Women with large breasts who are unhappy with their appearance and/or want to treat symptoms such as back pain, breathing problems and poor posture may benefit from breast reduction surgery. This procedure removes fat and glandular tissue from the breast while tightening skin to produce smaller breasts that are more comfortable and in healthier proportion to the rest of the body.
In addition to physical pain and other symptoms, large breasts may also draw unwanted attention that can affect a woman’s self-esteem and make her uncomfortable with her appearance. Breast reduction can help patients regain confidence and enjoy a renewed self-image by creating a body contour they are proud of.
Prior to your procedure, Dr. Frank will meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations for surgery, as well as to inform you of the details of your chosen procedure. This discussion is important in helping patients achieve the precise results they desire. Each procedure is fully customized for each individual patient. Call (403) 245-1228 today to schedule your breast reduction consultation at our Calgary, AB office!
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"Couldn't have asked for a better doctor. From the moment that I first met him, he was very attentive to my concerns, answered all of my questions and I never felt rushed. His bed side manner is amazing, as well as his team." - J.L.
Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are women with oversized breasts that cause medical problems, low self-esteem, physical or social discomfort or frustrations with the size of their breasts. Women must not be pregnant or breastfeeding while undergoing this procedure.
It is important for patients to understand the details and risks associated with this procedure, and to have realistic expectations in order to be satisfied with the results of their surgery.
Breast Reduction Procedure
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about two hours, depending on the techniques used and each patient’s individual case. There are several different types of incisions that may be used for this procedure. Your doctor will determine the best type for you after evaluating your breasts.
Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery
This technique involves an anchor-shaped incision and is ideal for women with large breasts, although scarring is usually slightly more apparent. Skin, fat and tissue can be removed from the lower breast and the nipples and areolas may be repositioned as well.
Vertical Incision Revision
Also known as short-scar, this technique involves incisions that extend around the areola and down to the breast crease for a lollipop shape. Vertical incision is ideal for women with moderately large breasts and creates shapelier results with less scarring for women who do not require extensive tissue removal.
Breast Reduction Recovery
After the breast reduction procedure, patients will likely experience soreness, swelling and bruising for several days. Physical activity should be limited for one to two weeks, while exercise and other strenuous activity should be avoided for at least four weeks.
All sutures placed will dissolve on their own. It is important to see your doctor for regular follow-up visits to ensure that your breasts are healing properly.
How Small Can You Go?
There are several factors that determine how small you can go when having a breast reduction. They include the composition of your breast tissue, your overall body shape, and the current size of your breasts. In general, most patients are able to go down one to two cup sizes. This is a safe yet significant reduction that still flatters your figure and does not alter the composition of your breasts.
What Should You Not Do Before Breast Reduction Surgery?
Before having a reduction, there are several things you should avoid. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit smoking at least three months before your surgery. In some cases, you may need to quit smoking six months to one year prior to surgery. Smoking can heavily impact your ability to go under anesthesia and can greatly affect the outcome of your procedure.
In the weeks leading up to your breast reduction, you will also need to avoid certain medications and supplements, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin. NSAIDs can cause excessive bleeding during and after surgery.
The following supplements must also be avoided for at least two weeks prior to breast reduction surgery:
- Vitamin E
- Ginseng
- Fish oil
- Ginkgo Biloba
While these are commonly used supplements, they can lead to bleeding complications during and after your procedure. Make sure to discuss all of the medications or supplements you take with your provider prior to your surgical date.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Painful?
As with most surgical procedures, patients do experience pain after a breast reduction. Thanks to innovative techniques and advancements in the procedure, this pain is minimal for most patients.
There will be soreness, bruising, and swelling in the days following your breast reduction. This soreness can usually be managed with Tylenol. For some patients, pain may be more intense or significant. These patients may receive a small number of prescription painkillers at the start of their recovery process.
Will There Be Noticeable Scarring After the Procedure?
Your breast reduction procedure will involve incisions, which means there is always the potential for scarring. Breast reduction incisions can be made in a lollipop shape, around the areola and then vertically downwards to the bottom of the breast. These incisions leave minimally visible scarring.
Some patients receive traditional reduction incisions, which are made in an anchor shape across the entire lower portion of the breast. These incisions can leave much more prominent scarring.
Does Breast Reduction Include Implant Removal?
Breast reduction is a procedure for patients with naturally oversized breasts that have caused pain, discomfort, or aesthetic concerns. This is not the same procedure as breast implant removal. For patients with breast implants, a different surgery is required.
Patients who want their implants to be removed due to discomfort or other issues will need a breast implant removal or breast implant revision. The techniques used for these procedures are slightly different from those used in traditional breast reduction.
When Will I See Results?
The results of the breast reduction procedure are noticeable immediately after surgery and will continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside. Scars will continue to fade with time and can usually be concealed by a bra, bathing suit or low-cut top.
Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery
Although breast reduction is considered safe for most patients, there are certain risks associated with any surgical procedure. Some of these risks include loss of sensation, scarring and asymmetry, and well as general surgical risks such as infection, bleeding and reaction to anesthesia. Most patients undergo this procedure with no serious complications.
Dr. Frank will discuss these and other risks with you prior to surgery, as well as answer any questions you may have to ensure that your procedure is performed as smoothly as possible.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation With Dr. Ryan C. Frank!
Dr. Frank offers breast reduction surgery to patients in Calgary, AB, CA. Please, contact us at (403) 245-1228 to schedule a consultation. You can also fill out the form in our contact page to book your one-on-one appointment with Dr. Frank. Our practice looks forward to answering any questions you have and helping you determine whether you are a candidate for breast reduction!
Contact Us at: (403) 245-1228
If you would like to learn more about our cosmetic and plastic surgery services, to make an appointment with us, or to schedule your consultation, call us or contact us at our Calgary office.
