Breast Reduction Procedure Description:

Breast Reduction is mostly performed for women with oversized breasts causing symptoms of back and neck pain, shoulder notching, and rashes underneath the breast. Breast reduction surgery reduces the breasts to a size more in proportion to the rest of the body.

During your breast reduction pre-operative consultation with Dr. Klainer he will review your condition and medical history with you. He will discuss how much breast tissue should be removed to achieve the desired results. You also will learn about how to prepare for breast reduction surgery and how to plan for your recovery.

The Breast Reduction procedure is performed in a hospital setting and takes approximately 3-5 hours. The most commonly made incision encircles the areola (darkened area around the nipple) and extends downward and then is continued into the breast crease under the breast. This produces the least conspicuous scar. Excess tissue, fat, and skin are then removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to their natural location. In certain cases, Liposuction (fat suctioning) is used to remove extra fat from the armpit area.

When the tissue removal is completed, the wounds are closed and the new smaller and reshaped breasts are revealed. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the skin. Breast reduction surgery incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

If you want to see real life breast reduction results, Dr. Peter Klainer offers breast reduction photos to assist in your decision making process.

Breast Reduction Downtime & Discomfort:

Before breast reduction surgery and for your safety, you may be assessed in a medical evaluation and/or required to undergo lab tests. It will be determined if you require new medications or current medications need to be adjusted. However, all breast reduction surgery patients are asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. In addition, patients are to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements. These may increase bleeding. Dr. Klainer will discuss these matters in detail as well as the type of anesthesia to be used at your breast reduction pre-op consultation.

After breast reduction surgery, ormal activities will be curtailed for approximately one week following the surgery. During the second week light activities such as driving can be resumed. The timeframe for downtime due to breast reduction surgery varies, however most normal activities including vigorous exercise can be resumed in the third week after surgery. At the one month point the scarring from breast reduction surgery will be noticeable. Over the following months and years this scarring will gradually fade to its permanent appearance.

Discomfort levels resulting from Breast Reduction surgery can be significant but they are very manageable with medications and sensible post-op care. Do not hesitate to contact Dr. Klainer should any problems arise. After a post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours, plus reduced-activity period of a few days, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks.

Over time, post-surgical swelling will decrease and breast reduction incision lines will fade. You will be given specific post-op instructions that include how to care for your breasts following surgery, directions on how to apply and/or take prescribed medications, how to reduce the risk of infection and when to follow-up with Dr. Klainer. For the best results, it's important to following Dr. Klainer's instructions regarding breast reduction post-operative care.

When you go home, if you experience any symptoms that concern you, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Klainer immediately.

Breast Reduction FAQ:

Q: Where is the breast reduction procedure performed?

A: The breast reduction procedure is performed at Fair Oaks Hospital usually as an outpatient.

Q: Can I lose nipple sensation?

A: While the majority of patients retain their preoperative feeling, approximately 25% of women experience changes in sensation and 1% will lose sensation permanently.

Q: How long is the recovery from breast reduction surgery?

A: Most patients can return to work within 7-10 days with minimal discomfort.

Q: Will insurance cover the procedure?

A: Our office does not accept insurance for this procedure.

Q: How can I find out more about breast reduction surgery?

A: Call Dr. Klainer for more information regarding breast reduction surgery today. Schedule your free breast reduction consultation at 703-421-6000.