Breast reduction surgery in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size proportionate with your body. Large, heavy breasts can cause breathing difficulties, back, shoulder and neck pain, poor posture, and chafing. Furthermore, large breasts often result in poor self-esteem and concerns about personal appearance. Many women find that breast reduction surgery is greatly beneficial, whether it is emotionally or physically.
The benefits of a breast reduction are life-changing, as patients not only have relief from their symptoms but also the ability to exercise better, wear fitting clothes, and experience psychological improvements. Although patients of any age can benefit from a breast reduction, it is recommended they wait until the breasts have fully developed before undergoing any invasive surgery. Of all surgeries performed by plastic surgeons, breast reduction ranks among the highest in terms of patient satisfaction.
Am I a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Ideal breast reduction candidates are physically and mentally healthy, and non-smokers. Also, women who are bothered by their breasts during physical activity or experience back, neck, or shoulder pain due to the weight of their breasts are typically excellent candidates for this procedure.
Breast Reduction Patient #161 (6 year follow up)
A 6-year follow-up on a woman in her late 50s who was a 36 DD and had problems with grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps, back pain, rash under the breasts, and difficulty exercising. She was a size 6 in pants and a size 10-14 in tops and felt that her breasts were out of proportion. She is an avid runner and wishes to have a smaller C-cup breast. She also had some mild bulging of the fat pads in the armpit area/ upper breast (axillary lipodystrophy) and had liposuction of those areas at the same time. She is 5' 7 1/2” and 145 lbs. She is shown just before and again, 6 years after, 381 grams from her right breast and 421 grams from her left breast. (454 grams=one pound)
She is thrilled with her new shape and size, no longer needs to wear special bras to run, and states that “this is the best thing that she has ever done.”
A mother of 2 in her late 40s with bilateral macromastia. She is a 34 DDD and has had problems with neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps and difficulty with her posture. She would try to wear 2 bras to exercise but still did not have enough support. Frequent massage therapy did not give lasting relief. She is shown before and gained, 7 ½ months after bilateral breast reduction. She is thrilled with her new shape and size, and her symptoms have all resolved.
A woman in her mid-70s with bilateral macromastia and drooping of her breasts. She had problems with neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, grooving of her shoulders from the bra straps, Postural difficulties, and difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She described herself as a 34 D cup bra.
She is shown before and again, nearly 4 months after bilateral reduction mastopexy with dermal pedicle plication (internal suturing to give a better shape) and the removal of 330 grams of tissue from each breast. (454 grams is equal to one pound)
She is thrilled with her new shape and size, and her symptoms have all resolved. Like most patients, she “wishes she had done this much sooner.” Her scars continue to fade with the topical silicone and should typically improve for another year or longer.
A mother of 2 in her late 40s with breast ptosis (drooping) and macromastia. She describes herself as a 38J cup. Despite losing 40 lbs she continues to have back pain, shoulder pain, goring and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps, neck pain, difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts, and problems with her posture.
She is shown before and again, just short of 3 months after bilateral reduction mastopexy ( lift and reduction) with the removal of 400 grams of breast tissue from each breast. She has been using the topical silicone that we suggested and her scars are fading well. She loves the new shape and size of her breasts, and all of her symptoms have resolved. Scars typically get thicker and redder for 6 weeks and then soften and fade over the next 2 years. Her scars are a little better than the average at 3 months.
A woman in her later 60s is bothered by the drooping of her breasts and difficulty exercising due to the size of her breasts. She wears 2 bras to exercise, She also has fatty deposits in the upper armpit area (“axillary lipodystrophy”). She is 5’6” and 174 lbs. She is shown before and again, 4 ½ months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of 276 grams of breast tissue from her right breast and 292 grams of tissue from her left breast to reduce her to a “C’ cup. Liposuction of the axillary lipodystrophy was performed at the same time. Scars typically will get reader and thicker for 6 weeks and then fade and improve over the next 2 years. Scars tend to fade faster when patients are older. She is using her topical silicone and her scars are fading nicely for this time. Her symptoms have resolved and she is thrilled with the new shape and size of her breasts.
During a breast reduction, Dr. Hall typically makes three incisions. One is made around the areola, another vertically from the areola to the crease underneath the breast, and a third following the natural curve of the breast crease. Once the targeted tissue, fat and skin are removed, the breast is reshaped. Sutures are used within the breast tissue to support the breast and other skin adhesives are used to close the skin at the incision. The procedure is performed under a general anesthesia and is designed for the protection of sensation.
What should I expect during recovery?
The majority of patients are overjoyed with their smaller, firmer breasts. Following the surgery, there is some initial discomfort, which can be controlled with oral pain medication. Dressings or bandages will be applied to the surgical incisions that will later be removed. You will be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, usually until the swelling or bruising diminishes. You may also have a drain placed to allow excess fluid or blood to drain from the incision. Patients can typically return to non-physical work in just one week, but should wait six weeks before returning to physical activities such as vigorous exercise. Dr. Hall will give you specific care instructions to follow during recovery and will schedule any follow up appointments necessary.
What Results Will I Experience?
Results from a breast reduction can be noticed immediately after surgery. You will continue to see improvement as swelling decreases and incision scars begin to fade. Results from a breast reduction are long lasting and can help you lead a happier, healthier lifestyle. You can expect to have less back and should pain and skin irritation. You will experience less physical limitations after surgery and a better-proportioned figure that will boost your self-confidence.
“I saw 3 surgeons before meeting with Dr. Hall and by far he and his staff was the most compassionate, thorough, professional and helpful. Can’t say how pleased and comfortable he and his staff made me feel.”
Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Specialist
"I treat my patients like I would treat
- Jonathan D. Hall, MD, FACSmembers of my own family."
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