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Having breasts that are too large can lead to a range of medical issues, such as back and neck pain, skin irritation and rashes, grooving on the shoulders from bra straps, difficulty breathing, and poor posture. These physical problems can also have an impact on a person’s self-esteem and self-image. Breast reduction surgery can address these issues by eliminating excessive breast tissue while improving the contour and projection of the breasts.

Dr. Samuel M. Sohn can provide those considering breast reduction surgery with more information about the procedure. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly experienced in all types of breast surgeries and is dedicated to helping patients in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, Florida achieve cosmetic improvement in their breasts and quality of life.

What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also referred to as reduction mammoplasty, involves removing Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Breast Reduction American Society of Plastic Surgeons Go to Source excess skin and tissue from overly large breasts to improve the aesthetic appearance while creating a more comfortable and manageable size. This procedure can be done for both functional and cosmetic reasons, and patients often report improved Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Quality of life after breast reduction surgery: a 10-year retrospective analysis using the Breast Q questionnaire: does breast size matter? Gonzalez MA, Glickman LT, Aladegbami B, Simpson RL Go to Source self-confidence after the procedure. If you are concerned about the size of your breasts for physical or psychological reasons, breast reduction surgery may be an option to consider.

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Benefits of Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery offers patients a variety of benefits, including:

  • Reducing the size of extremely heavy or large breasts
  • Minimizing breast asymmetry
  • Improving the shape of the breasts
  • Removing excess or sagging skin for a firmer, more youthful appearance
  • Relieving shoulder or back pain associated with heavy breasts

If you are interested in breast reduction surgery, it is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and determine the best treatment plan for you.

Candidates For Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is often performed to alleviate the discomfort and functional problems associated with overly large breasts, such as pain or discomfort and interference with daily activities. Breast reduction is typically performed once the breasts have fully developed, but in some cases, it may be done earlier if necessary due to causing extreme discomfort or significant interference with a person’s lifestyle. Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Breast Reduction Candidates American Society of Plastic Surgeons Go to Source Good candidates for breast reduction understand the risks associated with surgery and have realistic expectations for what kind of results the procedure can achieve.

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Your Breast Reduction Consultation

At your breast reduction consultation, Dr. Sohn will perform a physical examination and review your medical history to determine the optimal treatment plan for your needs. Factors he’ll consider include your age, the quality of your breast skin, your breast width, overall breast size, any previous breast surgeries you’ve had, and the size and position of the nipple. Several surgical techniques for removing excess breast tissue are available, and Dr. Sohn will customize your treatment to your specific anatomy and cosmetic goals to optimize your final result.

Preparing For Breast Reduction

Before undergoing breast reduction surgery, Dr. Sohn may request you undergo certain medical tests and evaluations, such as a mammogram or an electrocardiogram. You’ll be provided by our medical staff with detailed instructions on preparing for surgery. You’ll also need to plan for someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you for the first night following your procedure. It is important to carefully follow all preoperative instructions to ensure a successful surgery and recovery.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reductions are typically performed under general anesthesia, administered by our board-certified anesthesiologists. You will be asleep throughout the procedure, which is performed on an outpatient basis at an accredited surgery center.

There are various techniques used for breast reduction surgery, however, the two most commonly performed are the vertical technique and the anchor technique. Both approaches involve making a lollipop incision around the areola’s circumference and a vertical incision that runs from the bottom of the areola down the breast. In cases where the anchor technique is necessary, this includes an incision that runs along the breast fold. The anchor technique may be required to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result for exceedingly large breasts.

Through these incisions, Dr. Sohn will meticulously remove excess skin, fat, and tissue and reposition the areola and nipple. Liposuction can also be used to remove additional fatty tissue from specific areas, such as the lateral breast or armpits. Finally, Dr. Sohn will close surgical incisions with dissolvable sutures.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Following your breast reduction procedure, the surgical site will be wrapped with an ACE bandage. If any drains are placed they are typically removed within 48 hours of surgery. Some pain and discomfort are normal for the first few days and can last for up to a week. To manage your pain, Dr. Sohn will provide you with prescription pain medication. You will come back for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Sohn within 48 hours so he can inspect your sutures and provide you with a support bra to wear for the duration of your recovery. Significant swelling and bruising after surgery is normal and will subside gradually over 4-6 weeks. Loss of sensation initially in the nipples is normal and sensitivity will return for most patients. It’s important to avoid physical activity such as exercise and heavy lifting for a minimum of one month after surgery.

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Both my daughter and I had different breast procedures this year and Dr. Sohn and his medical staff were fantastic. Results are magnificent and I will definitely go back for further procedures if needed. Love them.
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Breast Reduction Results

Most bruising and swelling generally improve within several weeks after breast reduction surgery. However, it can take up to one year for your breasts to settle into their final result. After breast reduction surgery, your breasts can still change in response to hormones, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or hormones.

You should experience significant improvement in shoulder pain and neck pain and other physical complaints after the surgery. Patients are often thrilled with the physical and cosmetic improvements achieved through breast reduction surgery, including a more attractive appearance in clothes, and improved breast shape, and proportion.

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Why Choose Samuel Sohn for Breast Augmentation?

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Samuel Sohn, MD

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Samuel M. Sohn is highly experienced in all types of breast surgeries and is dedicated to helping patients in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, Florida achieve cosmetic improvement in their breasts and quality of life.

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FAQs About Breast Reduction

Each patient receives a customized treatment plan and the cost can vary according to the specifics of your surgical plan. Your health insurance policies may include some or all of the Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source How much does breast reduction cost? ASPS Go to Source cost of breast reduction surgery if it’s deemed to be medically necessary. If your insurance company covers only part of the procedure or if you prefer an alternative payment option, Dr. Sohn is proud to offer several affordable and convenient plastic surgery financing options to qualified patients.

Although we try to make the incisions as discreet as possible, the scars will be permanent and may remain red and visible for a year or more before becoming less noticeable. We offer laser skin resurfacing options to further reduce the appearance of these scars.

Dr. Sohn has an exemplary record of patient safety. As with any surgical procedure, breast reduction does carry some risks. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sohn will discuss the specifics of your treatment plan and provide you with thorough information about all aspects of the procedure. He will also address any concerns you may have and answer any questions about the procedure, recovery, and the results you can expect. Dr. Sohn prioritizes transparency with patients and strives to have open and honest discussions about surgical procedures, options, and the realistic outcomes that can be expected.

You should be able to breastfeed following breast reduction surgery because Dr. Sohn uses advanced techniques to preserve normal lactation function as much as possible. It is important to discuss your breastfeeding goals with your surgeon before the procedure to determine the best course of action.

Yes, breast reduction can be combined with other breast augmentation procedures, such as breast lift, breast augmentation with implants, liposuction, and more.

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Schedule A Consultation For Breast Reduction

If you are in Tampa, Clearwater, or St. Petersburg, Florida, and are interested in learning more about breast reduction, please contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sohn.

1American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reduction. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction. Accessed December 23, 2022.
2Gonzalez MA, Glickman LT, Aladegbami B, Simpson RL. Quality of life after breast reduction surgery: a 10-year retrospective analysis using the Breast Q questionnaire: does breast size matter?. Ann Plast Surg. 2012;69(4):361-363. doi:10.1097/SAP.0b013e31824a218a. Accessed December 23, 2022.
3American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reduction Candidates. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/candidates. Accessed Deember 23, 2022.
4ASPS. How much does breast reduction cost? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/costs. Accessed December 23, 2022.

Dr. Samuel Sohn has reviewed and approved this content.

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