Large breasts that are not proportionate to a woman’s frame can create both physical and psychological concerns for women. Many women experience neck and shoulder pain, difficulty breathing, backaches, breast crease irritation, and difficulty when they exercise. A lot of women who are self-conscious about their breasts also suffer from poor posture as they slope their shoulders forward in an attempt to hide their breasts. Trying to find clothes that fit properly can be stressful and frustrating. Additionally, oversized breasts can make a woman’s appearance look top heavy and obese.

Disproportionate breasts can lead to inappropriate comments, stares, and unwelcome attention. Breast reduction surgery is a welcome relief for many of these concerns and helps restore body balance, self-esteem and confidence.

What is Breast Reduction?
Breast Reduction Candidates
Breast Reduction with Lift
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast Reduction Recovery
Breast Reduction Results
Breast Reduction Scars
Breast Reduction & Breastfeeding

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction may alleviate many of the physical problems associated with large breasts while also improving the shape of the breasts and nipple area. Overall appearance is also improved by making the breasts more proportionate to the rest of the body. Breast reduction removes excess tissue, elevates the nipple position and reshapes the breast. Virginia plastic surgeon Dr. Behzad Parva will be happy to assist you with evaluating all of your surgical options during your personalized consultation appointment.

This 25 year young lady, 5’4” and 155lb., developed excessively large breasts at the age of 14. She has suffered with significant shoulder pain, neck and low back pain and was unable to get any relief. Her breasts impacted her quality of life and job performance. She had breast reduction surgery and is thrilled with the outcome of her surgery. She is no longer restricted by pain stemming from by her large heavy breast. She is seen 3 months post op.

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Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Someone with large breast volume desiring a more proportional body balance
Someone with large, heavy breasts that cause back, neck and shoulder pain
Women who are not currently pregnant
Healthy individual
Non-smoker
Realistic goals and expectations

Will I need a Breast Lift with My Breast Reduction?

Many women with overly large breasts also suffer from breast sagging, which is often addressed with a breast lift as part of the breast reduction procedure. As excess tissue is removed during surgery, the surrounding area is tightened, and the nipple-areolar complex is generally lifted, as well.

What Does the Breast Reduction Procedure Involve?

At surgery, Dr. Parva will mark your skin in the pre-operative holding area. There are various factors that determine what breast reduction technique may be best suited for you. Dr. Parva will individualize your plan based on your particular breast size, breast asymmetry concerns, any previous scars, etc. The excess breast tissue is removed, the nipple position elevated and the breast reshaped. Adjustments are made to achieve the closest balance and symmetry between both breasts. Although various techniques exist, every effort is made to minimize the incision and thus the final scar. The eventual surgical scar is typically made around the nipple region, extending down to the crease and within the crease under the breast. A drain is placed behind the breast to reduce potential fluid build-up during the recovery period. The surgery may be performed with an overnight stay at the hospital, or more often as an outpatient. Typical surgery times are about 3 hours. A supportive bra is placed before leaving the operating room.

What Can I Expect During My Breast Reduction Recovery?

Initial healing takes 5 to 10 days.
Generally, recovery time is less than one week and many women who work outside the home will return to work within several days.
You will be encouraged to use scar reduction measures, such as silicone gel and massage of the scars.
You will be encouraged to wear a supportive bra and avoid high impact activities for 3 to 4 weeks.

When Will I See My Breast Reduction Results?

Noticeable results from breast reduction surgery are seen immediately, but it will take several months for swelling to settle and for the long-term results to be evident.

Women are generally amazed, and highly satisfied, at the immediate relief of breast heaviness and associated pain that is experienced right after surgery.

“The pain in my upper mid shoulder blades is gone. I do not have the posture problem that was getting worse from constantly trying to find a comfortable position to sit or stand in. The size of my reconstructed breasts is in proportion to my body and makes me feel better about the way I look.”

What Will My Breast Reduction Scars Look Like?

Scarring from breast reduction will depend upon the technique used for your surgery and individual healing factors. While every patient will have unique needs, and therefore a different surgical plan, Dr. Parva always strives to minimize incision lines to produce the least amount of scarring possible. In most cases, scars will be around the nipple-areolar complex and extend vertically down to the crease, and along the length of the crease underneath the breast. Our team will advise you on proper incision care after your procedure to optimize healing. Over the course of the first year, your scars should gradually flatten and lighten, becoming less noticeable. The scars are typically easy to conceal underneath undergarments.

Will I Be Able to Breastfeed After Breast Reduction?

Before any breast surgery, it is important to note that some women are naturally unable to breastfeed. That said, breast reduction surgery typically does not interfere with an individual’s ability to do so. However, certain techniques may increase the possible inability to breast feed. If you hope to breastfeed in the future, you should make note of this during your consultation, as it may affect which technique is recommended. Any breast reduction that causes trauma to the milk ducts, specifically as they connect to the nipple, could potentially impact your ability to breastfeed in the future.

Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation

Please contact Parva Plastic Surgery for your breast reduction consultation with Dr. Parva, today.