What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is a fantastic solution for problems that are caused by large, drooping breasts (also called breast hypertrophy), which can affect women of practically any age, even occurring amongst those in good physical shape. Overly large breasts, oversized breasts, and large breasts can cause neck pain, posture problems, and poor posture, often limiting participation in physical activities. This condition can often lead to neck and back pain because it stretches the nerves, forcing you to stand and walk to compensate for the strain put on the muscles and bones of your back. If left untreated, it can negatively affect a woman’s posture.
In addition to improving the aforementioned problems, breast reduction can also refine the size and shape of your breasts. The procedure improves breast size and breast shape, making your breasts more proportional to the rest of your body and potentially providing an upward lift.
Some of the more common reasons women choose to receive a breast reduction include:
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by the weight of excessively large breasts
- Breasts that are too large in proportion to the body frame
- Get indentations in their shoulders from tight bra straps
- Have heavy, pendulous breasts with nipples and areolas that point downward
- Must restrict physical activity due to the size and weight of their breasts
- One breast is larger than the other
- Suffering from skin irritation beneath their breasts
- Chronic neck pain and posture problems due to oversized breasts
There are two primary techniques used during breast reduction:
- Anchor Breast Reduction: This technique involves an incision that is made encircling the areola, extending vertically to the inframammary fold, and then horizontally across the breast crease. The Anchor incision allows the maximum amount of room for Dr. Golger to reshape enlarged breasts suffering from severe breast ptosis. During this procedure, excess breast tissue and excess skin are removed, and the nipple may be moved to a higher position for improved contour. Areola reduction can also be performed if needed for better proportion. When a significant amount of tissue is removed, special care is taken to maintain the blood supply and sensation.
- Lollipop Breast Reduction: With the Lollipop technique, a vertical incision is made starting around the areola and extending downward to the natural fold beneath the breast. This approach provides Dr. Golger and his team with excellent access to remove excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue while reshaping the breast for a more lifted and balanced appearance. The nipple may also be repositioned higher on the breast mound to enhance symmetry, and areola reduction can be performed if needed for better proportion. One of the main advantages of this method is that the resulting scar is discreetly placed and typically well-concealed by bras and swimwear. For patients requiring a more extensive reduction, we take careful measures to protect nerve function and maintain healthy circulation to the nipple and surrounding tissue.
Breast reduction, performed by an experienced surgeon, can address both functional and aesthetic concerns, thereby improving quality of life and body confidence.