Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most satisfying procedures for women with excessively large breasts who complain of neck, shoulder, or back pain.​

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most satisfying procedures for women with excessively large breasts who complain of neck, shoulder, or back pain.​

When large breasts interfere with a woman’s quality of life, this procedure may be covered by your insurance company if certain criteria are met. Patients who undergo breast reductions are among the happiest of all plastic surgery patients. As both a woman and a New Jersey plastic surgeon, Dr. Parcells is distinctively qualified to address your concerns and tailor her technique to achieve your desired results. Her goal is that you achieve the very best breast reduction New Jersey can offer.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

There are three primary benefits of breast reduction surgery. They include:

  • Relief from neck, shoulder, and back pain
  • Increased physical ability
  • Improved self-confidence
 

Larger breasts can affect posture adversely and put a strain on the neck, back, and shoulders. This can lead to pain, pinched nerves, and back problems. A breast reduction aims to reduce the size and weight of the breasts in order to relieve this strain on the body.

Larger breasts restrict movement and can cause discomfort and even pain during high impact exercises like running and other workouts. Sports bras are often ineffective. A breast reduction can allow patients to enjoy activities that were previously uncomfortable and painful due to stresses placed on their body by the weight of their breasts.

Many women are self-conscious about their large breasts, and it can be difficult to find clothing that fits well and is flattering. Some resort to wearing overly large clothing to hide their breasts, whether due to poor self-image, or sometimes, unwanted attention. A breast reduction can bring your breast size into proportion with the rest of your figure, making it easier to find clothing that fits, as well as feel confident about your body image. Breast reduction surgery patients experience near-immediate relief from the difficulties caused by overly large breasts, as well as an improved quality of life.

Am I a Candidate for a Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction procedure is great for women with large breasts that cause neck, back, and shoulder pain and discomfort.

Women who benefit from this surgery often complain of difficulty with regular activities and exercise as well as issues finding clothing that fits properly and bra strap grooving. Some women experience rashes under their breasts from their excessive weight and position. A reduction in breast size is often described as life-changing for women who have been living with excessively large breasts for many years.

Males with enlarged breasts are also candidates for breast reduction. Male breast reduction surgery is known as gynecomastia, the surgical removal of enlarged or overdeveloped breasts. Not everyone is a candidate for breast reduction. For example, those with certain conditions, including diabetes, obesity, poor wound healing, clotting problems, or cardiac disorders, are not breast reduction candidates. In addition, women with abnormal mammograms are not good candidates for breast reduction surgery.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait until after delivery or weaning for breast reduction surgery. Keep in mind that breast reduction may affect the ability to breastfeed future babies. Those who smoke should quit at least four weeks prior to breast reduction surgery and refrain from smoking for at least several weeks post-surgery. This is because tobacco use affects the body’s ability to heal.

Breast Reduction Procedure and Incisions

ON AVERAGE, THIS SURGERY CAN TAKE 4-5 HOURS

During the surgery, excess tissue, skin, and fat from the breasts are removed. The nipples and areola are moved higher for aesthetic purposes, followed by skin tightening.

For most patients, there is an incision made around the nipple and areola and another vertical scar extending down from the nipple to the bottom of the breasts.

In some patients, an additional incision is placed within the breast crease (“anchor” lift) if necessary for additional shaping. The amount of glandular tissue removed is made between you and Dr. Parcells and is based on your anatomy and your desired results.

The scarring resulting from breast reduction incisions should fade to the degree that it is barely noticeable. However, it may take up to two years to reach this point.

Some insurance companies require a certain amount of breast tissue to be removed. Most patients elect to have a numbing block in the recovery room which greatly improves discomfort and allows you to go home the same day as your surgery.

