Contact Us
You are here: / Breast Reduction

Archive for category: Breast Reduction

/in , /by

Breast reduction scars are an inevitable part of getting surgery, but they can be minimized with proper planning and follow-through. Following your surgeon’s directions closely and looking into scar massage and silicone scar reduction sheeting can do a great deal to reduce scar appearance.

Because breast reduction surgery can produce such amazing results for patients who suffer from pain, rashes, and other issues related to having large breasts, it’s important not to let the idea of scars be the reason for not pursuing it. 

Let’s take a closer look at four of the ways you can minimize breast reduction surgery scars.

What Does a Breast Reduction Scar Look Like?

What your breast reduction scars will look like depends on several factors. The most important factor will be what type of surgery is required to achieve your aesthetic goals.

At your consultation appointment, you will tell Dr. Schulman what you hope to achieve with your surgery. Many patients want to go down one or two cup sizes at least. Based on your current breast size, the makeup of your breast tissue, your skin elasticity, and your overall body composition and frame, Dr. Schulman will then decide on the best surgical approach for you.

There are several different ways to perform breast reduction surgery. Naturally, Dr. Schulman wants to help minimize scarring as you do, but if you also want drastic reduction results, more scarring may be necessary because more incisions may be necessary. 

For example, less invasive breast reduction surgeries (for smaller reductions) only require incisions to be made around each areola. These incisions will heal and turn into scars that blend nicely into the darker skin of the areolae.

A “lollipop” or “anchor” incision pattern, on the other hand, will create additional incisions and additional scars. These are surgeries for more significant reductions. 

The lollipop incision pattern requires one incision to be made around the areola and another to be made from the bottom of the areola down to the breast grease (resulting in somewhat of a lollipop incision pattern).

The anchor incision pattern is basically the lollipop pattern with an additional incision: one that is made along the breast crease. Generally speaking, this last incision will be hardly noticeable because it is hidden by the breast itself.

So, do boob reduction scars go away?

Yes, over time, your breast reduction scars will fade and flatten out. However, this can only happen if you take good care of your incisions after your surgery and use the other tips outlined below.

How Long Does It Take for a Breast Reduction Surgery to Heal?

After, “How painful is breast reduction surgery?”, the most commonly asked question regarding breast reduction is, “How long will it take for me to heal?”

And it’s a good question. After all, you’re undergoing this surgery so that you can enjoy life more — wear the clothes you want, move the way you want, and be proud of your body. That means you want to jump over the healing process as quickly as possible. 

Unfortunately, your body has other plans when it comes to healing (it prefers to take its time). 

First off, to get healed breast reduction scars will take at least seven to 10 days. After this time, you should be able to resume normal activities, but don’t jump into your regular exercise routine just yet. You should wait to perform any type of strenuous physical activities until about three weeks out from surgery. Discuss this with Dr. Schulman.

As usual, always ease into exercise, and pace yourself. Exercise is one of the things breast reduction patients are most excited about after their surgery. Still, you don’t want to compromise your results by rushing into heavy workouts too quickly.

How to Reduce Breast Reduction Surgery Scars: 4 Tips

1. Don’t strain your incisions.

As stated above, one of the most common problems after breast reduction surgery occurs when patients rush back into activity too soon. They’re excited about their results, and they want to run, play sports, and exercise. It’s definitely great to be excited about physical activity, but don’t strain your incisions too soon. 

Pulling and stretching on your incisions can cause them not only to open up, but to be agitated in such a way as to create a worsened scar over time. Especially during the first few weeks of recovery, stay relatively still, make gentle movements, and do not stretch or strain.

2. Don’t expose your incisions to ultraviolet light.

UV light from the sun or tanning beds can exacerbate the pigment of your scars, making your scars appear darker than they need to be. Wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and do whatever it takes to keep your incision sites and scars out of the sun.

3. Wear your post-surgical garments as directed.

We will put you into a surgical bra after your surgery. You’ll need to wear this for a specific amount of time. Do not stop wearing this bra or any of the other garments we recommend until you’re cleared to do so by Dr. Schulman. Doing so too early could compromise your results and may worsen your scarring.

4. Talk to your surgeon about scar reduction techniques.

There are several different breast reduction scar treatment options available that really work. From breast reduction scar cream and serums to special silicone sheeting and devices that hold scars together for better healing, many options can produce excellent results. 

