Breast Reduction in Houston, TX
For many women, living with overly large breasts can be both physically painful and emotionally exhausting. Breasts that are disproportionately large can significantly impact your appearance, making your figure look out of balance and drawing unwanted attention. The weight of large breasts can lead to chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, as well as painful grooves from bra straps and even posture problems.
Beyond the physical discomfort, many women feel self-conscious in certain clothing (especially swimsuits or low-cut tops) and may avoid physical activities like jogging or working out due to pain or embarrassment.
Fortunately, breast reduction surgery offers a long-lasting solution. By removing excess breast tissue and lifting and reshaping the breasts to better fit your frame, this procedure can relieve discomfort, restore confidence, and help you feel more comfortable in your skin.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction is a procedure chosen by thousands of women each year to improve both comfort and confidence. It not only relieves the physical issues caused by large breasts but also enhances their appearance. During the surgery, Dr. Kronowitz removes excess skin, fat, and breast tissue through carefully placed incisions. The remaining tissue is then reshaped and resized to better match your body and aesthetic goals. In many cases, the nipples are also repositioned or resized to create a more balanced and natural-looking result.
Dr. Kronowitz’s more advanced technique for breast reduction involves retaining blood supply to the nipples, meaning no free nipple grafts that can result in loss of sensation, poor wound healing, excessive scarring, and a “stuck on” appearance. He also minimizes the incisions, which result in less scarring that tends to be camouflaged under the breasts.
Dr. Kronowitz is adamant that a breast reduction must be an aesthetic procedure, “not an amputation.” Most surgeons disregard the aesthetic outcome of breast reduction, which can be devastating to patients who are still active in intimate relationships.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Undergoing a breast reduction can offer life-changing benefits, including:
- Reduced back pain
- No more shoulder indentations from bra straps
- Less skin irritation under the breasts
- Less weight on the ribcage and lungs
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Better mobility and a more active lifestyle
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Good candidates for breast reduction are nonsmokers in good overall health. Ideal candidates for breast reduction should meet the following criteria:
- Your breasts must be fully developed (typically age 17 or 18)
- You want to address the discomfort caused by large breasts
- You have realistic expectations for your results
Keep in mind that to be a good candidate for breast reduction, your breasts don’t have to be extremely large. Many women choose to undergo this surgery for cosmetic reasons, not just medical ones.
Why Choose Dr. Kronowitz for Your Breast Reduction?
If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, you want a surgeon you can truly trust—and Dr. Steven J. Kronowitz is just that surgeon. Dr. Kronowitz is double board-certified in plastic surgery and general surgery and has over 25 years of experience bringing both skill and artistry to every procedure he performs.
He is consistently ranked among Houston’s best plastic surgeons, earning accolades such as “Top Plastic Surgeon in Houston” and “America’s Top Doctors.” He is known for his innovation, pioneering advanced techniques and authoring numerous publications that influence plastic surgery best practices. He’s also known for using advanced surgical techniques that minimize scarring and enhance natural-looking results.
Patients love his honest, down-to-earth approach, and the way he takes time to really listen and guide you through the entire process from consultation to recovery. When you choose Dr. Kronowitz for your breast reduction, you can be sure you will feel supported, safe, and confident that you’re in expert hands and will receive stunning results.
What to Expect During Your Breast Reduction Consultation With Dr. Kronowitz
At your consultation with Dr. Kronowitz, he will go over all of the relevant information you need to know about breast reduction surgery and how it could benefit you. He will review your medical history, including health conditions, medications, allergies, and any prior surgeries. You should also let him know if your family has any history of breast problems.
Dr. Kronowitz utilizes the latest 3-D imaging technology, Crisalix, which will simulate your postoperative appearance and allow you to see yourself in 3 dimensions after surgery while wearing a VR headset.
Dr. Kronowitz will also perform a physical exam, where he will assess your breasts, ask you about your aesthetic goals, and let you know how he can help you meet those goals. After gathering all the necessary details, he will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. His expert team will then schedule your procedure and provide you with instructions on how to prepare.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Kronowitz, call (713) 523-0300 or message us through our contact page.
How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery
Preparing for your breast reduction is an important step, and the more prepared you are, the smoother your experience will be. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know beforehand, from the surgery to your recovery at home, including which medications to avoid. We’ll also prescribe any necessary medications to support your body leading up to surgery. Staying active, eating well, and keeping yourself hydrated before your procedure can also go a long way in helping your body heal.
It’s a good idea to set up a cozy recovery space at home before your breast reduction. Stock up on easy meals, comfy clothes, and something to keep you entertained while you rest. Try to keep essentials—like snacks, water, and your phone—within arm’s reach so you won’t need to stretch or strain. It’s also crucial to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after surgery and, ideally, stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Breast Reduction Incision Options
Breast reduction surgery typically involves one of three main incision techniques, chosen based on the amount of tissue being removed and your goals.
- For minor reductions, a periareolar or “donut” incision around the areola may be used to minimize visible scarring.
- The vertical or lollipop incision involves the periareolar incision plus a vertical incision extending from the areola to the breast crease. This incision type is ideal for moderate reduction and reshaping of the breast.
