Breast Reduction

Orlando and Winter Park, Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a breast reduction done?

Breast reduction can be done via direct surgical excision or liposuction, or a combination of both methods may be used.

Tumescent liposuction can be used. In this scenario, the surgeon makes small incisions under the breasts and maybe at their sides too. He'll inject a saline mix containing lidocaine for pain prevention and epinephrine to inhibit bleeding, along with salt water. This fluid causes the tissue to swell and the fat cells are suctioned out through a narrow tube.

Another liposuction method uses ultrasound. The ultrasonic waves melt the fat cells, making them easy to suction out. However, because of the possibility of ultrasound changes this method is not as popular as tumescent liposuction.

How long does breast reduction take?

Usually between 2 and 3 hours, plus about 2 more hours for immediate recovery right afterwards.

What sort of anesthetic is used for breast reduction?

Breast reduction is usually done with general anesthesia. It could be administered through an IV or inhaled as a gas.

Where will the breast reduction take place?

Breast reduction is usually done in an accredited office facility or hospital. Patients often stay overnight to ensure safety, comfort and convalescence.

What will the breast reduction recovery period be like?

• Although many surgeons may use drains to remove excess fluids, Dr. Greenberg finds they are usually not necessary for his patients.
• Your stitches may be covered with paper tape and you should leave it there. If the stitches are non-dissolving ones, they'll be taken out after about a week.
• Dr. Greenberg will ask you to wear a surgical bra for about 3 weeks, to keep the breasts well contained so they heal well. It should be worn at night as well as during the day.
• Ace bandages may be used as well as surgical bras and some patients find they increase comfort. They can be used for about 10 days.
• Bruising and swelling will fade after a week or two. Bruising is an individual thing though, and for some people it takes longer than for others.
• The swelling can be reduced a little by using ice packs in the first 24 hours or so, but be very gentle and careful about doing this, not to injure the incision areas. You can apply an ice pack every hour for 10 or 15 minutes during the first day and be sure there is fabric between the ice and your skin. You'll be able to see the general results of your breast reduction immediately, but the final results might take several months to become evident, as the swelling subsides.
• Dr. Greenberg will give you instructions about changing dressings or bandages, showering, and possibly using any lotions or creams.
• You'll have an antibiotic to take for a few days, to prevent post-op infection.

Will there be scars after a breast reduction?

Yes. If the surgical excision method is used the scars will run underneath each breast, up to the areola, and around the areola. This is called an anchor scar. If a liposuction method was used there'll be smaller scars. In either case the scars will fade and flatten over time.

What are the risks of breast reduction?

• Tissue can become necrotic if the blood supply was impaired for too long. It may have to be removed.
• There could be nerve damage that would cause permanent numbness.
• The incisions could become infected.
• Bruising could leave permanent hyper-pigmentation (discoloration).
• Blood clots are possible. They may form in the legs from inactivity and can travel in the bloodstream, possibly interfering with breathing.

All these risks are remote, and made even more remote by following your plastic surgeon's orders for post-op care.

Will I be able to breast feed after breast reduction?

Probably not. Since the nipple is moved in breast reduction, the milk ducts are usually severed. But depending on how the surgery was done, some of the milk ducts may remain. Then it's possible that some milk might be able to flow later on, but not very likely.

When can I go back to work after a breast reduction?

If you have a desk job, you could be back after a week or two. More active work would require a longer rest period.

Will the breast reduction results be permanent?

Yes, in the sense that the tissue is gone forever. But if you gain weight, the remaining fat cells will grow bigger and increase the size of your breasts. Also, if you take any hormonal supplements, more tissue may grow to some extent.

To learn more about your breast reduction options or to schedule your initial breast reduction consultation, please call or e-mail Orlando plastic surgeon Dr. Greenberg today. Dr. Greenberg serves plastic surgery patients in Orlando and Winter Park, Florida.