This is especially true for those who may be at risk of forming a breast reduction scar tissue lump beneath their skin as their scars heal (often called keloid scarring). You’ll want to avoid these scars, which can be uncomfortable as well as unattractive. If you have keloid scars from other incisions or injuries, tell Dr. Schulman about it so that he can help you avoid these types of scars as you heal from breast reduction surgery.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More

Reduction mammaplasty can drastically alleviate discomfort for women with excessively large breasts. Because scars are inevitable, it’s important to have a plan for scar reduction. This starts with choosing the best NYC plastic surgeon for your procedure. 

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman performs breast reduction surgery for patients in New York City. The outstanding results Dr. Schulman achieves for his patients speak for themselves. 

To find out if you’re a good candidate for breast reduction surgery, book a consultation appointment with Dr. Schulman today. 

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/scars-symptoms

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425293

/in /by

Breast reduction surgery reduces the size of the breasts while making them attractive in the ways you desire. With the added benefit of a lift, this surgery can relieve intense back and neck pain, uncomfortable rashes, and trouble finding clothes — all while leaving you with breasts you feel happy with.

While the surgery can be life-altering for many patients, there are a number of patients who are concerned with the recovery period. For this reason, we’ve outlined a description of breast reduction recovery week by week below.

Education is power, and if you are considering this surgery, the more you know about the recovery experience, the more prepared you’ll be with the procedure.

What to Expect After Your Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is outpatient, which means you can go home on the same day as the procedure. 

Depending on the extent of your reduction, these surgeries usually last two to three hours and take place in our accredited operating room — right here in Dr. Schulman’s office. Immediately after your procedure, you’ll go to our recovery room for one to two additional hours, and then you’ll be discharged to go home with a trustworthy friend or relative once you’re feeling alright.

The great news about breast reduction recovery is that it is very well tolerated by almost all patients. The pain is minimal, especially when compared to other surgeries such as breast augmentations or tummy tucks.  

Some patients like to look up a breast reduction recovery week by week blog or video series before they undergo their procedure. It gives them a better idea of what to expect. We encourage this as these first-hand resources can be extremely helpful and insightful. Just remember that all patients are different, and every breast reduction surgery is unique, so your experience won’t necessarily be the same as someone else’s.

You are also free to ask Dr. Matthew Schulman any questions you may have at your consultation appointment or at any time before or after your procedure. He and his staff are here as resources for you and would be happy to hear your concerns and provide additional education about the recovery period. 

For now, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect week by week during your breast reduction recovery.

Breast Reduction Recovery Week by Week

Week 1

The first few days of your recovery may involve some discomfort — as well as swelling and bruising — but this should be minimal. For the most part, patients are able to manage discomfort during this time with over-the-counter meds Tylenol or Motrin. 

The pain should go away quickly. Swelling, however, will linger for several months, and this is normal. During the first week of your recovery, you will be wearing a surgical bra, which Dr. Schulman will place on you immediately after surgery. It is also recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothing.

Within the first week of your recovery, you should be able to go back to many of your regular activities. Most patients are back at work or school (as long as these are not physically demanding), and frequent movement by way of walking is recommended.

Week 2

Moving into week two of your breast reduction recovery, you will be able to take on some additional activities at this time, if you wish. This may include things like grocery shopping or spending more time on your feet, in general. You should continue to avoid vigorous exercise and continue to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated.

Week 3

At week 3, you should continue getting plenty of rest and sleep, eating right, and taking short daily walks (do only what feels comfortable). Attend your follow-up appointments, and be sure to ask questions if they come up. 

Week 4

Finally, depending on your surgery and recovery progress, Dr. Schulman may clear you to slowly return to an exercise regimen. Ease into physical activity, though, and don’t overdo it. Exerting yourself too much during this critical recovery period may cause complications and put your health at risk. It might also put your results at risk.

You may be still sore 4 weeks after breast reduction, but this is relatively uncommon. Most discomfort should have dissipated by now, and swelling will be down significantly as well (though you’ll still have some even at week 4). Your incision sites will be healed, and you should be feeling more like yourself again. 

Week 5

At this point, you should feel comfortable resuming all of your normal activities — from work or school to exercise and socializing. Do keep in mind that you may have residual swelling, however. So, the way your breasts look now might not be the way they’ll look in three or four months. Plan accordingly, and purchase bras and undergarments that are comfortable and not too constricting. You may end up sizing down in a few months.

Week 6 and Beyond

Congratulations — you’ve made it to the 6-week mark of your breast reduction recovery. At this point, you should feel like yourself again, but now, with smaller, more comfortable breasts. 

