Breast reduction surgery has long been a specialty of the Straith Clinic. A breast reduction is performed to reduce the size and improve the appearance of unusually large breasts. Large breasts cause aches and pains in the back and upper neck and cause deep grooves on the shoulders from brassiere straps

During surgery, the breast reduction surgeon makes incisions around the nipple area (the areola) and from the areola to the fold and in the fold. Many patients are candidates for the short scar breast reduction which eliminates the incision in the breast fold. Also, in the overwhelming majority of cases, when the nipple is repositioned to its more normal position, it is still attached to the underlying breast tissue. This technique generally preserves nipple sensation and the potential for nursing. When the breasts are exceptionally large, the nipple and areola may be completely removed and reapplied as a skin graft. Symmetry should be significantly improved with a breast reduction surgery although it can never be completely perfect. Breast reductions are often chosen by patients who wish to reduce their breast size while also experiencing the cosmetic benefits of a breast lift.

What to expect from a breast reduction procedure

• Anesthesia: Usually local with IV sedation.
• Length of breast reduction surgery: 3 to 4 hours.
• In/Outpatient: Generally out-patient in our AAAHC accredited breast reduction clinic or in a hospital setting.
• Recovery: Back to work 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 3 to 6 weeks. Fading of scars: several months to a year.
• Duration of Results: Usually permanent although gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may affect the results.

Frequently asked questions about breast reduction or breast lift surgery

Q1: What happens in the postoperative period?

A dressing is applied immediately after breast reduction surgery and left in place for a varying length of time depending on the surgeon. Once the dressing is removed, a soft, wireless, full support brassiere (cotton stretch) must be worn twenty-four hours a day for two to four weeks, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. There will be some swelling and discoloration. Some numbness will be present around the operated areas. The intensity and duration of these conditions vary with each individual. There could be some loss of sensation in the nipples (especially grafted nipple). Sagging of the breasts can recur with the aging process, pregnancy and weight changes. Wearing a brassiere is recommended to help maintain your new appearance.

Q2: When are the sutures removed?

All sutures are removed by our breast reduction surgeons seven to fourteen days following surgery.

Q3: When can I take a shower?

A shower can generally be taken one to seven days after surgery. Your breast reduction surgeon may change these instructions.

Q4: When can I resume my social activities?

Normally, full social and employment activities can be resumed seven to ten days after breast lift reduction surgery. Strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for four to six weeks. Use of arms should be limited during this period. You may drive a car with an automatic shift and power steering in two weeks. The healing process and your occupation may cause the length of time to vary.

Most breast reductions can be performed safely on an outpatient basis in our AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) accredited office operating room suite. This accreditation is a voluntary process through which AAAHC’s expert surveyors assess the quality of care by taking an in-depth look at our plastic surgery facility, services, and activities. We have had unconditional accreditation from the AAAHC since 1990. Be assured that our surgical center is a state-of-the-art plastic surgery center with the support of a highly trained staff of breast reduction surgeons.

The Straith Clinic is one of the premier plastic surgery centers in Detroit, MI, supported by our highly trained staff of certified breast reduction surgeons. We’ve always been a plastic surgery leader in procedure, safety, and results. Our greatest satisfaction is the interaction we have with our patients and seeing the lives that our cosmetic surgeons have improved over the years.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our breast reduction surgeons and make the first step towards a reduced breast size and improved appearance with higher self esteem. You’ll get answers on the cost of a breast reduction surgery, recovery time and expectations, or any other issues that concern you. Once you’re at our clinic, you’ll meet with one of our breast reduction surgeons and they’ll determine if you are a candidate for this surgery. Call 1-800-401-1212 or fill-in the contact form on the right of the page and a Straith Clinic representative will respond to you promptly.