Breast Reduction

in Albany, NY

Breast Reduction

At a Glance

  • Recovery: 1-2 weeks
  • Cost: View Pricing
  • Anesthesia: General
  • In-Op Length: 2-4 hours

What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that reduces the size of your breasts and makes your breasts more proportional to your body. The goal is to make your breasts more proportionate to your body and habitus while reducing their size and weight. The result is relief of the issues associated with very large breasts. One can expect decreased back, neck, and shoulder pain. Grooving caused by bra straps cutting into the shoulders is ameliorated. Patients often experience an improvement in posture.

Breast reduction is sometimes considered a reconstructive plastic surgery procedure, which means it can sometimes be covered by your insurance company. Many patients experience stress caused by breasts that are weighing heavily on their body, causing back and neck pain and bad posture. Breast reduction surgery can provide you with relief from these symptoms and also improve the overall shape of your breasts as they will be smaller, firmer and ultimately lighter.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Candidates for breast reduction are healthy individuals and nonsmokers. If you do smoke, you must quit for a minimum of six weeks following surgery. Patients can benefit from breast reduction if they suffer from physical or emotional discomfort due to large breasts. Successful candidates are those who have realistic expectations about what can be achieved and are able to maintain a positive outlook. In order to maintain long-lasting results, patients should maintain their weight and not plan to get pregnant in the near future.

Customize Your Breast Reduction

The breast reduction procedure may be performed using a selection of techniques. The one that is right for you will depend on a number of factors, which your doctor will take into account. The techniques commonly used to achieve this procedure include the following.

Liposuction:

In some cases, a breast reduction can be performed with liposuction alone. This can help you achieve a subtle reduction that is less invasive and results in no scarring on the front of the breast.

Vertical/Lollipop Incision:

For a more moderate reduction and to improve sagging, patients might require the vertical/lollipop lift. In this technique, an incision is made around the areola and vertically towards the crease underneath the breast. This allows for the removal of excess tissue and skin and the re-positioning of the nipple.

Inverted-T/Anchor Incision:

The inverted-T/Anchor reduction allows for the most dramatic breast reduction and reshaping. For this technique, an incision is made around the areola, vertically towards the breast crease, and along the breast crease. This allows for the most significant tissue and skin reduction and can improve severe sagging and asymmetry.

Breast Reduction FAQs

Can you combine a breast reduction and lift?

A breast reduction almost always entails lifting and repositioning the nipple as part of the procedure. The difference between a breast reduction and a breast lift is whether or not breast tissue is removed in order to decrease the weight and size of the breast. Sometimes during mastopexy, a small amount of breast tissue is removed.

How is a breast reduction and lift performed?

A breast reduction always involves a lift. Breast reduction involves decreasing the size of the breast by tailoring the breast envelope and decreasing the amount of breast gland. During this process, the nipple is lifted to its ideal position on what will be the new breast mound. Breast reduction can be performed through an incision around the areola or with a lollipop incision. Sometimes, depending on the size of the breast, an incision is also needed in the inframammary fold.

How is a Breast Reduction Performed?

Breast reduction involves decreasing the size of the breasts by tailoring the breast envelope and decreasing the amount of breast gland. During this process, the nipple is lifted to its ideal position on what will be the new breast mound. Breast reduction can be performed through an incision around the areola or with a lollipop incision. Sometimes, depending on the size of the breast, an incision is also needed in the inframammary fold.

How long does it take to recover from a breast reduction?

You should plan to take on to two weeks off work for your breast reduction procedure. During your recovery, you will be provided with certain exercise restrictions to ensure proper healing. If you have a desk job that does not require much movement, you will likely be able to return to work sooner. However, if your job required more strenuous activity, you might need more time off. Dr. Kayastha can discuss how long you should plan to take off work during your consultation so you can feel fully prepared.

How long does a breast reduction take?