Be sure to continue leading a healthy lifestyle, eating right, drinking plenty of water, exercising, and getting plenty of rest. As long as you’ve been following all aftercare instructions from your surgeon, it’s rare to experience complications after a breast reduction. Furthermore, the most common problems after breast reduction surgery would likely have occurred already in your recovery. So, if you’re six weeks post-op, all you have to look forward to are even better results. 

FAQs: Breast Reduction Recovery

What is the most painful day after breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is one of the least painful plastic surgeries patients can undergo. Breast tissue, fat, and skin are being cut into with this procedure, but these areas of the body don’t tend to have the worst pain when they are manipulated (pain usually results from muscle incisions or manipulation). 

As a result, you won’t experience much pain, in general, after breast reduction surgery. With that said, the most pain you’ll likely have will be in the first few days after your operation. The vast majority of patients are able to manage their discomfort with over-the-counter medications such as Motrin or Tylenol.

How long does it take for breasts to drop after reduction?

When people say breasts “drop” after breast reduction surgery, what they’re really saying is that the breasts will eventually settle into place after the incisions have healed, all of the swelling has dissipated, and scar tissue has formed.

For your breasts to fully settle after this procedure, you must wait at least six months. For some patients, the entire recovery period (the time during which breasts fully drop and settle into place) may take up to nine months.

Can I lay on my side 3 weeks after breast reduction?

Patients will need to sleep on their backs for at least the first two weeks of recovery. This is so that you don’t strain, stretch, or twist your incision sites and so that the breasts heal evenly. Lying on your side may cause stretching on one side and not the other.

How long after breast reduction will I know my size for bras and undergarments?

Everyone heals at different rates, so it may take anywhere from six to nine months for your breasts to fully heal so that you can know your final bra and undergarment size. With that said, patients will have discussed what they want their bra size to be at their consultation appointment before surgery. Dr. Schulman is skilled at achieving the results he finalizes with his patients, so you can feel confident that your breasts will look and feel the way you expect them to after a full recovery.

How long is bed rest after breast reduction?

After breast reduction surgery, you shouldn’t have to be on bed rest for very long at all. While you may wish to lay down and relax for most of the day over the first few days of your recovery, you not only can get up and walk around right away, but you should. Frequent ambulation (movement) after surgery is highly beneficial for your circulation and can help reduce the chances of developing a blood clot and other potential complications.

Set Up Your Consultation Appointment Today

Whether you’ve always been unhappy with the size of your breasts or you’ve only recently come to realize that having smaller breasts could be beneficial to you, know that breast reduction surgery can be totally transformative for your life. Many women say they wish they got the surgery sooner because it’s benefited their lives in so many ways. Overwhelmingly, patients are satisfied with this procedure. 

To learn more about breast reduction surgery and the recovery period, please feel free to contact our office in New York City at your earliest convenience. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman is one of the leading cosmetic surgery professionals in NYC and has performed countless breast surgeries for satisfied patients in New York and around the country. 

Don’t wait to turn your life around with breast reduction surgery. Book your consultation appointment today.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246

/in /by

A breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of your breasts. This operation is common and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons there were about 50,000 breast reduction procedures performed in 2019.

What is breast reduction surgery?

TheAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons defines breast reduction, orreduction mammaplasty, as the removal of “excess breast tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and alleviate discomfort.” Essentially, breast reduction surgery aims to make the patient’s chest smaller and more in proportion with their unique frame. For women, breast reductions may also be combined with breast lifts orliposuction, both of which can help reshape the breast tissue and achieve a more appealing and attractive breast shape.

Common Reasons to have breast reduction surgery?

There are 3 main reason why someone may choose to undergo a breast reduction procedure:

  • Comfort
  • Appearance
  • Reduction in breast cancer risk

Comfort

Most breast reduction surgeries aim to help women reduce symptoms associated with their large breasts, including:

  1. Back and shoulder pain
  2. Neck pain
  3. Rashes and irritation in the breast folds

The excess weight of the breasts can cause shoulder, back, and neck pain. It can also cause rashes and irritation in the breast folds due to moisture and irritation from heavy bras. It is also common for women with large breasts to have a difficult time losing weight since the weight of their breasts interferes with their ability to exercise and be active.

Appearance

While one of the main benefits of breast reduction surgery is improved comfort, there is certainly a cosmetic component as well. Oftentimes, women with large breasts feel heavier than their actual weight. They commonly complain of being “top heavy” and have trouble wearing specific types of clothes.

A breast reduction will make the chest smaller and can give the appearance of a slimmer body. An important part of a breast reduction is also a breast lift. This means that in addition to making the breasts smaller, they will also be lifted. The ultimate result will be smaller, lifted, and perkier breasts. A well performed breast reduction should make you feel better AND look better.

