Breast Reduction

The pain experienced varies from person to person. Most patients report feeling discomfort, tightness, and mild soreness in the days following surgery. This is expected as the body begins to heal and adjust to the changes that have occurred. Dr. Pittman will provide pain management to help with comfort, which may include prescribed medication or over-the-counter pain relievers. The first few days after surgery tend to be the most uncomfortable, but as the swelling subsides, the pain also subsides. While the pain is usually manageable, some patients may experience lingering soreness in the breast area as they continue to heal.

For breast reduction surgery, you will need a few appointments before and after the procedure. The initial consultation will be your first meeting with Dr. Pittman, during which he will determine the best approach for your surgery, explain the procedure’s specifics, including potential risks and benefits, and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Your pre-operative appointment will be scheduled a few weeks before surgery to ensure you’re medically cleared.

Following your surgery, you will have several follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. The first follow-up occurs within the first week after surgery, when Dr. Pittman will inspect your incision sites and assess your healing progress. Additional visits are scheduled over the next few months to ensure that any post-operative issues, such as swelling or scarring, are properly managed.

After breast reduction surgery, you will begin to see the initial results as the swelling goes down within a few days to weeks. However, the full results of your surgery typically take a bit longer to manifest fully. Within the first month, you will notice a reduction in swelling and an improvement in the shape of your breasts. Your breasts’ final shape and contour will continue to evolve over several months as the skin tightens and any residual swelling completely subsides.

Scarring is an inevitable part of any surgical procedure, and breast reduction is no exception. Scarring is based on the incision site, and the typical incision pattern for a breast reduction includes a keyhole or anchor shape, with one incision around the areola, another extending downward, and a third along the natural crease beneath the breast. This allows for maximum tissue removal while keeping the scars as inconspicuous as possible. The scarring will soften and lighten within the first few months, becoming less noticeable. Our comprehensive post-operative program is designed to support your incisions as they heal and provide you with the necessary scar cream to ensure optimal healing.

Generally, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercises for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. This period allows for proper healing of the incisions and ensures that the breast tissue is not disturbed during the recovery process. During this time, it’s essential to focus on gentle activities, such as walking and stretching, as long as they don’t put undue strain on the chest area. After the initial recovery phase, Dr. Pittman will assess your progress and provide guidance on when it’s safe to resume more intense physical activities such as running, weightlifting, or sports.

Yes, breast reduction surgery can be performed with a breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction. Discuss your goals with your surgeon to create a customized treatment plan if you want to combine procedures.

Breast lifts (mastopexy) help improve breast shape and positioning by removing excess tissue. This is particularly beneficial for women with sagging breasts or those looking to improve the overall contour of their chest. A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles, creating a smoother, more toned appearance. Liposuction, on the other hand, can target stubborn areas of fat on the body. Combining these procedures allows patients to undergo a more noticeable transformation, reducing the need for multiple surgeries and minimizing downtime.

As with any surgery, breast reduction carries some risks. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in nipple sensation. Choosing a skilled, board-certified surgeon helps minimize these risks.

Start by looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast reduction surgeries. Review their before-and-after photos to assess the quality of their work and ensure their results align with your aesthetic goals. Patient reviews and testimonials can provide insight into their professionalism, bedside manner, and overall patient satisfaction. Additionally, it’s essential to schedule a consultation where you can discuss your concerns, ask about their approach to surgery, and assess how comfortable you feel with the surgeon.

Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions, which may include stopping specific medications, such as blood thinners, and quitting smoking. Additionally, arrangements will be made for help during your recovery.

Breast reduction surgery results are generally long-lasting. However, factors like weight fluctuations, aging, and pregnancy can affect your breasts’ size and shape over time.

Breastfeeding after a breast reduction is possible for some women, but it may be more difficult depending on the surgical technique used. Your surgeon can explain the likelihood of successful breastfeeding based on your case and surgical plan.

You may experience changes in nipple sensation after breast reduction surgery, which can range from increased sensitivity to numbness. In most cases, these changes are temporary, but there is a chance that some patients may experience permanent alterations in sensation.

Most patients can return to work and light activities within one to two weeks after breast reduction surgery, depending on their healing progress. You won’t be able to engage in strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for approximately four to six weeks.