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Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie

Patients seek breast reduction surgery for a variety of reasons; some seek relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by excessively heavy breasts, while some have an aesthetic goal of a more proportionate appearance. Breast reduction is a transformative surgery that consistently ranks among the top procedures for patient satisfaction.1 At our practice, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Lickstein, serving Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and Wellington, Florida, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan to suit their desired results.

What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, medically known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size and weight of large breasts.2 This is achieved by removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to alleviate discomfort or physical issues such as back pain, neck pain, and skin irritation under the breasts. The procedure not only enhances physical comfort and mobility but also leads to a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing breast contour. It’s often sought by individuals seeking relief from physical and emotional discomfort caused by overly large breasts.

before breast reduction
after breast reduction
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The Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes place in our state-of-the-art medical center under general anesthesia and typically takes several hours to complete. Surgical techniques can vary on a case-by-case basis, but in general, our surgeons will begin by creating an incision around the areola that extends down in a vertical line and then across the crease of the breast, similar in shape to an anchor. Typically, the nipple remains intact and affixed to the underlying tissue, preserving the normal sensitivity. After excess fat and tissue is excised, the breast and nipple are lifted and reshaped. The areola is typically reduced in size.

The Benefits of Breast Reduction

Breast reduction offers significant benefits, including relief from physical discomfort, improved body proportion, enhanced mobility, and a boost in self-confidence for individuals troubled by overly large breasts.

  • Improved Appearance: Reducing a disproportionately large bust can give you a leaner, more svelte appearance. A breast reduction can also allow you to wear a greater variety of stylish clothing.
  • Reduced Back Pain: The excess weight of large breasts can put stress on the back, while bra straps can cause disfiguring indentations in the shoulders. Breast reduction surgery can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by very large breasts.
  • Improved Athletic Ability: In addition to improving overall comfort, breast reduction surgery can allow women to engage in activities such as running and high-impact training, that they may have previously avoided due to large breasts.
  • Reduced Skin Irritation: Women with large breasts often suffer from skin irritation due to constant friction, either from bras or from the skin-on-skin contact that can occur with pendulous breasts. Breast reduction surgery lifts and lightens the breasts to reduce irritation.
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Breast Reduction Recovery & Results

After breast reduction surgery, patients typically experience some swelling and bruising. Most patients return to work after two weeks. Exercise and strenuous physical activity are restricted for approximately six weeks.

Schedule A Consultation For Breast Reduction

Ready to explore your cosmetic surgery options? Patients from all over South Florida from Miami to Vero Beach trust Dr. Lickstein to deliver exceptional results. His expertise in a comprehensive range of cosmetic procedures such as breast reduction ensures you receive professional advice tailored to your unique needs. If you’re in Palm Beach, Port Saint Lucie, or Jupiter, FL, and are interested in breast reduction, take the first step towards your aesthetic goals by calling our office today. Contact us now to schedule your personalized consultation.

Breast Reduction Surgery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Am I a candidate for breast reduction surgery?

Ideal candidates are non-smoking and in good general health. Breast reduction is typically only performed on fully developed adults, but adolescents may be considered in extenuating circumstances. Patients should be at a stable and healthy weight.

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Is recovery after breast reduction painful?

As with many surgical procedures, patients may experience mild pain after surgery. Pain is temporary and will vary by patient. Medication will be prescribed to manage pain, and a compression bra will be provided to help as well.

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Will I have scars after breast reduction surgery?

Our doctors are experienced in minimizing visible scars for breast reduction patients. Most patients will have a scar around the areola, a vertical scar under the areola, and a scar along the breast crease, all of which will fade over time.

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Will insurance cover my breast reduction surgery?

Some health insurance plans provide coverage for breast reduction surgery if the patient is seeking a breast reduction due to pain or debilitating discomfort that is caused by the size or weight of their breasts.

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What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

All surgical procedures carry some risk. Risks may be reduced when the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon and the patient follows all post-operative instructions. Complications from breast reduction surgery are rare but can include infection, bleeding, or changes in sensation, among others.3

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Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?

We generally advise patients who wish to breastfeed to wait until after childbirth to have breast reduction surgery. Although patients are typically able to breastfeed after breast reduction, there is a chance milk production may be limited.

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What can I expect after breast reduction surgery?

Patients typically experience swelling for several weeks after surgery. Once your swelling and bruising subside, your results will be visible. Our surgeons will discuss your desired results with you before surgery so you know what size and shape to expect. Scarring will be visible at first but will fade with time.

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Can I combine any other procedures with breast reduction surgery?

Combining breast reduction surgery with other cosmetic procedures is feasible, depending on individual needs and surgeon recommendations. While reducing breast size, it's common to simultaneously perform a breast lift to enhance contour, or liposuction for better overall proportion. Some patients opt for breast augmentation with breast implants during reduction for shape maintenance. Additionally, procedures like a tummy tuck can complement breast reduction for full body reshaping. Facial cosmetic treatments such as facelifts or fillers can also be performed concurrently.

We believe the best results are born from an in-depth discussion of patient goals, followed by a customized treatment plan.

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Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 Johns Hopkins Medicine. Breast Reduction Surgery. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/breast-reduction-surgery. Accessed January 11, 2024.

2 ASPS. Breast Reduction. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction. Accessed January 11, 2024.

3 Mayo Clinic. Breast reduction surgery. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246. Accessed January 11, 2024.

The Doctors at Lickstein Plastic Surgery have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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