Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as "reduction mammaplasty," is an umbrella term for a number of surgical procedures - available from Dr. Charles Slack at his Allen, Texas plastic surgery practice - that remove and reduce:
- excess breast fat
- glandular tissue
- skin
Cosmetic Surgery of the Breast
Dr. Slack's past fellowship, extensive training and experience in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Breast have given him an excellent foundation for dealing with breast-reduction issues. He is acutely aware that every patient is unique and that a breast reduction may be appropriate for a number of reasons, such as when a woman has:
- breasts that are simply too large for her frame
- breasts that do not match in size, volume or contour
- back, shoulder or neck pain from the weight of her breasts
- breast that limit her physical activity
- breasts that have stretched and hang low due to breastfeeding, pregnancy or weight loss
- enlarged areolas (the colored area around the nipple) from stretched skin
- nipples that rest below the breast crease (when unsupported)
- signs such as skin irritation beneath the breast crease and indentations from bra straps
Physical and Emotional Issues
It's clear to Dr. Slack that overly large breasts can cause health problems in some women, emotional problems in others, and both physical and emotional issues for many women. He provides very skilled surgery and compassionate care for all of his patients. Dr. Slack, has found that breast reduction procedures make for some of the most gratifying cases, for both patient and surgeon.
Candidates for Breast Reduction
A woman who feels that a breast reduction or related surgery may be right for her can schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Slack. He will discuss a woman's goals, concerns and expectations in depth with her regarding breast reduction, and he will explain the benefits and risks of this surgery.
An individual with one or more of the above-listed reasons to seek a breast reduction may be an appropriate candidate, if in addition she:
- is in good physical health
- is at her ideal weight or close to it
- is old enough that her breasts are fully developed
- has realistic expectations
- does not smoke or is prepared to quit smoking at least two weeks before the surgery
How Breast Reduction Is Achieved
Dr. Slack will be able to give you much more detailed information that is pertinent to your specific surgery - particularly regarding the specific technique and incisions to be used - at your consultation with him. A general idea of how breast reduction is achieved is as follows.
General anesthesia is used. The incision options include:
- an inverted "T"- or anchor-shaped incision pattern
- a keyhole pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease
- a circular pattern around the areola
The breast's nipple and areola usually remain attached to their blood supply and nerves, but can be repositioned if necessary (for extremely large and/or pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may have to be moved to a higher position). A too-large areola can be reduced by an excision of skin at the areola's perimeter.
Liposuction May or May Not Be Performed
For some patients, excess fat in the breast is removed through liposuction. The breast's excess underlying tissue is removed, and the remaining tissue is lifted and shaped.
Once the breast is at its final size, shape and position, the incision or incisions are closed, with sutures deep within the breast tissue for support. Symmetry of the two breasts will be assured. Additional sutures, surgical tape, or adhesive help close the incisions. The incision marks remain as scars, but these will fade with time and are usually well concealed beneath a bra.
After a Breast Reduction
A woman can expect to have some post-breast reduction swelling and soreness, but the results of her breast reduction will be immediately apparent. She will need to "take it easy" for a week or so. Dr. Slack provides very complete post-surgery guidelines, plus a prescription for pain medication that may (or may not) be needed.
At follow-up appointments (scheduled before the breast reduction), Dr. Slack carefully monitors a patient's recovery, including her physical status and her feelings about her new bustline.
The results of a breast reduction are essentially permanent, but they can be negated by significant weight gain, age, and hormonal factors.
Ask Dr. Slack about a Breast Reduction
Women who have undergone a breast reduction by Dr. Slack have uniformly been very happy with their new contours and proportions. If you feel that a breast reduction may be right for you, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack to discuss your goals and concerns. He looks forward to speaking with you.