What is a Breast Reduction?
Excessively large breasts can create social and functional setbacks for women. In addition, uneven and very large breasts can lead to self-confidence issues and overall embarrassment, as well as pain in both the neck and back. Plastic surgeon Dr. Saba Motakef has helped countless women get back their confidence and enjoy an active lifestyle through surgical reduction of the breasts. This functional and aesthetic surgery at Motakef Plastic Surgery + Med Spa reduces excess breast tissue and skin to recontour the breasts to a smaller, more balanced size. This surgery also reshapes the size of the nipples and moves them so they appear normal with the new breast size. In most cases, a breast lift can also be performed to produce a tighter and youthful appearance.
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What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Large breasts that interfere with everyday activities can negatively affect your productivity and self-image. Breast reduction surgery in Anaheim Hills, CA administered by plastic surgeon Dr. Saba Motakef offers various practical and cosmetic benefits to remake your bust and enhance your well-being, including:
- Decreasing the size and weight of the breasts
- Improved shaping of the breasts
- Resizing the nipples
- Making physical activities like sports and exercise easier
- Alleviating back pain
- Improving posture
- Lessening skin discomfort and chafing
- Increasing self-esteem
Do I qualify for a breast reduction?
Patients who are good candidates for breast reduction surgery:
- Have heavy, overly large breasts that interfere with daily life
- Experience difficulty leading an active life (exercising, etc.)
- Get skin rashes or have skin irritation
- Have poor posture
- Experience frequent back pain
It is important patients are at a stable weight before surgery. In your consultation, Dr. Motakef will take the time to listen and understand your goals and explain all breast surgery options available to you. Then, he will design a surgical treatment plan to produce the right results for you.
How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Surgical breast reduction is an outpatient procedure and is performed with general anesthesia. The duration of the surgery is dependent upon various factors, including the incision type, the general technique, and finally, the degree of reduction. Breast reductions primarily differ in terms of the type of tissue that is preserved in the breast to maintain blood supply to the nipple. Dr. Motakef's preferred technique is known as a superomedial pedicle technique, because this technique maintains breast tissue in the areas of the breast that preserve cleavage while removing tissue from other parts of the breast. Other techniques that may be used include medial pedicle, inferior pedicle, and superior pedicle techniques.
The degree of areola and nipple repositioning is also a factor. Sometimes, liposuction is also necessary for fat removal to decrease the breast size and contour the breast. At the time of the initial consult, all of these aspects are addressed with Dr. Motakef. The type of scars you will have after surgery are also reviewed. Depending on the size of the reduction, either an inverted-T or a vertical incision will be used. The majority of cases will require an inverted-T or anchor pattern of incisions. Breast fat and tissue will be removed, and the surrounding tissue and skin will be pulled tight and secured.
What Should I Expect After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Once surgery has been completed, you will be observed closely in a quiet recovery area and then sent home to begin the healing process. A draining tube is sometimes placed near the surgical site to reduce swelling and bleeding. A compression bra will be provided for a few days that will support the breasts during the immediate recovery period. In a month or so, swelling will resolve and the breasts will naturally fall into position and the post-op effects will diminish. The vast majority of patients at Motakef Plastic Surgery + Med Spa say they feel much lighter and more confident with their new figure. Remember, it is important to stay at a healthy body weight so that the surgical outcomes are not negatively impacted.
Breast Reduction FAQ
How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
In general, pricing can run anywhere from $11,000 - $15,000 for these procedures. Pricing may vary depending on the type of reduction performed, the complexity of your case, and the specific combination of procedures performed. The cost of your breast reduction surgery can be reviewed with our patient care coordinator during your consultation. When he has developed your treatment plan, it will be easier to estimate your costs, including facility fees, anesthesia, and more. Reduction surgery usually leads to a dramatic improvement in all aspects of life, which is why our staff will help you find low-interest financing to make your treatment affordable, if necessary. We can also help you work with your health insurance company to see if your policy covers some of your costs.
Will my insurance cover breast reduction?
In some cases, your health insurance may pay part of the cost of your surgery if it is deemed medically necessary. If you are considering using your insurance, check with our staff to find out if Dr. Motakef is contracted with your insurance company. You should also contact your primary care provider to find out if your policy may cover the surgery and what they need in order to do this. Your insurance might need measurements, like your height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area.
Will my nipples be moved?
In most cases, the nipples and areola will be shifted up to a higher position during the surgery. If a very large amount of tissue and skin is being removed, your nipple-areola complex may be cut out entirely and moved as a graft. This is not very common, except for patients who are undergoing very large breast reductions. Dr. Motakef will select a technique, like the anchor incision, so the nipple and areola can be moved higher. It's also possible to reduce the size of the areolas. Your options will be discussed in your consultation before Dr. Motakef helps you decide on the best plan to meet your goals.
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery may affect your ability to breastfeed. While some women can still breastfeed after a surgical reduction, other women cannot. It's difficult to predict whether your breast reduction will cause you problems with breastfeeding. This is why Dr. Motakef suggests that patients be done with breastfeeding before considering breast reduction surgery.
Can my breasts regrow after surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, your breasts may get smaller or bigger with dramatic weight changes. This is why it's better to be at a healthy, stable weight before your surgery that's easy for you to maintain. In your consultation, Dr. Motakef will talk to you about the best ways to prepare for your surgery and what you should do afterward to help make sure you are happy with your results.
Will there be visible scars after breast reduction surgery?
Scarring is inevitable but can be minimized with proper care. Scars typically fade over time and are placed in areas that can easily be concealed by clothing.
Comfort and Confidence
Dr. Motakef has helped many patients regain their health and enjoy their life with breast reduction surgery. During your consultation at our Anaheim Hills, CA office, Dr. Motakef will discuss all of the options to reach your aesthetic desires and develop a custom treatment plan to fit your needs. There is no need to continue living with the discomfort or lack of confidence that can sometimes accompany oversized breasts. We welcome you to call Motakef Plastic Surgery + Med Spa to learn more about the outstanding results we can provide for you with breast reduction surgery.