Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world, and its numbers increase every year. So, why would any woman opt to have a breast reduction?
Overly large breasts can be painful physically, but also mentally. Beyond the physical discomfort, overly large breasts can make a woman so self-conscious about her figure that she shuns social interaction.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery (Mammoplasty)?
Breast reduction surgery is formally known as reduction mammoplasty. The surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to reduce the overall size of the breasts and to bring them up to a higher profile. For women with hypermastia, the clinical name for overly large breasts, reduction surgery is the only option to improve their day-to-day lives.
Breast Reduction Procedure
The incisions involved in breast reduction mirror those in a breast lift, since the goals of the two procedures are very similar. The incision is an anchor style and uniformly follows a distinct shape and predictably good healing. Dr. Ferraro uses scar creams to enhance good healing. Also, like a breast lift, the nipples and areolae usually are repositioned to a higher location. If desired, the areolae can also be decreased in size.
Breast Reduction Recovery
After surgery, patients will need to wear a support bra to reduce swelling and aid healing. The goal is to keep the stress on the incisions to a minimum. Most patients can return to work in one week, but any strenuous exercise or lifting needs to be curtailed for a month and a half. Dr. Ferraro will discuss all the risks and benefits of the procedure at the time of your consultation.
What Our Patients Have To Say
"Dr. Ferraro was amazing! From the start of my process it was all about what I wanted and what I wanted to look like. I received a breast reduction and lift in October 2020 and I am healing so well with little no issues at all. My breast look amazing and I would recommend Dr. Ferraro to my closest friends and family."
"I am a 38 year old mother of 2. I went to Dr Ferraro after I had begun going to neurologist for neck and head pain. At that point I thought it best for me to consider a breast reduction. When I went to Dr Ferraros office I was 34 DDD. After a few appointments and his amazing staff authorizing my insurance I was able to get my surgical procedure done. I am currently 3 weeks post op. A 34 C/D and I cannot express the gratitude that I have for not only resolving my neck and back issues but other areas of my life that I now know to keep a closer eye on. I can move around freely, comfortably and I’m not even 100% healed. I’m looking forward to being able to begin my regular routine of my daily life so much more now without the concern that I’m going to be in pain throughout the course of the day. This has been a life altering experience and so happy I chose to do it with Dr Ferraro."
Breast Reduction FAQs
Would A Breast Reduction Be A Good Procedure For Me?
Overly large breasts can be a continual nuisance for the attention they generate, but they can also lead to health problems. These are common health issues that lead to seeking breast reduction surgery:
- Spine problems
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Tingling hands
- Balance problems
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
Women with hypermastia often avoid sports and most types of exercise because their breasts are a hindrance to participation. They can also affect both social and professional environments.
Dr. Ferraro not only performs breast reduction, but he also combines it with a basic breast lift, bringing the breasts back up to a higher position, while usually repositioning the nipples and areolae.
What Conditions Can Be Improved With A Breast Reduction?
Large natural breasts, simply because of their weight, can cause various problems, most of them related to dealing with that weight. Women with overly large natural breasts routinely suffer from back and neck pain. This can also lead to nerve compression issues where the nerves exit the spine, particularly in the cervical spine. This can lead to tingling in the hands and serious pain. Some cases lead to migraine headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. Even maintaining correct posture is difficult. All of these problems are related to the body trying to compensate for the weight being carried on the upper chest, and all of these will improve when that weight is decreased.
Those are physical issues directly related to having overly large breasts, but psychological issues can be just as daunting. Women can recoil from the endless attention generated by their large breasts, choosing instead to avoid certain social situations. The same can be true of avoiding participating in various sports, exercises, or activities. After this surgery, many women have a new sense of self, without the self-consciousness that they continually felt before their procedure.
Are Breast Reduction Results Permanent?
A breast reduction delivers permanent downsizing of your breasts. Your breasts can become somewhat larger with weight gain, but this gain will go away when the weight is lost.
Can A Breast Lift Be Performed With A Breast Reduction?
There is some misunderstanding here because a breast lift is technically part of the breast reduction procedure. The two procedures have very similar goals — to return the breasts to a higher position on the chest and to eliminate sagging. A breast reduction will lift the breast and will likely remove glandular tissue in addition to excess skin, and this will likely not happen with just a breast lift. Otherwise, the two procedures are very similar, even down to the incision options.
Will I Have Scars After My Breast Reduction?
You will definitely have scarring from the incisions necessary to remove excess skin and tissue. These scars will lighten with time, but they will remain.
What Are The Risks Associated With Breast Reduction Surgery?
This is major surgery with Dr. Ferraro, so all of the risks involved with surgery apply to reduction: infection, excessive bleeding, poor healing, and the like. The main risk specific to this surgery is loss of nipple sensation or overall changes in breast sensation. This is because the nerves can be impacted by the relatively extensive changes in the breasts. Also, the ability to breastfeed can be impacted by this surgery.
When Will I Be Able To See My Breast Reduction Results?
You will notice an immediate change, both in the visible size of your breasts, but also in the dramatically decreased weight burden. Your breasts will appear younger, occupying a higher position on your chest. The sagging and flattened appearance will be gone. Of course, there will be swelling and bruising, but this will pass within usually two weeks or so. You will be wearing a surgical bra and then a support bra to keep any stress off of your incisions, but you’ll notice your new, smaller, firmer breasts immediately and your results will continue to improve as you heal.
Am I Going To Have Drains For A Breast Reduction?
Dr. Ferraro uses drains for this procedure; they will come out at two to three days.
Do I Need To Rest After Breast Reduction Surgery?
We ask you to consider 2-3 days of limited activity.
When Can I Drive After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Most patients can drive one or two days after a breast reduction.
Breast Reduction Cost
Dr. Ferraro and his team will contact your insurance carrier to see if your procedure is covered. Dr. Ferraro is an out of network provider. Of all the breast reduction procedures done by our office, over 90% are covered by insurance. All patients must meet their deductible and you will be told prior to surgery what the amount is. The cost of breast reduction is generally $9,900, but please note that costs can vary. To learn more about the costs of a breast reduction procedure, contact our Paramus, New Jersey practice, where Dr. Ferraro and his expert staff today are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Breast Reduction Before & After
Testimonials
Disclaimer: Results and patient experience may vary
Schedule A Breast Reduction Consultation
To learn more about our Breast Reduction procedures, call our office today at 201-664-8000  to schedule a consultation. Plastic Surgery Specialists of New Jersey is proud to serve Paramus, NJ and the surrounding areas.