Reduction in Breast Cancer Risk

There was a well performed study done in Sweden that demonstrated that breast reduction surgery can decrease the risk of breast cancer. They found that there was a 28% decreased incidence in breast cancer among women who had undergone a breast reduction. The rationale is that after a breast reduction procedure, there is less native breast tissue that can ultimately undergo cancerous transformation. This has led some women who have a family history of breast cancer to electively undergo breast reduction surgery.

Can Men Get a Breast Reduction?

Men can get breast reduction surgery as well. Male breast reduction surgery benefits men who find themselves with excess tissue in their chests — a condition calledgynecomastia. The procedure helps reduce self-consciousness associated with male breasts and can make men more comfortable both in and out of their clothes.

How to prepare for your Breast Reduction surgery

It’s important to be ready for your surgery ahead of time and to know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. You will need to take time off work and away from your normal activities once the procedure is finished, and you will also need someone with you, taking care of you for at least a week. Preparing individually and with your family ahead of time is a good idea.

At your initial consultation, your surgeon will go over everything you should expect during your surgery. Depending on your current health status, you may need to stop taking certain medications or dietary supplements (some drugs such as aspirin may thin the blood and be dangerous for surgery as they increase bleeding). You should also quit smoking if you are a smoker, since nicotine can significantly impair healing.

Your surgeon will discuss the specific plans for your surgery. There are several different breast reduction techniques and each has different skin incisions and scars. Your surgeon should demonstrate on your body what your scar will look like. He or she will also let you know how long you will be in the operating room. On average, a breast reduction can take 2-4 hours in the operating room. Obviously, the larger the reduction, the longer it will take.

All breast reduction surgeries require prior medical evaluations and possibly lab tests. You may need to have a mammogram as well if you are 40 years or older, or have any personal or family history of breast problems.

Recovering from breast reduction surgery

This surgical procedure is done as an outpatient, meaning that you will be permitted to go home the same day. After an appropriate time in the recovery room, you will be able to leave with your surgical escort. You will be given pain medications, but we find that a breast reduction tends to be among the least painful procedures that we perform.

Dr. Schulman will provide you with post-op instructions, which you and your chosen caregiver must follow closely for your safety and for optimal results from the surgery. Several follow-up appointments will be scheduled as well. At these appointments, Dr. Schulman will remove your bandages and examine the progress of your healing. Stitches will be moved as necessary, but most simply dissolve on their own over time.

In most cases, returning to work is possible in one to two weeks following breast reduction surgery. Of course, this will depend on the specific type of work that you do. Returning to physical activity and exercise will take longer. This is especially true for activities involving breast movement (like jogging or running). You should expect to refrain from exerxign for about 3 weeks. Continue following your post-op directions and attending your follow-up appointments, and your surgeon will let you know when you can return to your typical routine.

Breast Reduction in New York City

Many women with extra-large chests find that larger breasts are problematic. Large breasts can cause pain and discomfort on a daily basis. They can exacerbate other physical problems and they can even restrict your activity and diminish your self-esteem. Even some teenage girls suffer the pain and embarrassment of very large breasts. This is why this procedure is sometimes performed on teens, when their breasts have stopped growing. Breast reduction surgery may eliminate many of these complaints and is the plastic surgery procedure with the highest satisfaction rate.

If you are a women, man, or teen, and thinking about undergoing a breast reduction, make sure to find a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in this procedure. Dr. Matthew Schulman is a breast and body expert here in New York City. To learn more about breast reduction surgery and why it may be right for you, contact us through our website or call the office.

/in /by

If your breasts are dis-proportionally large in comparison with the rest of your frame, you may have good reason to invest in breast reduction surgery. In the following guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know when considering breast reduction surgery for yourself in New York City.

Breast Reduction New York City: Everything You Need to Know

 

What is breast reduction surgery?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons defines breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, as the removal of “excess breast tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and [to] alleviate discomfort.”

Essentially, breast reduction surgery aims to make the patient’s chest smaller and more in proportion with their unique frame. For women, breast reductions may also be combined with breast lifts or liposuction procedure, both of which can help reshape the breast tissue and achieve a more appealing and attractive breast shape.

 

 

Why have breast reduction surgery?

