Disproportionately large breasts can limit a woman’s freedom, making some physical activities impractical or uncomfortable. Bra straps may chafe against the skin and put a strain on shoulders, potentially impacting circulation. The added weight of heavy breasts pulls the shoulders forward, often leading to chronic back pain and a slouch when walking or standing.

For patients with small frames, a breast reduction can be a welcome solution to neck and back pain, poor posture, and even social awkwardness. Trusted Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Michael BYUN is skilled in reshaping the size and proportion of breasts to dramatically improve your quality of life. This can end soreness, inflammation, and pain.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Many reductions result in flat, wide patterns. They are initially happy because the breast bulk is reduced, but they become dissatisfied because the chest becomes flat and deflated. Dr. Michael BYUN, a world renowned plastic surgeon created a new pattern of breast reduction that makes the shape perkier, with the breast diameter becoming smaller as well. He achieves this by taking tissues from the bottom part of each, then the two sides of the breast tissues are moved centrally and superiorly. This makes the breast smaller, perkier, and the entire circle of the breast tissue becomes smaller and lifted.

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter and firmer. The size of the areola can be reduced as well. These procedures have the goal of providing smaller, better-shaped breasts that are in proportion with the rest of the body.

The surgery is performed for about two to three hours under general anesthesia. Though incredibly rare, complications may include loss of the nipple, infection, scarring, nipple erectile ability loss or nipple numbness. Numbness could potentially be permanent and affect the ability to breastfeed in the future.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Discomfort after the operation is minimal, as the sutures dissolve internally and dressings can be removed in 10 to 14 days. Driving can be resumed in four to five days, while showering and bathing can begin in five to seven days. Physical activity, which includes lifting objects, must be restricted for two weeks, and active sports should be avoided for two to four weeks. Dr. BYUN will schedule three to four postoperative visits in order to monitor the recovery process.

Breast Reduction FAQs

What Are The Benefits Of Breast Reduction?

In addition to greater comfort and improved confidence, breast reduction surgery has a wide range of benefits. Such benefits include added symmetry to the breasts, and sculpting a more appealing shape. The nipple can also be adjusted. Compressing the size of the areola will create an elegant new profile. If there is sagging, Dr. BYUN can also lift each breast to renew the natural contour.

Is Breast Reduction Similar To Breast Lift?

In some ways, yes. During each procedure, the breast is reshaped, resulting in a perkier appearance. Although a breast lift does involve the removal of some tissue, its emphasis is on reclaiming a youthful profile by elevating the breast.

By contrast, during breast reduction the surgeon makes a vertical incision, removes fat and skin, then tightens and reshapes each breast. The size of the areola may be reduced, and in the case of larger breasts the nipple and areola may also be repositioned.

Will There Be Scarring After The Surgery?

Scarring is one of the trade-offs of a breast reduction procedure. The type of incision that is necessary will depend on the extent of the reduction in breast size. Significant reductions usually require a so-called “anchor shape” or “inverted-T” incision that extends around the circumference of the areola, vertically down and across the base of the breast. Smaller reductions can be performed using a “lollipop” incision that eliminates the necessity of cutting across the bottom of the breast. Although scars will be noticeable in the first months after surgery, they will fade with time.

Are The Results Permanent?

In the absence of future pregnancies or dramatic weight gain, the results of your breast reduction will be long-lasting. The procedure resets the clock on your profile, but cannot freeze time altogether. Some future sagging or loosening will naturally occur with aging. Except in rare cases, breast tissue will not grow back, so your reduction in volume and the many benefits you are enjoying from a more proportionate shape should indeed be permanent.