Breast Reduction

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reast size is about more than a woman’s appearance. Excessive breast size can create unpleasant symptoms, such as back pain and skin rashes, and may lead to more serious medical complications. For patients who struggle with their large breasts, Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) offers breast reduction surgery, performed by a leading board-certified plastic surgeon. CNSO offers comprehensive medical care, including breast surgery, at five locations in northern New Jersey, helping patients find relief.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Many women consider large breasts to be the ideal. Abnormally large breasts, however, can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being. Patients may struggle with symptoms that interfere with everyday activities and reduce their quality of life, including:

• Improper posture
• Spinal deformities
• Rashes and skin irritation
• Infections or lesions
• Breathing problems
• Trouble fitting into clothing
• Low self-esteem

Severely oversized breasts may be classified as macromastia, also called breast hypertrophy. This is a medical condition characterized by excessive and abnormal breast tissue growth. While rare, this condition can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life.

Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the mass of the breasts. It may be performed for cosmetic or medical reasons to produce smaller, lighter breasts with a healthier proportion to the rest of the body. This procedure can relieve a patient’s symptoms while improving their appearance, leading to greater confidence and a more positive body image.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which leaves the patient asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

Breast reductions at CNSO are performed by leading plastic surgeon Dr. Hakan Kutlu. One of several different methods can be used to reduce the breast size with a variety of different techniques and incision placements. He then removes tissue, including both fat and glandular components, to reduce the breast’s mass to the desired size. Liposuction may also be used to remove fat from the armpit region if needed.

Once enough tissue has been removed from the breast, Dr. Kutlu repositions the nipple and areola. In most cases, the nipple remains connected to its original nerves and blood supply. Very large breasts may require the nipple to be severed completely. This will lead to a longer recovery and loss of sensation in the areola. Finally, Dr. Kutlu closes the incisions using internal stitches. Surrounding skin and support tissue are tightened to avoid wrinkling or dimpling.

Recovering from Breast Reduction

Most patients go home on the same day as their procedure. The incisions are covered with special dressings. Occasionally, there may be drainage tubes placed to prevent underlying fluid buildup. The patient is provided with a surgical bra to provide support for the newly reduced breasts. The patient is usually seen within a week of the procedure and counselled regarding ongoing care. In the meantime, patients should follow their surgical team’s instructions for recovery:

• Taking prescribed pain or antibiotic medication
• Performing breast self-examinations
• Avoiding bending, lifting, and straining
• Sleeping on the back or side
• Keeping incision sites clean and protected
• Returning to normal activities
• Scheduling a follow-up appointment

The results of breast reduction surgery are noticeable immediately, including reduced breast size and an improved shape. Patients will also experience relief from back pain and skin irritation. The surgery does create scars, which begin to fade after months and continue to fade for up to two years.

Find Breast Reduction Surgery Near You in New Jersey

Oversized breasts lead to unpleasant symptoms that may impact a person’s quality of life. People with macromastia can find treatment at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics. The comprehensive care team offers breast reduction surgery for patients who struggle with the looks and health effects of abnormally large breasts. Plastic surgery services are available at multiple convenient locations, including Jersey City, Morristown, Paramus, Wayne, and West Orange, NJ. To learn more about CNSO’s cosmetic and medical surgical services, contact CNSO today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery

Is breast reduction permanent?

The effects of breast reduction are long-lasting. Patients can enjoy the benefits for the rest of their lives. However, the appearance of their breast can still be affected by aging, weight fluctuations, future pregnancies, or hormonal factors such as menopause.

Does breast reduction interfere with breastfeeding?

Breast reduction surgery removes the glands used for milk production. As a result, breastfeeding is usually not possible after a reduction. Women considering a reduction are advised to wait for surgery until after having children.

Does breast reduction interfere with pregnancy?

It is possible to become pregnant after receiving a breast reduction. However, patients should be aware that pregnancy may alter the look of their breasts after surgery.

How do breasts look and feel after reduction surgery?

Dr. Kutlu aims to create the most natural-looking results possible. The surgery does leave scarring, though this will fade over months or years. Scars are also strategically placed to reduce their visibility after healing. Patients are usually quite happy with the improved appearance of their breasts after the procedure, along with the reduction or elimination of their pre-operative symptoms. They report an improved ability to exercise, usually resulting in further weight loss along with the ability to find appropriately fitting clothing more easily.

Will insurance cover breast reduction surgery?

Insurance companies may cover breast reduction surgery performed for medical reasons to treat macromastia, or abnormally large breasts. Companies may not cover surgeries performed for cosmetic reasons. Each insurance company has separate criteria to qualify for coverage of the procedure. Our staff at CNSO is experienced at helping patients navigate the pre-approval process.