Breast Reduction

Overly large breasts can be both a physical and psychological burden from adolescence onward.  They can cause physical pain in the back and shoulders, and they can alter one’s stance. Bra straps dig into shoulders, and jogging, running and other forms of cardio vascular activity can cause extreme discomfort.

A breast reduction is designed to create smaller breasts that are more proportionate to the patient’s body reducing physical discomfort and increasing self confidence. During the procedure, fat, tissue and skin are removed from the breasts to make them smaller and less heavy. The areola can also be reduced and repositioned during the procedure.

The preeminent candidates for this procedure are women whose breasts are a physical problem.  This means back, neck and shoulder pain, chafing from bra straps, skin irritation beneath the breast fold, and limited physical activity due to discomfort. Breast reductions are typically performed for physical relief rather than appearance purposes.

To find out if you are a good candidate for a breast reduction, contact Dr. Stokes for a private consultation. She will go over the procedure, in its entirety, and will discuss your overall goals to ensure you get the results you want.

Breast reduction is an outpatient surgery that is typically performed in an office or hospital operating room. The procedure usually takes 3 to 4 hours.

Patients will experience bruising and soreness following the surgery, but that should go away within a few weeks. Scars from the procedure may take up to a year to mature. Some patients experience small sores around the nipples, but they can be healed using antibiotic cream.

Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia or may develop an infection after the surgery. Patients that experience extreme discomfort after the surgery are advised to see their doctor to make sure an infection has not developed. Other risks include permanent deep scarring, unbalanced positioning of the nipples, slightly unevenly shaped breast, permanent loss of feeling in the nipples or loss of the ability to breast feed.

If you are thinking about getting a breast reduction and would like more information about the benefits and risks, contact Dr. Stokes to schedule a private consultation. Dr. Stokes will take the time to discuss your concerns, fears and goals and will help you make a decision you will feel confident and comfortable with.