- The anchor incision (also known as an inverted-T incision) is typically used for significant reductions. It uses the lollipop incision and adds a third one horizontally along the breast crease. However, the inverted-T incision used by Dr. Kronowitz for large breast reductions is much more minimal compared with most surgeons, avoiding unsightly postoperative scarring.
Each of these incisions is tailored to accommodate different levels of breast reduction. If a more complicated incision is necessary to achieve specific results, it will likely result in the use of the inverted-T method. The type of incision used in your breast reduction will be determined by you and Dr. Kronowitz before surgery, so you know exactly what to expect.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure (meaning you can go home the same day) using general anesthesia.
On the day of your surgery, when you have been appropriately anesthetized, Dr. Kronowitz will begin by making the incisions on your breasts. Through the incisions, he will remove the excess skin, tissue, and fat necessary to reduce and reshape your breasts. During this step, he may also use liposuction, a process that involves breaking up and sucking fat from the body using a thin tube called a cannula. Once he removes all the excess tissue, he will be able to resize and reshape the breast to sit higher on the chest, achieving a perkier look. He may also reshape and center the nipples and areola to sit naturally and beautifully, and perform liposuction under your armpits, if required, to make a more shapely breast.
Breast reduction surgery typically takes from two to three hours to complete. However, it may take longer if you decide to combine additional cosmetic procedures with your surgery, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction.
Should I Combine My Breast Reduction With a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is actually a built-in part of breast reduction surgery. When excess breast tissue and skin are removed, the remaining tissue is reshaped, and the nipples are typically repositioned to create a more youthful appearance. So, while you don’t need to schedule a separate breast lift, you can still reap the benefits of a lift as part of your reduction, resulting in a smaller, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
How Is the Recovery After Receiving a Breast Reduction?
Recovering from breast reduction surgery requires a significant amount of rest and downtime. After your procedure, you’ll wear a surgical bra to help reduce swelling, support your healing tissue, and protect the new shape of your breasts. Dr. Kronowitz does not use surgical drains with breast reduction surgery, which enhances results, minimizes pain during the recovery process, and decreases scarring. Bruising and swelling are completely normal in the first few weeks, but these side effects gradually fade as your body recovers.
Most patients take about three weeks off from work to rest at home. While you’ll need to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least six weeks, gentle walks around the house are recommended to prevent blood clots and encourage healing. Because your chest and arms may feel tight or sore after your breast reduction, it’s a good idea to set up your recovery space ahead of time. Essentials like extra pillows for propping yourself up, water, snacks, medications, and entertainment should all be kept within easy reach.
Dr. Kronowitz will provide you with detailed recovery instructions, including how to care for your incisions and when to take your medications. He’ll also offer pain management options and let you know what signs of infection or other complications to watch for as you heal. Swelling can last for weeks or even months, and some numbness or changes in skin sensitivity may occur, but these usually resolve within a year.
When Will I See My Breast Reduction Results?
You will be able to see some differences in the shape and size of your breasts immediately after your breast reduction procedure. They will look smaller, feel lighter, and be easier to manage overall. However, the final appearance of your new and improved breasts will be obscured by swelling for several months.
Breast reduction results are meant to be long-lasting; however, it’s important to remember that the natural aging process will continue. Over time, your skin may lose some elasticity, which can lead to mild sagging. However, maintaining a stable weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise can help preserve your results and prevent your breasts from becoming overly large again.
Keep in mind that breast reduction surgery may impact the milk ducts, potentially affecting your ability to breastfeed. Additionally, future pregnancies can change the size and shape of your breasts, which may alter your surgical results.
Can I Combine My Breast Reduction With Another Procedure?
Many women choose to combine a breast reduction with other cosmetic procedures to achieve more comprehensive aesthetic results in a single surgery. Common combinations include liposuction, tummy tuck, or Mommy Makeover treatments. Combining procedures can reduce overall downtime and help create a more balanced figure. During your consultation, Dr. Kronowitz will listen to your goals and help determine which combination of treatments is right for your unique needs and desired results.
What Are the Risks of Breast Reduction?
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with breast reduction surgery, including:
- Bleeding
- Seroma (fluid buildup)
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Changes in skin or nipple sensation
- Poor wound healing
- Breastfeeding difficulties
If you notice any of these symptoms or have questions during your recovery, contact Dr. Kronowitz immediately.
How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost in Houston?
The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary depending on several factors, including your specific needs and desired results. At Kronowitz Plastic Surgery, we offer financing options through CareCredit® to allow you to more easily pay for your breast reduction procedure.
To learn more about the cost of breast reduction surgery at Kronowitz Plastic Surgery in Houston, call (713) 523-0300 or contact us online.
Locations
Bellaire
6565 West Loop South, Suite 850
Bellaire, TX 77401
Kingwood
4533 Kingwood Dr., Suite 100
Kingwood Area, TX 77345
The Woodlands
9180 Pinecroft Dr. , Suite 250
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Cypress
27700 Northwest Fwy, Suite 330
Cypress, TX 77433