Breast reduction surgery takes two to four hours. It’s performed in the hospital using general anesthesia. You will be able to go home the day of your breast reduction procedure but should have someone there to drive you home and care for you during the first 24 hours. Recovery will then take one to two weeks with several months to show the final results of your procedure.

Can breast grow back after reduction?

Its possible to experience breast growth after a reduction procedure, especially with weight fluctuations or pregnancy. Its important to be at a stable weight and have no future plans for pregnancy before undergoing your procedure.

Can you drink alcohol after breast reduction?

You should avoid alcohol for at least one week after breast reduction since it can cause increased bleeding and interactions with medications.

Do you lose feeling in your nipples after breast reduction?

You may lose some sensation in your nipples after breast reduction, especially with certain incision patterns. In most cases, feeling returns as you recover.

Do you lose weight after breast reduction?

You may lose a minor amount of weight during breast reduction based on the amount of fat and breast tissue removed. Breast reduction should not be considered a weight loss procedure, however.

How can I reduce my cup size?

Breast reduction is one of the most effective ways to reduce your breasts if you have excess breast tissue. If your breasts are enlarged because of fat, then losing weight can also help.

How do I know if I need a breast reduction?

Many patients opt for breast reduction because they experience symptoms like back pain or chafing. If you feel your quality of life would be improved by smaller breasts, then breast reduction can help.

How long does it take for swelling to go down after breast reduction?

Swelling will begin to subside after one week of surgery, but it can take several months for swelling to fully go down and for your final results to emerge.

How dangerous is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction comes with risks like any other surgery. When you select an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, you can drastically reduce your risk.

How many cup sizes can you go down with breast reduction?

It can be difficult to determine specific cup sizes when it comes to breast surgery, but many women achieve an average of 1-2 cup size reduction with this procedure.

How do breast reductions work?

Breast reduction works by removing breast tissue, fat, or both. Then, the breasts are repositioned as needed.

Preparing for Breast Reduction in Albany

Preparing for breast augmentation can be just as important as the surgery and recovery process when it comes to achieving your best possible results. During your consultation, Dr. Kayastha will give you specific and detailed instructions for your preparation. Some general considerations include:

  • Stopping or adjusting medications, such as blood thinners, as needed
  • Coordinating with a close friend, family member, or other caregivers who can assist you with transportation and care for at least 24 hours after surgery
  • Purchasing and/or packing essentials like comfortable clothing, medications, books, magazines, and other types of entertainment for your recovery period
  • Refraining from eating or drinking beginning at midnight before your procedure

Recovering from Breast Reduction

After breast reduction surgery, patients will need to wear a support bra to minimize swelling and help with the healing process. You can expect the most discomfort on the first day, but this can be minimized with prescription medication and the use of an ice pack. Swelling should continue to diminish over the course of your recovery. Once fully healed, you will be able to enjoy smaller, rounder, more symmetrical breasts. You can expect improved comfort when exercising, wearing the clothes you’d like, and during everyday activities.

Breast Reduction Results

Breast reduction results are immediately noticeable, though swelling will be present for several weeks. Because of swelling, the final results will not be seen until about six months after the procedure. However, many patients find that their breasts appear and feel natural about six weeks after surgery. A breast reduction will result in smaller, more proportionate breasts that are balanced with your frame.

Breast Reduction in Albany, NY

Breast reduction is a great way to meet your aesthetic goals and boost your confidence. To learn more about breast reduction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kayastha in Albany, NY online today.

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Dr. Kayastha is a board certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire Capital Region. Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During his time in Buffalo he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. Following medical school Dr. Kayastha gained a much sought after position in the Michigan State-Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency. After finishing residency training Dr. Kayastha completed a one year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. To round out his training before starting private practice Dr. Kayastha spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Dr. Kayastha is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

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PatientsDr. Kayastha

Dr. Kayastha and his entire staff were very kind and professional from start to finish. He has exceptional attention to detail and really goes above beyond to ensure that his patients are comfortable and well informed throughout the entire process. His work speaks for itself, and I could not be happier with the results.

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