Breast Reduction Vs. Breast Lift Surgery

Breast reduction involves the removal of breast tissue and skin.
This procedure is both a functional surgery (alleviating back and shoulder pain) and a cosmetic surgery. Some women look to breast reduction to achieve a more proportional figure.
A mastopexy, or breast lift, is a breast reshaping procedure performed to address breasts that are sagging or droopy. A breast lift can also involve the removal of skin and in some cases breast tissue and reforms the breast to a more youthful and perkier position. However, a breast lift does not necessarily involve tissue and skin removal, which is always the case with breast reduction surgery.

Recovery After Breast Reduction

Most women experience mild to moderate discomfort for several days following surgery and are back to their activities of daily living by about a week. Any pain or discomfort is generally alleviated by the use of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Most breast reduction patients experience immediate relief of back, shoulder, and neck pain with their new, smaller breasts. Physical activity at the gym can resume around 4-6 weeks. Patients are in special bras to assist in shaping for several weeks after the procedure. Most women return to work in about 5 days – 1 week.

How Much Does a Breast Reduction Procedure Cost?

Each patient is different, and your needs are unique. The cost of this procedure will depend on the conversation between you and Dr. Parcells during your one-on-one consultation. After reviewing your medical history and discussing your desired goals, Dr. Parcells will perform a physical exam to evaluate your breasts as well as skin tone, laxity, nipple position.
She will then provide her expert advice and discuss your options to achieve your desired outcome. She will also address all risks and benefits of the procedures you are interested in. At the end of your consultation with Dr. Parcells, you will meet with our surgical coordinator who will address the logistics and finances of the procedure you are best suited for. Dr. Parcells is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As not all cosmetic procedures are covered by insurance, Dr. Parcells has partnered with CareCredit to help you achieve your aesthetic goals today. Breast reductions are sometimes covered by insurance. Dr. Parcells will assess your concerns and can give you her opinion on whether she believes you will qualify for insurance approval.

Why Should I Choose Dr. Parcells for Breast Reduction?

AN EXPERT IN THE FIELD OF AESTHETICS

If you are considering New Jersey breast reduction options, it is important to work with a qualified physician. Dr. Parcells is a Top Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon licensed in the state of New Jersey. She is Board-Certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Here at Parcells Plastic Surgery in New Jersey, we want you to feel confident and celebrate your natural beauty. Our goal is to educate and empower you to decide what’s best for your body. We look forward to meeting you and addressing your concerns. Feel free to book your appointment online or call or text us anytime. See you soon!

Breast Reduction FAQs

Women who feel their breasts are too large are candidates for breast reduction. A consultation with a plastic surgeon can help them determine whether breast reduction surgery is an appropriate procedure.
Breast reduction is major surgery. The operation is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Expect some pain and discomfort for the first several days post-surgery. The doctor will prescribe pain medication during this period or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. That is when the breasts are the most bruised and swollen.
Although rare, it is possible for breasts to grow back after reduction. Common issues such as weight gain, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can result in breast regrowth. Patients experiencing such regrowth can opt for revision surgery.
Breast reduction is major surgery. The operation is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Expect some pain and discomfort for the first several days post-surgery. The doctor will prescribe pain medication during this period or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. That is when the breasts are the most bruised and swollen.
Breast reduction does leave scars from the incision. Expect circles around the nipples with a line extending straight to the breast’s bottom. These scars should fade over time.
A second breast reduction is a possibility if the medical issues involved in the initial surgery are not resolved. However, a second breast reduction is more complicated, with a greater risk of loss of sensation and healing problems.
Insurance will not cover breast reduction performed only for cosmetic purposes. However, if the reduction is deemed medically necessary, insurance should pay for it. The criteria for medically necessary breast reduction surgery may vary by insurer and may include removing a certain amount of breast tissue to qualify. Patients who have not tried other therapies for problems relating to oversized breasts, such as back pain, before opting for breast reduction may also find insurance does not apply.

Schedule a consultation

Parcells Plastic Surgery offers the most advanced surgical and cosmetic medical spa treatments to women in New Jersey.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alexis Parcells is here to educate and empower you to celebrate your natural beauty.

4 Industrial Way West #101, Eatontown, New Jersey 07724

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