Breast reduction in Seattle

A Breast Reduction, or Reduction Mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed forwomen who suffer significant symptoms resulting from large, heavy breasts. Common symptoms include back and neck pain, difficulty with exercise, bra strap grooving, and rashes underneath the breasts. The goals of a Breast Reduction are toreduce individual symptoms, enhance self-confidence, and improve overall quality of life. In fact, many studies show that a Breast Reduction has the highest patient satisfaction rate of any procedure in Cosmetic Surgery.

During a Breast Reduction, excess tissue is removed, the nipple-areolar complex is elevated, the size of the areola is reduced, and the overall breast is re-shaped. A breast lift is always a part of this procedure. The degree of tissue to be removed and the position of the nipple help to determine which type of reduction pattern will be performed. In general, either a “lollipop” (i.e. Vertical) or “Anchor/Inverted-T” (i.e. Wise-Pattern) scar pattern will be utilized. Our surgeons will review the specifics of each scar pattern with patients at the time of consultation and once a thorough breast examination has been performed.

Liposuction is commonly performed as part of our breast reductions in order to shape the outer portion of the breast and assist in tissue removal.

Any patient who suffers symptoms related to the large size of their breasts is a candidate for this procedure. Some insurance companies do cover this procedure but specific requirements and criteria can vary between carriers. It is best to check with your individual insurance provider to learn more specifics on this.

• Reducing pain and discomfort.
• Improving posture and body image.
• Reducing the risk of back pain and health complications.
• Improving the fit of clothing and athletic activities.
• Increasing your comfortability in crowded spaces and public places.

The procedure itself is performed in our outpatient surgical facility using a general anesthetic. This is a same-day procedure, meaning patients will be released to a responsible care-giver once all discharge criteria have been met. There are no drains left during this procedure, and we provide each patient with a post-surgical bra for use in the post-operative period. All stitches used during this procedure are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. Patients are allowed to begin showering2-3 days after the procedure once they have been evaluated for their first post-operative visit. Weight lifting restrictions of 10lbs per side are implemented for a total of 4 weeks after surgery. Most patients will return to work 7-10 days after their procedure.

The recovery process for breast reduction surgery is different for each patient. Recovery from a breast reduction depends on many things, including whether you had a breast lift or implant exchange, how much tissue was removed, and how well you heal.
In general, you can expect to feel some discomfort and swelling for about three to four weeks after surgery. This should gradually decrease once your incisions heal. You may also experience some mild discomfort in the weeks following the procedure due to scar formation and contraction of the muscles around the breast. A bra should be worn 24/7 beginning on day 4 after surgery to prevent strain on the incision site. After four weeks of wearing a supportive bra, you can start wearing regular bras again.
Once you’ve healed, most patients can resume their normal activities sooner than they would if they had not had surgery. You will want to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity until at least six weeks after your procedure; this will allow your incisions to heal properly and give your body time to recover. If you’re concerned that you’re experiencing too much pain when exercising, talk with the doctor about ways to ease your symptoms while still staying active.