What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is fairly easy to understand from a results standpoint. The goal is to make the breasts smaller. However, the procedure itself is complicated and requires an experienced plastic surgeon to perform it correctly and accurately. The technique is similar to a breast lift—and the breasts are often lifted—but there are subtle differences. Therefore, the plastic surgeon performing the procedure needs to understand these nuances and how to create the best possible result. Breast reduction patients also generally are not only seeking the procedure for cosmetic reasons, but also for medical ones.
Indications
A patient may seek a breast reduction for several reasons. Firstly, it may be for cosmetic reasons. Perhaps they do not think their breasts match their body contours, or they simply do not want such big breasts. Other reasons may be medical such as to alleviate back and neck pain from the added stress of the weight of the breasts. It is not normal—outside of when pregnant or breastfeeding—for the breasts to cause this type of chronic pain.
Most often patients have a combination of reasons including both cosmetic and medical for seeking breast reduction surgery. There are only a few plastic surgeries like this where medical conditions heavily contribute to the decision to seek surgery. Other examples include tummy tucks and rhinoplasty surgeries.
Benefits Of Breast Reduction In Cleveland
The benefits of reducing breast size can change a patient’s life. Some of the advantages and benefits of breast reduction surgery include:
- Remove excess breast tissue
- More proportional breast size
- Perkier breasts
- Reposition nipples above the inframammary fold, if necessary
- Treat or prevent chronic pain in the back, neck, or shoulders
- Prevent skin rashes, infections, and irritations under the breasts
- Stop the bra straps from digging into the shoulders
- Make it easier to perform physical activities
- Enjoy better fitting bras and clothing
- Scarring is not visible in most swimsuits and bras
- Remove stretch marks
- Tends to have a high satisfaction rate
- Mental health improvements
- Sometimes covered by health insurance
Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift
If you look at only the incisions on a breast reduction and breast lift, the procedures may look the same. They often use the same anchor-shaped incision or a derivative thereof. There are subtle differences between the two procedures. The table below shows some of the main differences.
| Breast Reduction | Breast Lift |
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It is possible to have a breast lift and reduction together. A more extensive lift could end up being a small reduction. There is sometimes a gray area between where one procedure stops and the other stops. However, at its core, a breast lift is a skin removal surgery and a breast reduction removes a significant amount of skin and tissue.
Cleveland Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. Dr. Goldschmidt will make an anchor-shaped incision. It encircles the areola before going vertically down the breast and through the inframammary fold. Following this, he will remove skin and tissue. The nipple may be kept intact on the breast or removed so it can be perfectly repositioned.
Once the skin and tissue necessary are removed, Dr. Goldschmidt will close the incisions and reposition the nipple back onto the chest. This ensures that the breast still looks youthful and anatomically correct.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Surgery
What Breast Size Qualifies For A Reduction?
No one size qualifies for a breast reduction in Cleveland. First, the patient’s body impacts this decision. Size double-D breasts may fit perfectly on one woman and be way too big for another. If a patient’s breasts cause them chronic pain or skin problems, they are likely a candidate for breast reduction. However, they do not have to have these physical symptoms to qualify.
Do You Lose Weight During Breast Reduction In Cleveland?
Yes, but not much. Normally, no more than one to two pounds are removed from each breast. At most, a patient may lose around five pounds altogether. This is significant for helping back pain, but may not be significant when it comes to overall weight and health.
Is Weight Loss Easier After Breast Reduction?
Often yes, losing weight becomes easier because exercise is easier. Overly large breasts can make it difficult or painful to work out. Thus, many patients will avoid it. When this weight is removed, patients can more freely and comfortably exercise.
Can You Use Just Liposuction For A Breast Reduction?
In rare cases, yes, but this is exceptionally rare. If a patient requires only a small amount of tissue removal, liposuction can work. A breast reduction procedure usually removes some of the glandular tissue as well which liposuction cannot remove. If only aiming for a small amount of fat removal, liposuction can work for breast reduction.
How Much Is A Cleveland Breast Reduction?
The exact cost of a breast reduction in Cleveland depends on specific factors of the procedure. At a consultation appointment, patients will receive a customized price quote.
The Best Breast Reduction Surgery In Cleveland
Dr. Matt Goldschmidt is an accomplished and dedicated plastic surgeon serving the Cleveland and Columbus areas. He performed over one thousand cosmetic surgeries before finishing his training period. Dr. Goldschmidt specializes in all major cosmetic breast surgery procedures.
For more information about Breast Reduction in Cleveland & Columbus, OH or to schedule your Breast Reduction in Cleveland & Columbus, OH consultation with Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, please call (216) 264-8100.