WDF 

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Also known as a "reduction mammoplasty",  breast reduction surgery reduces the size of the breast and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher location on the breast. There are several different surgical techniques used to perform breast reduction surgery. The most common technique used in the United States is called an "inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty". The "pedicle" is the breast tissue that is not removed and supports the blood supply to the nipple and areola. It is a very time efficient surgical procedure and it accomplishes the goal of making the breast smaller and raising the position of the nipple. My concern with this particular technique is that as the swelling following the surgery subsides and the remaining breast tissue settles, the breast appear "boxy" with the nipple and areola sitting too high on the breast. The reason this occurs is that the breast tissue which has been most affected by gravity, the lower breast tissue, has been retained (inferior pedical), while tissue which could have been used to construct a pleasant breast form was removed. To me, this doesn't make sense.

 

So why is the inferior pedicle technique still being used?  I believe the reason that an inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty is the technique most commonly peformed in the United States is that it does not take long to complete and offers predictable survivability of the nipple and areola. You see, reduction mammoplasty is one of the few surgical procedures that still may be covered by your healthcare company. However; as with most reimbursments from healthcare companies, the financial payback to plastic surgeons has decreased tremedoulsy. So it is much more cost effective for a surgeon to perform a quick procedure which accomplishes the goal of making the breast smaller while raising the position of the nipple and areola regardless of the eventual aesthetic result. 

 

I believe it is possible to construct a more aesthetically pleasing breast by first removing the heavy tissue located on the lower part of the breast (inferior pedicle) then sculpting the remaining tissue into an attractive breast form. The nipple and areola are now supported by the upper breast tissue. This is referred to as a "superior pedicle reduction mammoplasty".  Excess skin is then removed and the soft tissue is carefully drapped over the sculpted breast.  My goal is to construct a breast which is proportional to your body helping to alleviate the discomfort often associated with overly large breast. I want to not only reduce the breast size but also create a breast with appears fuller and natural with the nipple located at a more desired position.

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You may be a good candidate for a reduction mammoplasty if you have one or more of the following conditions:

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  1)  Heavy, pendulous breasts

  2)  Breast Asymmetry

  3)  Back, Neck, Shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts

  4)  Skin irritation beneath your breast folds

  5)  Shoulder grooving (from your bra straps)

  6)  Restriction of activity due to the size and weight of your breasts

 

Earlier, I mentioned that a reduction mammoplasty may be approved as medically necessary by your medical insurance company; however, they usually require a minimum of six weeks to as long as six months of documented history by your family physician of issues related to your large breast. Some of these requirements include:

 

  1)  Back, neck, shoulder pain with treatment(s) by a physical therapist or chiropractor.

  2)  Frequent rashes beneath the breast fold which have failed to resolve with the use of topical

        medications.

 

At  your consultation, I will record your health history and review with you any issues pertaining to your large breast. I will perform a complete and thorough breast examination. You should be current on having received a mammogram if you are at least fourty years of age or have risk factors for developing breast cancer.  I will request additional information from your primary care physician, as needed, that may be of benefit when seeking prior authoirization for a reduction mammoplasty on your behalf from your healthcare company.

 

Out of respect to my clients and my specialty, I have made the decision to restrict pubic viewing of photographs exclusive to those individuals who are truly interested in the procedures I perform. To do so, please provide and submit the information requested on the Before and After page. A password will then be displayed which permits access to any of the underlined procedures that are listed. Just hover over the procedure you wish to view, click, then enter your password. Review photographs and take notes if you like. You are invited to contact my office with your questions. Erin or Jenae will gladly assist you in scheduling your complimentary consultation.