Breast Reduction

Breast size can increase uncomfortably with weight gain, after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or with menopause. Perhaps you have been large-breasted since puberty. This can cause symptoms of back, neck, and shoulder pain, and cause difficulty with caring for your skin in the folds underneath the breasts. Reduction mammoplasty or breast reduction removes breast skin and glandular tissue to decrease the weight and size of the breasts to a manageable weight that alleviates your symptoms and is in proportion to your body.

Anchor-like or vertical-type incisions are marked in the pre-op area by Dr. Robinson. These result in scars around the areola, down the 6 o’clock position of the breast, and often in the inframammary fold. The length of the scars is determined by how large the breast is and how much skin is to be removed. 

You will notice the change immediately, and may find the change initially very different. We encourage you to be patient with it as it takes some time to adjust. The majority of swelling is resolved by the end of the first week. You can purchase a supportive bra at that time as size will not change appreciably thereafter. It is advised to avoid underwire bras for 3 months after the surgery. Nipple sensation may change and be different between sides. Drains are not used.

Think of the breasts as “sisters not twins”, as asymmetries are common both before and after the surgery. Resulting cup size cannot be guaranteed. It is important to note that the purpose of a breast reduction is for medical symptom management and not for cosmetic improvement. A mastopexy or breast lift might be of interest if cosmetic alteration of the breasts is your goal.

Summary

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Breast tissue can be present to varying degrees in males, resulting in an undesirable appearance. This can occur as a result of hormone changes caused by obesity, aging, drug use, or genetics. Rarely this can be caused by overactive hormone-secreting structures and investigation by your family doctor is recommended.

Surgical correction requires removal of fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts using an incision that follows halfway along the lower border of your areola.  Sometimes removal of excess skin requires longer, more visible incisions. Liposuction is commonly used as it improves the overall appearance, but it is not a benefit of the medical services plan. The result is a chest that is flatter, firmer, and more masculine. The best candidates for this surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contour. 

After the surgery, you’ll need to wear a compression garment for several weeks. Occasionally drains are used. Any discomfort is well-managed with medication, and most men only require this for a few days.  We will ask you to decrease your activities significantly for the first two weeks, and then gradually increase them over the following 4 weeks. Major repetitive arm motions should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.

Summary