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What is a Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the size and volume of your breasts, creating a more proportionate look that better suits your lifestyle and body. Our board-certified surgeons will expertly remove excess soft tissue, skin, and fat from the breasts, creating a more appropriate size and shape. Breasts that feel as though they’re too large for your frame or lifestyle can cause a variety of problems, both emotionally and physically.

Have you found yourself experiencing any of these issues?

  • Back & shoulder pain
  • Self-consciousness
  • Poorly fitting clothes
  • Inability to exercise due to oversized breasts
  • The desire for smaller, lifted breasts

These are just a few problems that can come with overly-large breasts. But you’re in luck! These problems (and many others) can be remedied with a breast reduction in Richmond. After the surgery, bras and clothing will fit much better, freeing your body from the strain of carrying the weight of your breasts.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction involves general anesthesia for more extensive procedures or intravenous sedation for less extensive ones.

During the procedure, your surgeon will remove excess skin, fat, and tissue. Fat can be removed with a scalpel, liposuction, or a combination of the two.

The incisions will be placed using one of three patterns (although each pattern can be modified to best fit your anatomy):

  • An incision around your areola,
  • A keyhole-shaped incision that goes around your areola, extending out slightly to form a triangular shape to the breast crease, or
  • An anchor-shaped incision that starts above your areola goes around it and then outward on each side.

After the incisions are made, your plastic surgeon will work with the soft tissue and skin to reduce the size and shape of your breasts.

Your nipple and areola may be repositioned to preserve a natural appearance. Liposuction might be used to sculpt your breast before the incisions are closed to tighten your skin and shape your breasts.

What is the Recovery Process of a Breast Reduction Surgery? 

After your breast reduction surgery, you can expect swelling and bruising, most significantly in the first 1-2 weeks. Do not lift anything over five pounds; engage in bending, stretching, or strenuous activity. It’s also crucial that you do not smoke or drink alcohol.

After about two weeks, stitches will be removed. You will still need to wear your compression bra, but the swelling will have reduced. Most patients can return to work or other activities around this time, but no exercise should be done.

By 1-3 months, your breasts will be more healed and look more natural and beautiful. It will take up to 6 months for your breasts to be completely healed and look round and balanced.

Before & After Breast Reduction in Richmond

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?

You might be surprised at how many physical problems can be neatly resolved by breast-reduction surgery:

  • Reduced back, shoulder, and neck pain
  • Improved posture
  • Increased energy due reduced bodyweight
  • The elimination of  bra-induced bruising and tenderness on your shoulders
  • Confidence that comes with the body type you’ve always wanted

Am I the Ideal Candidate for Breast Reduction?

One of our board-certified surgeons will walk you through breast reduction in Richmond, helping you decide whether the procedure is right for you.

Some of the things we’ll consider together:

  • Does breast size interfere with your life or activities?
  • Do you feel self-conscious about the size of your breasts?
  • Are you uncomfortable with the way bras and clothing fit?
  • Are you experiencing pain in your neck, back, and shoulders?
  • Does your bra cause painful indentations on your shoulders, chest, or back?
  • Do your breasts cause chafing or irritation in the breast crease?

Meet Your Providers

At Richmond Plastic Surgeons, we are focused on care and results. Each of our physicians has years of experience, countless successful outcomes, and board-certification in their respective specialty. Learn more about our providers.

Learn More About Our Doctors

Dr. Ladocsi - Follow-Up after Breast Reduction & Tummy Tuck in Richmond

Dr. Ladocsi - Follow-Up after Breast Reduction & Tummy Tuck

What to Expect from your Personal Consultation

Our expert surgeons will confidently guide you through each step of the procedure as you consider whether or not breast reduction is right for you. Your personal consultation will enlighten you on how the procedure works and how it’ll benefit you daily, and our caring staff will answer any questions you might have.

How Long Does Breast Reduction Take?

Breast reduction typically takes one to three hours.

Surgery After Weight Loss

Surgery After Weight Loss - Part 1 of 3

Surgery After Weight Loss: Part 2 of 3

Surgery After Weight Loss: Part 3 of 3

How Long Will the Results of My Breast Reduction Last?

Breast reduction is a permanent solution, but some factors can cause them to increase in size, such as:

  • Weight gain
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging
  • Development of new breast tissue and/or fat

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in Richmond?

While breast reduction is considered an elective procedure, most breast reduction procedures will be covered by insurance. In this case, our expert staff will help you get the necessary coverage. If your procedure is not covered by insurance, we’ll provide an accurate cost breakdown and offer several convenient payment options, including financing through CareCredit®.

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like more information regarding a specific procedure, or wish to have a member of our staff contact you, please fill out this contact form and let us know how we can best serve you!

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