Breast reduction cosmetic surgery procedure is designed to reduce the size of excessively large breasts. In addition to cosmetic benefits, it may also help to mitigate pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and back. During the initial consultation, the breast surgeon will explain about the steps involved in the breast reduction procedure.
Once the patient clearly understands how the procedure will be performed, she will be relieved of any pre-surgery anxiety and will feel more confident about her decision to undergo breast reduction. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides breast reduction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities.
Consultation
The first step in the breast reduction cosmetic surgery process will be a detailed personal consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will determine the patient’s candidacy, understand her personal cosmetic needs and goals, and provide instructions about preparation for the surgery and the post-op recovery. Patient’s health evaluation and breast exam will also be performed. In some cases, the surgeon may order specialized mammograms prior to the breast reduction surgery.
Anesthesia
Once the patient is brought into the operating room, she will be placed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia with sedation may be used in some cases. The patient will remain unconscious throughout the surgery and will not feel any discomfort.
An anesthesiologist or a registered nurse anesthetist may be present during the surgery to monitor the patient’s response to anesthesia. Temporary side effects of anesthesia will last for a few hours after the surgery is completed.
Incision Placement
Breast reduction surgery may be performed using one of the three main incision techniques: an anchor incision, a vertical incision or a scarless incision. The anchor incision will be placed along with areolar border, vertically down the breast, and then horizontally across the crease of the breast.
The vertical incision will be made around the lower half of the areola and vertically down the breast for lesser scarring. A scarless incision will involve very small incisions placed in discreet locations to remove excess breast fat through liposuction.
Fat and Skin Reduction
The surgeon will remove excess fat tissue and skin from the lower part of the breast through the incisions. In a few cases, the glandular tissue may not be involved, and the patient may only have fatty tissue in the breasts. This can be removed with liposuction technique, resulting in reduced tissue trauma, minimal scarring and a faster recovery.
Repositioning of the Nipples
In a breast reduction procedure, the nipples will usually have to be repositioned to a raised level to create a natural appearance of the breasts. The surgeon may detach the nipple from the breast and then graft it in the new location. This step will be particularly important for women with very large breasts. The patient will be informed about risk of change in nipple sensation or loss of sensation due to this procedure.
Closing the Incision
Once the surgery is over, the incisions will be closed with removable or absorbable sutures. Dedicated and astute plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for breast reduction.
To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.