associated costs.
Schedule Your Consultation
Our Philadelphia breast reduction patients gain self-confidence and comfort with our procedure. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today! We look forward to helping you find the best version of yourself!