Breast Reduction Surgery Questions

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, medically referred to as reduction mammaplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure intended to reduce large breasts as well as to make them more symmetrical and proportioned to the rest of the body.

Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?

The best candidates for breast reduction surgery are women whose breasts have fully developed and who are experiencing physical discomfort due to their breast size. Many women whose breasts are very large experience back and spinal problems.

What are some of the benefits of breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery can remedy a number of problems associated with enlarged breasts including back and neck pain, shoulder strain, poor posture, skin irritation and infection, shortness of breath, difficulty participating in sports or other recreational activities, difficulty fitting clothes, and social/sexual embarrassment. When you feel better about how you look, you typically feel better about everything else!

Are there risks involved with this breast surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks with breast reduction surgery. Complications may include infection, blood clots, adverse reaction to anesthesia, nerve damage, loss of sensation, asymmetry of breasts, and scarring. The ability to breast feed may be affected, but Pearland Breast Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta will discuss this with you at the time of your appointment prior to surgery.

What is involved with the procedure for breast reduction?

The techniques for breast reduction vary; however, the procedure is almost always performed under general anesthesia. Generally, Dr. Lapuerta will make an incision similar in shape to an anchor or inverted keyhole that encompasses the area from the top of the nipple to the crease of the breast. Then, he removes excess fat, skin, and tissue and repositions the remaining skin and areola. Breast reduction surgery usually takes one to three hours per breast.

What should I expect after the surgery?

After surgery, your breast area will be wrapped in gauze and an elastic bandage or surgical bra. You will have to continue wearing the bra/bandage even after the gauze has been removed, which usually happens several days after the breast reduction surgery. For several weeks to several months, you can expect to experience soreness and swelling while your breasts heal. Patients can usually resume work and other activities between one and six weeks after the surgery, depending on the individual.

If you live in the Houston area or surrounding areas such as Pearland, Sugar Land or Friendswood and would like to learn more about breast reduction surgery, please contact Pearland Breast Surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta, Jr. today to schedule your initial consultation.