Breast Reduction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston, Bellaire, Kingwood, The Woodlands and Cypress, TX
Breast reduction is a surgery that can reduce the size of breasts that are larger than what is comfortable, convenient, and attractive, according to the standards of the patient. Also known as reduction mammoplasty, this popular procedure helps to alleviate physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts, such as chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, as well as skin irritation and difficulty in finding properly fitting clothing.
At Kronowitz Plastic Surgery, we offer breast reduction procedures at our Houston practice. Our expert surgeon Dr. Steven J. Kronowitz leads our team with patient satisfaction in mind. For more information about breast, call (713) 523-0300 or fill out this form.
Before and After Photos
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About Breast Reduction
Having abnormally large breasts can be an incredible physical and emotional burden to bear. For many women, it is a source of discomfort and personal embarrassment. The weight of large breasts can cause neck, shoulder and back pain. They may be disproportionately large, taking over the visual impression of a woman’s figure. Some women may be uncomfortable wearing revealing clothing or swimsuits. Luckily, breast reductions can address these issues directly.
Breast reduction is a very common procedure, with over 100,000 surgeries performed in the United States in 2020 alone. (1) It can not only solve the problems that come with large breasts, but it can also enhance their beauty. The procedure involves a surgeon making incisions to remove excess skin, fat and tissue from the breast. They deliberately reshape and resize the tissue according to the beauty goals of the patient. Sometimes this involves resizing and repositioning the nipples to enhance the new look of the altered breasts.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Receiving a breast reduction can provide life-changing benefits. These include:
- Reduced back pain
- No more indents from bras
- Less skin irritation under the breast
- Less weight on the ribcage and lungs
- Increased self-esteem
- Renewed confidence for self-expression
- A more mobile and active lifestyle
Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
A good candidate for breast reduction will be ready to deal with their oversized breasts once and for all. If you want to be considered eligible, your breasts should be fully developed. If they continue to develop after this procedure, it could undo the results. (2) You should also be in good health. Plastic surgery can be a lot for the body to go through, so being able to heal properly is essential. Your breasts do not need to be excessively large to get a breast reduction. It can be done for purely elective cosmetic reasons. However, you should have realistic expectations about what a breast reduction can do for you.
Personal Consultation
At your personal consultation, we will give you all the relevant information you need to know about how breast reduction surgery could benefit you. We will ask you about your medical history. This will include questions about the medications you take, your allergies, your history of smoking and any prior surgeries. You should also let us know if your family has any history of breast problems.
To create a personalized treatment plan for you, Dr. Kronowitz will examine your breasts. He will ask you about your aesthetic goals, and let you know how he can help you meet those desires. After we have gathered all the details, we can schedule your procedure and let you know how to prepare.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Kronowitz, call (713) 523-0300 or message us through our contact page.
Preparation
Preparing for breast reduction is an important part of the process. With proper preparation, you can do your part in ensuring that your surgery goes smoothly and your recovery is comfortable. We will give you detailed instructions on the medications you should avoid, and prescribe anything that might help prepare your body for surgery. Keeping up with a healthy diet and exercise regime, as well as staying hydrated will help as well.
You should prepare your home for recovery. Make sure you have the food and entertainment you will need while you rest and recover. Place everything within reach to avoid strenuous movements that could agitate your incisions. Don’t forget to arrange for a trusted friend to drive you home from our facility after your surgery.
Breast Reduction Procedure
We typically perform breast reduction surgeries on an outpatient basis. We administer general anesthesia to our patients in order to avoid discomfort during surgery. The procedure normally takes one to two hours to complete.
On the day of your surgery, when you have been properly anesthetized, Dr. Kronowitz will begin by making the incisions on your breasts. There are a few different incision techniques for breast reduction surgeries:
- The donut incision: around the areola for minimal reduction and minimal visible scarring
- The lollipop incision: around the areola and one vertically below the nipple for sagging and moderate reduction
- The anchor incision: around the areola, vertically below the nipple and horizontally at the bottom of the breast for maximum sagging and maximum reduction
Each of these incisions is tailored to accommodate different levels of reduction. If a more complicated incision is necessary to achieve certain results, it will leave more visible scarring. This is an issue that you will have discussed with Dr. Kronowitz beforehand.
Through the incisions, he will remove the excess skin, tissue and fat necessary to reduce and reshape your breasts. This may involve liposuction, a process that involves breaking up and sucking fat from the body using a thin tube called a cannula. When he removes all of the excess tissue, he will be able to resize the breast and reshape it to sit higher on the chest for a more perky look. He may also reshape and relocate the nipples and areola in order to sit naturally and beautifully on the breast.
Recovery
Recovering from breast reduction surgery requires significant amounts of rest and downtime. Most patients return to work after three weeks of resting at home. You should avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least six weeks, though light walks around the house can help to keep the blood flowing. Your arms will have a limited range of motion because of the treatment area location, so make sure to prepare your home for recovery by keeping everything within reach.
We will provide you with specific instructions for recovery. These may include changes to your medicine intake, including prescriptions to help you deal with discomfort as you heal. We will also let you know how to take care of your incisions, and what to watch out for in terms of infection or other complications. Your treatment area will likely swell for several weeks to months after your surgery. You may experience some numbness or increased sensitivity- this typically resolves within a year.
Results
You will be able to see the profound aesthetic differences immediately after your procedure. Your breasts will be lighter, smaller, and easier to manage overall. However, the precise appearance of your new and improved breasts will be obscured by swelling for several months. Your results will be long-lasting, though this treatment does not stop the effects of aging. Your skin will eventually weaken further and your breasts may begin to sag. If you can maintain a steady weight, your breasts should not grow to be too large again. A healthy diet and regular exercise will help you to uphold the shapely results of your breast reduction.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost in Houston?
The cost of a breast reduction surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the specific treatment plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs. To find out more about how much breast reduction surgery costs at Kronowitz Plastic Surgery in Houston, call (713) 523-0300 or contact us online.
FAQ
How long does breast reduction surgery take to complete?
Breast reduction surgery typically takes from one to two hours to complete. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day as your treatment.
How old do you have to be to get a breast reduction?
To be eligible for a breast reduction, age matters less than whether or not your breasts are fully developed. Once they are fully developed, you may undergo a breast reduction regardless of your age.
Can I breastfeed after receiving a breast reduction?
There is a possibility that the milk ducts will be affected by the surgery, affecting your ability to breastfeed. Pregnancy can also change the size and shape of the breasts, which would affect the results of this procedure.
Can men get breast reduction surgery?
Yes, men can get breast reduction surgery. Men often receive this procedure to treat the symptoms of gynecomastia, the overgrowth of breast tissue in males. This is referred to as “gynecomastia surgery” or “male breast reduction”.
References
- Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
- Faulkner HR, Merceron T, Wang J, Losken A. Safe Reproducible Breast Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2023;11(9):e5245. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005245