If you are top-heavy, breast reduction surgery can be one of the best decisions you can make to improve your appearance, comfort, and lifestyle. While a breast reduction is an excellent stand-alone solution, women seeking a more dramatic transformation may benefit by combining their breast reduction with a complementary procedure such as a breast lift, liposuction, or tummy tuck.
Keep reading to learn more about breast reduction surgery benefits, recovery, and results. And discover which procedures we recommend combining with breast reduction to enhance your overall proportions.
Should I get a breast reduction surgery?
If your breasts are disproportionally large for your body, you may suffer from chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain. Your mental health may also suffer if you are self-conscious about your large breasts or feel unable to do certain physical activities. The reasons women choose breast reduction surgery vary, but they usually include the desire to:
- Achieve better proportions
- Fit into more styles of clothing and bras
- Reduce unwanted attention
- Improve posture
- Improve comfort while sleeping
- Enhance the quality of life and enjoyment of physical activities
- Achieve better breast shape and symmetry
- Relieve or improve chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulder areas
During your initial consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough physical examination and explore your needs and concerns to determine if you are an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery.
Which procedures complement breast reduction?
Some women are able to achieve their desired results after a stand-alone breast reduction procedure. However, it is common for women to combine breast reduction with a complementary procedure such as a breast lift, liposuction, or as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover.
Let’s look at what we can accomplish by combining breast reduction with these popular cosmetic procedures:
Breast reduction with breast lift
Nearly all breast reduction procedures include a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy. This is because it is often necessary to correct sagging breasts when performing a breast reduction. A breast lift reshapes and supports the breast tissue while helping to restore breast volume. When we pair these procedures, we first remove excess fat and tissue, and then we lift the breasts. Finally, we reposition the nipples and areolas to create a more balanced, natural look.
Breast reduction with liposuction
Women with overly large breasts may also have stubborn excess fat on areas like the back and upper arms (bra fat), flanks, abdomen, or thighs. When undergoing breast reduction, liposuction can be an excellent complementary procedure for sculpting these areas and creating smooth, slimmer contours and balanced proportions.
Breast reduction as part of a mommy makeover
A mommy makeover is a popular procedure for women of any age whose bodies have endured pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. This transformative, full-body makeover typically combines a breast reduction with a tummy tuck. Pregnancy, menopause, aging, or significant weight loss can lead to stubborn areas of loose, excess skin and separated muscles that resist diet and exercise. A breast reduction with a tummy tuck can help women firm and tone their entire midsection without undergoing multiple operations. During a full tummy tuck, we remove excess skin, rejoin separated abdominal muscles, and reshape the belly button. A less invasive mini tummy tuck is a good option for patients who want a slimmer physique but require less correction. Women who want to address sagging breasts, loose skin, and stubborn fat can customize their mommy makeover procedure to address multiple concerns. Dr. Yamahata often performs liposuction as part of a mommy makeover as well.
Breast reduction recovery time and results
Most women require 1 to 2 weeks of downtime following a breast reduction. During your initial recovery, you may be advised to wear surgical dressings or tape to minimize breast reduction scars. We also recommend wearing a surgical bra for several weeks for support and healing. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks. While swelling will gradually subside within 6 to 8 weeks, the healing process may take up to a year. You will notice a reduction in breast size immediately after surgery, but full results may take 6 months to a year to achieve.
After healing from breast reduction, your results have the potential to be permanent and life-changing. However, weight fluctuation, hormonal changes, and aging can impact breast shape and size over time. Here are some ways a stand-alone or combined breast reduction procedure can improve your quality of life:
- Reduce chronic issues such as rashes, headaches, and body strain
- Improve confidence and body image
- Give breasts a more youthful and perky appearance
- Help you live a more active lifestyle
- May reduce your risk of breast cancer
Benefits of combining surgical procedures
We understand that deciding to undergo a breast reduction can feel overwhelming in and of itself. But keep in mind that combining breast reduction surgery with other procedures can ease the anxiety and stress of undergoing surgery in many significant ways. A combined surgery cuts down on anesthesia, treatment costs, and recovery time while maximizing your results. Plus, adding complementary procedures to a breast reduction surgery can give your entire physique more balanced, natural, and attractive proportions.
Are you ready to look and feel your best physically and emotionally by considering a breast reduction—alone or with one of our complementary procedures? We encourage you to request a consultation or call us at (916) 929-1833 to explore your options.
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