Breast Reduction

Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction is a procedure that involves the removal of excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size that is more proportional to your body. These procedures are also used to help alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. ⁽¹⁾

At the Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery in New Bern, North Carolina, our team specializes in breast reduction surgeries, with hundreds of breast procedures performed successfully to date. Dr. John Zannis is one of the most trusted plastic surgeons on the East Coast, and he can help you achieve your goals with safe, effective techniques demonstrated by countless hours of experience.

If you would like to explore breast reduction further, then take the first step by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Zannis. If you have any other questions, please feel free to speak with one of our expert staff members by calling (252) 633-1197 today.

Before and After Photos

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About Breast Reduction

When a person has excessively large breasts, it can lead to significant issues such as chronic pain, skin irritation, and emotional distress. Genetics, hormonal changes, and weight fluctuations are common factors that contribute to larger breast sizes. ⁽¹⁾ Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a smaller, more proportional breast size.

This procedure can be beneficial for both women and men who experience aesthetic concerns related to their breast size. The surgery enhances the overall silhouette and leads to an improved quality of life by reducing pain and increasing mobility. Carrying excess weight on the chest can lead to significant back, shoulder, and neck pain. ⁽¹⁾ For both women with overly large breasts, breast reduction can offer transformative results.

Benefits

Breast reduction offers many benefits that improve patients’ lives. At Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery, we help patients achieve:

Candidates

Breast reduction procedures are available for both women and men with enlarged breasts. For men, male-specific gynecomastia reductions are available. If the size of a patient’s breasts causes them physical or emotional discomfort and makes daily life difficult, they can receive treatment from Dr. Zannis. It is essential that candidates are in good health, do not smoke or are willing to quit, and have realistic expectations regarding potential outcomes. During the consultation, Dr. Zannis can assess eligibility based on medical history and individual concerns.

Personal Consultation

The journey toward breast reduction begins with a personal consultation at Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery. During this meeting, Dr. Zannis will gather information about your medical history, discuss your cosmetic concerns, and conduct a physical examination. He will listen carefully to your goals to customize a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

This consultation is crucial to determining if breast reduction is the right choice for you. Dr. Zannis will also explain various surgical techniques, anticipated outcomes, risks, and what to expect during recovery. Be prepared to ask any questions or voice concerns, as this is a great opportunity to gain insight into the procedure.

Preparation

You will receive preparation instructions that are specific to your unique treatment plan and medical history. These will vary for each patient, but most can expect to:

Procedure

Breast reduction surgeries are performed through incisions on your breasts to allow the surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. ⁽²⁾ In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques.

If your large breast size is mainly due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used for breast reduction. The exact technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your unique condition, your breast composition, the amount of reduction you desire, your personal preferences, and your surgeon’s advice. There are multiple options for how we make the incisions in your breasts to perform your reduction surgery. These options include:

After the incision is made, the nipple is then repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary. Underlying breast tissue is then reduced, lifted, and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large, pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may be moved to a higher position on the breast in a procedure known as a free nipple graft. We will also usually perform an areola reduction during this time.

Once the breast tissue has been removed and repositioned, the incisions are brought together to reshape the new, smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Incision lines are permanent, but they will eventually fade and significantly improve over time. ⁽²⁾

Recovery

When your breast reduction procedure is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube is, in rare cases, placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. As with other breast procedures, we will generally recommend you refrain from any kind of strenuous activity for at least three to six weeks. Dr. Zannis will monitor your healing at regular follow-up appointments and will instruct you on how, when, and what activities you can resume.

Results

The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. These may be less apparent a few days after your procedure due to swelling, but this is a natural part of your healing. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. You will also experience significantly less neck, back, and shoulder pain. Breast reduction procedures carry a high patient satisfaction rate, and Dr. Zannis’ patients are consistently happy with their results and enjoy their new appearance.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Much like our abdomen, thighs, and other fat storage sites, excess fat in the breasts can greatly stretch the skin. Because of this, many breast reduction patients will include a breast lift in their treatment plan. A breast lift helps to remove excess, deflated skin from the breasts. Additionally, breast lifts tighten the underlying muscles below the breasts, which helps them sit higher on the chest and have a firmer, perkier appearance. If you think that you would benefit from including a breast lift in your treatment, then please discuss this with Dr. Zannis at your consultation.

Cost of Breast Reduction in North Carolina

Dr. Zannis customizes each procedure to a patient’s unique goals and needs. When you meet with Dr. Zannis to discuss your goals, you will receive a price quote. Our practice also offers financing options to help patients pay for their procedures. If you have any questions about setting up a payment plan or anything else, please call our New Bern office at (252) 633-1197 and get the information you need from our trusted staff.

FAQ

References

1. Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
2. Guridi R, Rodriguez JR. A Step-by-Step Approach to a Successful Cosmetic Breast Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(4):e2117. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002117