Breast Reduction
Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Edison, Marlboro, Warren and West Orange, NJ
Reducing tension, stress and discomfort with a transformative breast reduction with lift procedures
Our renowned plastic surgeons serve Edison, Marlboro, West Orange, and Warren, New Jersey
Overly large breasts can be a cause of extreme back pain as well as discomfort in the shoulders and neck. Also, the breasts can lose their youthful firmness due to age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. A breast reduction can relieve the pain as well as improve your appearance. At Associates in Plastic Surgery, our Board-Certified plastic surgeons are honored to perform breast reduction surgery on patients from throughout New Jersey, including Edison, Marlboro, Warren, and West Orange.
There are several important technical aspects to this procedure and our physicians have decades of experience performing this procedure on a regular basis. Dr. Heller and Dr. Haramis specialize in breast reduction and carefully analyze each patient to determine exactly the best way to proceed with their breast surgery procedure. It is vital to remove enough excess breast tissue to relieve the symptoms while producing a natural, more youthful result.
Contents
Before and After Photos
What it is
A breast reduction, formally referred to as reduction mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess tissue and excess skin to reduce overly large breasts, resulting in a breast size that is more comfortable and manageable. Breast reduction surgery is performed for aesthetic reasons, functional reasons, or both.
Not only does breast reduction surgery alleviate pain and discomfort from overly large breasts, but it also increases a patient’s self confidence, expands her wardrobe options, and in many cases, leads to greater psychological well being and improved quality of life.1,2
Benefits of breast reduction
Patients at Associates in Plastic Surgery enjoy a wide array of benefits from breast reduction surgery, including:
- Reduced size of overly large breasts
- Reduced weight of heavy breasts
- Increased physical energy
- More enjoyment in physical tasks
- Improved breast shape
- Increased self-esteem
- Well-hidden scars
- An end to back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain
- Reduced irritation and chafing
- A perkier, more youthful silhouette
- A better fit in clothing and swimwear
- Better breast symmetry
Ideal candidates
If you experience any of the following, you may be an ideal candidate for treatment:
- Overly large breasts or extensive excessive breast tissue
- Heavy breasts
- Large breasts that don’t reflect significant weight loss
- Back pain, neck pain, and/or shoulder pain
- Chafing under the bra straps
- Reduced energy, lethargy or lack of stamina
- Difficulty performing routine tasks
- Lack of pleasure when participating in sports or recreation
- Breakouts or rashes in the chest area
- Disproportionate appearance to the breasts
- Sagging and drooping of the breasts
- Poor fit in swimwear, eveningwear and everyday clothin
- Embarrassment over one’s appearance
- Lowered self-confidence and self-image
- Teasing or taunting about the breasts
- Breast asymmetry
- Low nipples and areola
Also remember that good candidates should have no major medical issues, be a non-smoker, and be physically and psychologically healthy. Clients should have realistic expectations for their results based on their confidential consultation with our Associates in Plastic Surgery surgeons.3
Preparing
The first step in preparing for breast reduction surgery is to attend a confidential consultation with your plastic surgeon. During this appointment, Dr. Heller or Dr. Haramis will perform a physical examination along with a thorough review of your medical history. They will be able to answer all your questions and concerns in depth, creating a customized plan of action for improving your overall aesthetics.
Once your breast reduction procedure has been scheduled, you will be given detailed instructions for preparing for your surgery as well as the post-operative recovery period.
Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and is an outpatient procedure.
To begin the reduction mammoplasty surgical procedure, your plastic surgeon will create an incision. Depending on your physique and goals, this incision could be made around the areola and extending vertically down the breast (a “lollipop” incision), or in an “anchor pattern” which also includes a horizontal incision in the breast fold. Next, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin will be removed and remaining tissue will be lifted and shaped. Your plastic surgeon will then move the nipple and areola to a higher, more perky position. In patients with excess fatty tissue in the lateral breast or armpits, liposuction may be employed. Finally, your cosmetic surgeon will close the incisions with dissolvable sutures.4
Recovery and results
The breast reduction recovery period is about 10-14 days due to swelling, but the pain is usually mild in nature and can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Your bandages will be removed during a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon, then you will be instructed to wear a supportive surgical bra 24 hours a day for the next 4-6 weeks. This will help alleviate swelling and optimize your breast reduction results. You will be instructed to refrain from heavy lifting for four weeks, and you should be able to return to your normal physical activity level within a couple of weeks. It is normal to loose nipple sensation after a breast reduction procedure, but this naturally returns for the majority of patients.
The breast reduction incisions, while often a cause for concern with many patients, usually fade within 6-12 months, and the results are definitely worth it. After breast reduction, patients enjoy perkier breasts that are more shapely, manageable, and youthful than before.
Contact us
We encourage you to view the photos on this page to see what transformative change reduction surgery makes for our patients. If you have questions how breast reduction surgery can improve your health and well being or whether breast surgery is right for you, please call Associates in Plastic Surgery at 732-548-3200 or contact us online. We proudly serve patients throughout New Jersey, including Edison, Marlboro, Warren, West Orange, and beyond.
FAQs
Will Health Insurance Cover My Breast Reduction?
Sometimes, health insurance may cover breast reduction surgery, but the process to get the surgery covered can be difficult, and coverage is not always guaranteed. To learn more about whether your insurance company covers reduction mammoplasty, please contact us. Our staff is also happy to help you work with your insurance company to secure breast reduction coverage.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?
The cost of breast reduction surgery is unique for each patient, depending on her physique and cosmetic goals. Once you consult withDr. Heller or Dr. Haramis, you will be given a detailed cost breakdown for your personalized treatment plan. We are pleased to offer a number of convenient payment options as well as Plastic Surgery Financing.
Can Breast Reduction Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Associates in Plastic Surgery offers many superior body sculpting procedures that may be of interest. Often combining procedures saves the client both downtime and costs, so feel free to discuss any other treatments of interest with our team during your consultation. The breast reduction procedure is commonly combined with a Breast Lift, a Mommy Makeover, or a full Body Lift after significant weight loss.
Will I Be Able To Breastfeed After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breastfeeding may be more difficult for our patients who have undergone reduction mammoplasty. However, our experienced surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to preserve breastfeeding and lactation abilities.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reduction. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction. Accessed June 28, 2022.
- Gonzalez MA, Glickman LT, Aladegbami B, Simpson RL. Quality of life after breast reduction surgery: a 10-year retrospective analysis using the Breast Q questionnaire: does breast size matter?. Ann Plast Surg. 2012;69(4):361-363. doi:10.1097/SAP.0b013e31824a218a. Accessed June 28, 2022.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reduction Candidates. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/candidates. Accessed June 28, 2022.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the steps of a breast reduction procedure? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/procedure. Accessed June 28, 2022.