Most breast reduction surgeries aim to help women reduce the negative side effects associated with extra-large breasts. Many women opt for breast reduction surgery because of physical pain and discomfort. The excess weight on the front of the body — in the chest — can cause back problems and neck issues. Likewise, it can impede physical activity and exacerbate weight problems. Many women with extra-large chests lament having problems finding clothes that fit well and having to wear extra high necklines with every outfit to avoid showing excess cleavage. In recent years, many well-known female celebrities have chosen breast reduction surgery, including Drew Barrymore and Ariel Winter.

Men can get breast reduction surgery as well. Male breast reduction surgery benefits men who find themselves with excess tissue in their chests — a condition called gynecomastia. The procedure helps reduce self-consciousness associated with male breasts and can make men more comfortable both in and out of their clothes.

How to prepare for surgery

It’s important to be ready for your surgery ahead of time and to know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. You may need to take time off work and away from your normal activities once the procedure is finished, and you will also need someone with you, taking care of you for at least a few weeks. Preparing individually and with your family ahead of time is a good idea.

Your surgeon will go over everything you should expect at your initial consultation appointment and subsequent appointments. Depending on your current health status, you may need to stop taking certain medications or dietary supplements (some drugs such as aspirin may thin the blood and be dangerous for surgery as they increase bleeding). You should also quit smoking if you are a smoker.

All breast reduction surgeries require prior medical evaluations and possibly lab tests. You may need to have a mammogram as well.

 

 

Understanding the breast reduction procedure

The excess tissue, fat, and skin on your breasts must be removed during your breast reduction procedure. This involves incisions on and around your breasts. How these incisions are made will depend on your current physique and what you want your breasts to look like after surgery.

In most breast reduction surgeries, your surgeon will follow these steps:

  1. Administration of anesthesia. This may include general anesthetics and/or sedation by IV.
  2. Incision. There are several different ways your surgeon may make your incisions. The typical choices are “anchor” incisions, “lollipop” incisions, or general “circular incisions.”
  3. Repositioning and tissue removal. The nipple will stay connected to its nerves and blood supply during the procedure but will be repositioned according to the desired end outcome. Other tissue and fat will be removed or repositioned as necessary.
  4. Incision closing. Finally, the incisions will be closed.

 

Recovering from breast reduction surgery

After surgery, you will need to have someone present at our office to take you home and stay with you. A procedure like breast reduction surgery requires that you take time off work and away from physical activities, especially things like strenuous exercise.

Dr. Schulman will provide you with post-op instructions, which you and your chosen caregiver must follow closely for your safety and for optimal results from the surgery. Several follow-up appointments will be scheduled as well. At these appointments, Dr. Schulman will remove your bandages and examine the progress of your healing. Stitches will be moved as necessary.

Returning to work is possible in one or two weeks following breast reduction surgery in most cases. Returning to physical activity and exercise will take longer. This is especially true for activities involving downward breast movement (like jogging or running). Continue following your post-op directions and attending your follow-up appointments, and your surgeon will let you know when you can return to your typical routine.

 

Change Your Life With Breast Reduction New York City

While many women get breast augmentations or breast lifts in order to make their breasts bigger, women with extra-large chests know that bigger boots aren’t all they’re cracked up to be much of the time. Large breasts can cause pain and discomfort on a daily basis. They can exacerbate other physical problems. And they can even restrict your activity and diminish your self-esteem. For men, excess breast tissue can cause discomfort and reduced self-confidence.

Breast reduction surgery can change all of these symptoms for the better.

For breast reduction surgery to benefit you, all it takes is one procedure with an experienced plastic surgeon. Once complete, women will enjoy new breasts that perfectly their physique and frame, and men will be rid of the breast tissue that causes discomfort and self-consciousness.

The plastic surgeon New York City women and men trust with their breast reduction surgeries is Dr. Matthew Schulman.

Dr. Schulman is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience providing women with successful breast reduction surgeries. If you are thinking about breast reduction surgery for yourself, book a consultation appointment with our office. The dedication Dr. Schulman has to providing his patients with optimal results, his care and attention to detail, and his kind and calming presence will tell you immediately that he’s the surgeon you’ll want for your procedure. Contact us today.

Coming From Out Of Town to NYC?

We Offer Virtual Consultations With Dr. Schulman!

Many of our patients travel a great distance to have surgery with Dr. Schulman, so we understand that it may not be possible for you to come to our office for your initial consultation.

212-289-1851

Schedule Now

Schulman Plastic Surgery
62 East 88th Street, Suite C,
New York, NY 10128

Sign up for our practice newsletter!

If you are looking for Plastic Surgery “near me” Dr. Schulman in NYC can help you.

Website and  SEO For Plastic Surgeons by Kohana Media