Breast Reduction
Dr. Cassie Hartline is a board-eligible plastic surgeon dedicated to enhancing the lives of her patients in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas, through her surgical expertise in a comprehensive range of breast procedures, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves. Among the many transformative procedures she offers, breast reduction surgery stands out as a solution to help patients achieve a more comfortable, balanced, and confident life.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at
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Breast Reduction
ASPS
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reducing the size
and weight of excessively large breasts. During this specialized procedure, Dr. Hartline employs precise techniques to reduce breast size, reshape breast contours, and alleviate the physical strain associated with excessively large breasts while creating a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance of the breasts. This procedure can also address issues such as self-consciousness, discomfort, pain, and limitations on physical activity associated with overly large breasts.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
This plastic surgery procedure offers a range of physical and emotional benefits, including:
- Relief from chronic back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Improved posture and physical comfort
- Enhanced ability to engage in physical activities and exercise
- Reduction in skin irritation and rashes under the breasts
- Enhanced self-esteem and body confidence
- Improved overall quality of life
What to Expect From Breast Reduction Surgery
Dr. Hartline understands that your journey to a more comfortable and confident you starts with your very first consultation and extends throughout your recovery. While each patient’s experience may vary, this is a general overview of what you can expect from breast reduction surgery:
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
Your path to breast reduction begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Hartline. During this comprehensive appointment, she will take the time to understand your goals, concerns, and medical history. She will also perform a thorough examination to determine if you are an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery. During this initial appointment, Dr. Hartline will also provide you with detailed instructions to follow leading up to the surgery, including the cessation of smoking or nicotine product usage.
Your Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia in Dr. Hartline’s state-of-the-art surgery center. Dr. Hartline will customize your treatment plan to address your specific needs and goals. The procedure generally involves making carefully placed incisions, removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and breast tissue, reshaping the breasts, and
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Breast reduction
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repositioning the areola
and nipples to achieve a natural and balanced appearance.
Breast reduction incisions are strategically chosen to achieve optimal results while minimizing visible scarring. These incisions typically vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and Dr. Hartline’s expert recommendation. The most common incision patterns for breast reduction include the
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Incisions made for breast reduction surgery
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anchor-shaped incision
, which encompasses the areola’s perimeter, extends vertically down to the breast crease, and continues horizontally along the crease. Another option is the keyhole or lollipop incision, which encircles the areola and extends vertically downward. The choice of incision pattern may also depend on factors like the size of the areola and the degree of breast tissue reduction needed to achieve the desired breast size and shape. Dr. Hartline will discuss the most suitable incision approach for your specific case during your consultation, ensuring the best possible outcome with minimal scarring.
Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
During the recovery period following breast reduction surgery, you can expect a gradual and transformative healing process. In the initial days after the procedure, some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common, but these effects typically subside over time. Dr. Hartline often utilizes Exparel, a long-lasting opioid-free injectable, to manage postoperative pain and facilitate a faster and more comfortable recovery. You should plan on wearing special surgical bras or compression garments for a period of time to reduce swelling and provide support to your newly contoured breasts. It’s essential to follow Dr. Hartline’s postoperative care instructions diligently and attend all follow-up appointments. It’s also important to avoid engaging in any strenuous activities or exercise for the recommended duration, typically spanning four to six weeks after breast reduction. Every patient’s recovery experience is unique, but with patience and proper care, the results of breast reduction surgery can be both physically and emotionally rewarding. Dr. Hartline’s approach to breast reduction surgery is “drainless,” meaning that she employs advanced techniques and methods that typically eliminate the need for postoperative drains, allowing for a more comfortable and streamlined recovery experience for her patients.
Schedule A Consultation For Breast Reduction
If you struggle with the discomfort and constraints of oversized breasts, breast reduction surgery may be your path to a more comfortable, confident, and fulfilling life. Discover the transformational benefits of breast reduction and take the first step towards a healthier and happier you. Contact Dr. Hartline in Houston and The Woodlands, TX, today to schedule your consultation for breast reduction surgery.
FAQs About Breast Reduction Surgery
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are individuals in good health who experience
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Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
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physical discomfort
or emotional distress due to disproportionately large breasts.
How long will I need to take time off work after breast reduction surgery?
The duration of time off work varies based on your job’s physical demands and your individual treatment plan. In general, you should plan for a minimum of one week off, but additional time may be necessary.
Will I have visible scars after breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery does result in incision scars, but Dr. Hartline takes great care to create incisions that are strategically placed and can be easily concealed. She also offers a scar management program to promote optimal scar healing.
What are the potential risks of breast reduction surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks. Dr. Hartline prioritizes patient safety to minimize the risk of complications and will discuss all potential risks with you before surgery.
Can breast reduction be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
Yes, you can combine other cosmetic surgery procedures with breast reduction such as breast augmentation or breast lift to achieve beautiful results tailored to your unique goals and needs. Another common combination is a breast reduction with a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty. This dual approach allows patients to address both breast size concerns and abdominal contouring in a single surgery, resulting in a more comprehensive transformation. Additionally, liposuction can be incorporated into your breast reduction procedure to refine the contours of the surrounding areas, ensuring a harmonious and balanced overall appearance. For women looking to rejuvenate their post-pregnancy bodies, a breast reduction can also be part of a mommy makeover, which typically includes one or more breast enhancement procedures along with body contouring procedures like tummy tuck, and liposuction. You’ll be able to discuss your options with Dr. Hartline during your consultation, and she will provide personalized recommendations and a tailored treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
1 ASPS. Breast Reduction. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction. Accessed December 28, 2023.
2 Mount Sinai. Breast reduction. Available: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/surgery/breast-reduction#. Accessed December 28, 2023.
3 Mayo Clinic. Incisions made for breast reduction surgery. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/multimedia/breast-reduction-surgery/img-20006644. Accessed December 28, 2023.
4 ASPS. Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/candidates. Accessed December 28, 2023.
Cassie Hartline M.D. has either authored or reviewed and approved this content
Page Updated: July 11, 2024