Breast reduction surgery or reduction mammaplasty is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce breast size by removing excess skin, tissue, and fat from a woman’s breast. Patients with breasts too large for their body choose to have a breast reduction for relief from discomfort and to achieve a bust line more proportionate to their overall physique. Other common symptoms for women who have oversized breasts are irritating indentations from bra straps; back, shoulder or neck pain; skeletal deformities, and breathing problems.

Patients who have had reduction mammaplasty enjoy smaller, lighter breasts with better symmetry.  Their breasts have a more pleasing contour and are in the correct proportion to the rest of their body. Reducing the size of their breasts allows the patient’s body to provide them greater support. 

 

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, we would love to talk with you. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Dreyfuss has extensive experience in breast surgeries including breast reduction for residents of the greater Chicago area.

To schedule a consultation at our Orland Park surgery center, call 815-806-9400 or contact us today.

Preparations for Breast Reduction Surgery

Dr. Dreyfuss will likely address the following during your consultation:

  • Evaluate your medical history and general health
  • Discuss what you can expect from the results
  • Deliver a detailed description of the surgery, its risks and its benefits, and possible complications like scarring and possible loss of sensation
  • Measure your breasts
  • Take photos of your breasts for your file
  • Explain the anesthesia

Before surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Have certain lab tests performed
  • Have a baseline mammogram
  • Quit smoking for a specific amount of time before and after surgery
  • Refrain from anti-inflammatories like aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Come prepared for your consultation, ready to voice your concerns, and ask questions. You will also need to make arrangements to have a responsible adult accompany you to the surgery center to help you home and look after you for a day or two.

Having Breast Reduction Surgery

Dr. Dreyfuss performs breast reduction surgery for Chicago residents at our cosmetic surgery center in Orland Park. He employs two different techniques which are dependant on the amount of tissue he needs to remove to attain optimal results. They are:

Breast Reduction Recovery

After reduction mammaplasty, our surgical team will observe and care for you in a recovery room. You may have tiny tubes inserted in the incision areas to allow excess fluids to drain. Dressings will be placed on your breasts, and then we apply a compression garment for support.

After a few hours of observation, you will go home with the help of a responsible adult you brought with you. Once home, make sure you have ice packs prepared to reduce swelling and minimize pain. Also, have a designated area where you can rest comfortably and reach for everything you need, like pain meds, books, and remote control. Try to relax and sleep with your head elevated, propped up by pillows.

Plan to take at least a week off from work. Some patients will require a more extended period as each patient’s body heals differently. We will schedule follow up appointments to check your incisions and monitor your healing.

You should plan to avoid physical activity for at least a month. Dr. Dreyfuss will assess your progress in recovery and let you know when it’s okay to resume exercise. 

Breast Reduction Results

There are several benefits to having a breast reduction, which is aesthetic, functional, and emotional. You will look great and feel better once your incisions heal. Your breasts will be more consummate with the rest of your body, making you look fantastic and feel better about yourself. You will find it’s easier for you to find clothes that fit, get comfortable while relaxing or going to bed, and lead a more active lifestyle. Discomfort like back, neck, and shoulder pain should subside, and you will enjoy more confidence in your appearance, improving your self-esteem.

Next Step

For residents of Chicago and the surrounding communities, Dr. Dreyfuss offers breast reduction surgery as well as other cosmetic procedures, surgical and non-surgical. If you are considering a breast reduction and would like to know if this procedure is right for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Call 815-806-9400 or Contact Us Today.

Breast Reduction FAQs

During the procedure, you will feel no pain or discomfort. There may be some mild pain in the incision areas after surgery. We recommend taking the pain meds as prescribed for several hours after surgery to get ahead of any discomfort you may experience. Then after a day or two, take only as necessary. Ice packs will also help to relieve pain as well as inflammation.

Like all surgical procedures, a breast reduction will have certain risks associated with it. These potential complications are the main reason to consider only plastic surgeons who are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This qualification will ensure a highly educated and properly trained professional with extensive experience in the procedure. Risks include:

    • Bleeding
    • Scarring
    • Poor results
    • Loss of sensitivity
    • Allergic reaction to anesthesia

There will be visible results immediately, with improvement as the swelling subsides. Expect to enjoy your full aesthetic results after six months to a year. Discomfort caused by large breast will subside soon after leaving the hospital.

Learn More

If you want to find out if you’re a good candidate for Breast Reduction or to learn more about the procedure please reach out to Dr. Dreyfuss.

Contact Us Today!