Breast reduction is often a personal and sensitive topic because it is tied to self-image issues that many of us face.
However, the societal stigma of cosmetic procedures is lessening now, with the widespread belief that self-care through procedures like breast reduction surgery can help with both physical and mental health issues. Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schusterman is a highly trained, double-board-certified surgeon and attentive listener. He will help you find relief from breast-related issues, such as skin irritation, back and neck pain, lifestyle and clothing limitations, and other mental and physical issues caused by large, heavy breasts.
What is a Breast Reduction?
A reduction mammaplasty or breast reduction is a cosmetic surgery to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. You may opt for this type of procedure because you are suffering from the following:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Nerve pain
- Shoulder pain
- Rashes or skin irritation under the breasts
- Limited physical activity due to large breasts
How Do I Know if Breast Reduction is Right for Me?
It is vital to discuss your breast reduction procedure expectations with Dr. Schusterman during your consultation.
You need to have a healthy outlook about the expected results. Overall, if you feel a breast reduction can provide you a better quality of life, it is important to take the next step and speak to Dr. Schusterman. He can help you determine the final shape and size of your breasts, and what is possible through surgical correction. No matter the circumstances, it is always Dr. Schusterman’s goal to provide the best breast reduction Houston has to offer, while always maintaining strict standards in health and safety. No procedure is ever done without your best interests at heart. If you are looking to increase volume to your breasts, breast augmentation surgery with breast implants is likely a better option.
What Does a Breast Reduction Procedure Involve?
Breast reduction in Houston is an outpatient surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. You will likely return home after surgery unless overnight observation is needed.
You will need to have someone available to transport you home, as you will be unable to drive following surgery due to anesthesia. Once anesthesia is administered, Dr. Schusterman will typically make three incisions:
- Around the areola
- Vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease under the breast
- Along the natural curve of the breast crease
Once these incisions are completed, Dr. Schusterman will reshape and perform a breast lift, as well as reposition the areola as necessary. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat. After the incisions are closed, the sutures will dissolve on their own, so there is no need to have the stitches removed.
A breast lift is part of a breast reduction surgery because once the excess fat and tissue are removed, it is necessary to lift and shape the excess skin around the breasts to give the natural appearance and shape of breasts.
Your Breast Reduction Results
After your breast reduction procedure, you will see some immediate results that will improve after the swelling subsides. You will notice back, neck, and shoulder relief from no longer carrying the excess weight in your breasts. It will take months for the swelling to go down completely and for the scars to fade, but overall, you will be more than pleased with your new results.
Recovery After Breast Reduction
You can expect a recovery downtime of 2-3 weeks, and it’s recommended to stay home for that time for your body to heal. You’ll also want to make sure no one accidentally bumps into you as you’ll continue to be sore for a few weeks.
We advise breast reduction patients to continue to wear the compression garments provided as part of your recovery plan to relieve any swelling. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise, but light walking is encouraged to help with blood flow. There will be a specific post-op plan for you to follow to promote optimal healing.
Schedule Your Houston Breast Reduction Consultation with Dr. Schusterman Today
It is vital to discuss your concerns and questions with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mark Schusterman. He will take the time to listen to what you are expecting and the results you desire. You and Dr. Schusterman can then put a plan in place for your breast reduction to give you the stunning outcome you desire.
Breast Reduction FAQs
Dr. Schusterman will perform a breast reduction on a patient as young as 16-years old, but only with the parents’ or caregivers’ full consent. Dr. Schusterman recommends teenagers wait for their bodies to finish growing before undergoing breast reduction surgery.
A total loss of sensitivity is rare. After surgery, your nipples could be very sensitive or have a loss of sensation for 2-3 months as they heal. Dr. Schusterman uses specialized techniques to save the nerves to maintain the nerves for you to experience maximum sensation.
There is always a certain level of risk during an invasive cosmetic procedure. However, complications from breast reduction surgery are rare, particularly with a double-board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Schusterman.
After surgery, you may experience swelling, drainage, and moderate pain as you heal. Dr. Schusterman will provide you a specific post-surgical plan to follow to recover quickly, minimize risk, and achieve your best results.
It may be necessary to insert drains into the incision areas to remove excess fluid. However, each cosmetic procedure is different. It will depend on if liposuction was used during surgery and how much breast tissue and fat are removed.
Every procedure is different. However, no-interest financing is available through CareCredit or United Medical Credit. We do accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Breast Reduction surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and typically is not covered by insurance. However, some breast reductions are considered medically necessary because of the pain it is causing. It is best to check with your insurance provider and primary care physician to see what is permitted.
There is an expected downtime of 2-3 weeks, but you may be able to return to work after a week if your job is not strenuous or requires any heavy lifting. You will need to give your body ample time to heal to see the best results.
