What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is for those women with overly large breasts. Breast reduction surgery can be a real life-enhancing option. The breast reduction procedure not only gives you smaller, firmer breasts, but will also relieve you from the physical and emotional discomforts of having overly large breasts.

Breast reduction is a cosmetic procedure that removes the excess of breast tissue and skin. In the breast reduction procedure the nipples are repositioned and the darker skin surrounding the nipple (areola) can be reduced.

The breast reduction surgery will give you more freedom in your work out routine and physical activity and the ability to wear different types of clothing styles. Your new breast will look more proportional to the rest of the body.

Who Is a Good Candidate For Breast Reduction?

If your are considering a breast reduction, you will make a good candidate if you:

• have realistic expectation about what the breast reduction can do for you and you fully understand that the breast reduction won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal
• are in good health, emotionally stable and don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions
• experience back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of the breast
• feel your breasts are saggy and heavy with the nipples and areolas pointing downward
• have breasts that are too big in proportion with your body and experience skin irritation beneath them
• have indentations in your shoulders caused by the bra straps
• feel self-conscious wearing clothes and/or swimsuits
• have asymmetry

Initial Consultation for Breast Reduction

A personal consultation in our exclusive Dallas office is the very first step to take if you are considering a breast reduction procedure.

During the consultation at Park Cities Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Liland will assess your physical and emotional health, discuss your expectations about breast reduction, and examine your breast.

You will also be able to talk about the size and shape of you breasts, the placement of the nipples, incisions and risks involved in a breast reduction procedure.

In our Dallas clinic, Dr. David Liland will show you several pre and post-op pictures of breast reduction procedures.

Breast Reduction Surgery: The Procedure

Your breast reduction procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure (no overnight stay required).

The breast reduction procedure is performed at Park Cities Plastic Surgery (outpatient facility). Dr. David Liland’s office is conveniently located on Oaklawn Avenue near downtown Dallas. Fully equipped with an AAAASF certified operating room, it stands out to be one of the most private and select plastic surgery offices in the Dallas area. The surgery can also be performed at the Texas Institute for Surgery (if covered by your health insurance).

The approach used for your breast surgery depends not only on Dr. Liland’s preferences, but also on the look that you want to achieve.

General anesthesia is used to perform a breast reduction. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist administers the anesthesia.

After Breast Reduction Surgery

You will probably feel tired and sore for several days after the breast reduction procedure. However, within one or two days you should be up and around.

When breast reduction surgery is complete, your breasts are smaller and firmer with temporary stitches around the areola, below it and in the base of the breast.

Your breast may remain swollen and sensitive for a month or longer. After a few months your breast will begin to settle into a more natural shape. If you haven’t felt it sooner, you will notice relief from neck, back and shoulder pain.

The scars are permanent and may appear to be worse after a few months, but will fade with time.

Pre & Post-Op Tips for Breast Reduction Surgery

1. Do no take any medication that contains aspirin, vitamin E, weight loss medication or any Chinese herbs for two weeks before the surgery. A complete drug list will be provided on your pre-op appointment date.
2. Arrange for an adult to drive you to and from your surgery. You CAN NOT take a taxi home. You must also arrange for an adult to stay with you for 24 hours after the breast reduction operation.
3. Do not smoke for at least two weeks prior to the surgery.
4. After the first dressing change, wear your bra continuously day and night to support and position the breast.
5. Driving is permitted after a few days, only if you are not taking pain medications or muscle relaxers.
6. Avoid heavy lifting, exercise or excessive movement of your arms for two weeks.
7. You may resume all normal activities after three weeks of the breast reduction surgery.

More specific recommendations will be made when you come to Park Cities Plastic Surgery Center in Dallas.