What is a breast reduction? A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of a female’s breasts. The procedure is also referred to as a reduction mammoplasty. Breast reduction surgery is extremely common, with over a 120,000 procedures performed every year in the United States. A wide range of patients seek breast reduction surgery for a variety of personal reasons. Breast reduction surgery is a highly individualized procedure. Most patients seek to achieve a breast size that is in a better proportion with their body. Most patients also seek to alleviate the significant discomfort associated with overly large breasts. There are many physical symptoms and medical conditions that have been associated with excessively large breast size. By removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin, breast reduction surgery can usually solve these problems. Patients are very happy with the resulting improved size and shape of the breasts. Following breast reduction, clothes will fit much better, symptoms are usually eliminated completely, and patients feel much more confident about their bodies. Breast reduction is truly a life changing procedure for most women.
How do you perform a breast reduction?
Every breast reduction procedure is tailored to meet the needs of the specific patient. As with any elective surgical procedure, safety is of utmost importance. Appropriate prescreening and safety measures are always followed. There are various techniques that are used for breast reduction surgery. Although most patients focus on the large amount of breast tissue to be removed, also very important is what is left behind is what is left behind. The goal of breast reduction surgery is to reduce the size of the breasts to more proportional size while achieving breast symmetry and an aesthetically pleasing shape. The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and the Dr. Miles’ advice. View photos of actual breast reduction patient’s of Dr. Miles.
A thorough understanding of breast anatomy related to the blood supply and the innervation is essential. The breast tissue that is left behind after resection of the excess tissue must be sufficient to provide the nipple and areola with an adequate blood supply and innervation. This tissue is referred to as the breast pedicle. The skin flaps must also be of adequate thickness to minimize the chances of necrosis or wound healing problems. Many techniques for breast reduction surgery have been described over the years. Dr. Miles routinely utilizes different techniques based on what will provide the patient with the best results.
Most breast reductions use what is described as an “inverted T” pattern skin resection. Some patients also described this as the “anchor incision.” This incision is extremely effective for providing a conically shaped aesthetically pleasing breast. It is often necessary for larger breast reductions because it allows for the removal of a large areas of skin. It is also the most common skin resection pattern for breast reduction surgery. Some patients or best suited for a vertical pattern breast reduction. This procedure results in a “lollipop” shaped incision. In rare circumstances, breast reduction surgery is performed using only liposuction. This technique has limitations because it is difficult to elevate the nipple with only liposuction.
Dr. Miles will determine which technique will provide each patient with the best possible result. This will be determined during the consultation process after reviewing the medical history and performing the physical examination.
Where will my surgery be performed?
Dr. Miles performs breast reduction surgery in the hospital setting. General anesthesia is performed by a board certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Miles works with an experienced group of assistants to ensure that the procedure is performed safely and efficiently. Many patients are discharged home the same day of surgery.
If you are interested in more information about Breast Reduction in Charlotte, Lake Norman, or Cornelius Call our Huntersville office at (704) 896-5556 to schedule your consultation today.