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Breast Reduction

RELIEVE THE PAIN AND STRAIN OF OVERLY LARGE BREASTS IN WESTFIELD, NJ

Why might a woman choose breast reduction from NJ plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Burnett? Overly large breasts can be an actual pain, creating chronic discomfort in the shoulders, neck, back, and head; skin irritation in the creases below the breasts; skin irritation and indentations from tight bra straps; and even pinched nerves that lead to numbness or tingling in the arms and hands. Big breasts can also contribute to poor posture due to forward gravitational pull, cause clothes to a fit poorly, get in the way of certain exercises and other activity, or simply draw unwanted attention.

No matter the reason, our New Jersey-based plastic surgery team can help. Dr. Burnett performs breast reduction procedures for women in Westfield and all across New Jersey and beyond. Our patients are treated with the utmost in compassionate care, allowing us to achieve their desired outcome.* Whether you are looking to get a more proportionate frame, want to put a stop to chronic pain associated with large breasts, or want a different quality of attention, we have the skill and experience necessary to give you natural, more manageable breasts.* Breast reduction generally has one of the highest satisfaction rates for patients.

Burnett Plastic Surgery

Contact Westfield's Burnett Plastic Surgery today to discuss breast reduction in NJ. Call (908) 233-0200 or send a message online.

WHO IS A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST REDUCTION IN NJ?

Breast reduction surgery has many benefits, including providing relief for pain in the neck, shoulders and back, and improving the appearance of the breasts. Patients who are 18 or older and whose breasts have finished developing, who are healthy and don't smoke, who maintain realistic expectations, who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and who have large breasts that cause a negative impact on their quality of life are the best candidates for a breast reduction.

It’s better to make plans to have this type of surgery when you’re close to your goal weight and do not plan to have children, since future weight gain and pregnancy could alter the results from breast reduction.

Basically, if you want to address your overly large breasts, you may be a candidate for breast reduction. Losing weight and taking pain medication sometimes aren’t enough to address the drawbacks of large breasts, and the only option left is surgery. Patients who opt for a breast reduction are often those who have:

  • Dissatisfaction with the size of their breasts
  • Breasts that get in the way of daily activities, or excessive breast movement that makes exercise uncomfortable or embarrassing
  • Grooves on the shoulder areas from bra straps because of the weight of their breasts
  • Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain
  • Challenges finding bras and other clothes that fit properly
  • Under-breast soreness and sweat rashes
  • Numbness of the fingers, hands, and arms.
  • Changes to the breasts after pregnancy and a desire to reduce breast tissue

HOW TO PREPARE FOR BREAST REDUCTION

Patients may need to make certain lifestyle changes in preparation for breast reduction surgery. Before you have a breast reduction, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, and a baseline mammogram may be needed. Dr. Burnett may also recommend that you take certain medications or adjust how you’re taking your current medications. He recommends quitting smoking well in advance of the breast reduction procedure for an optimal surgery and recovery.

Patients should avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that increase bleeding—all with the approval of a primary care physician. Dr. Burnett and his team will provide more details on which medications will need to be discontinued before breast reduction.

BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE DETAILS

A breast reduction not only makes breasts smaller and firmer, but also has the added benefit of lifting the breasts so that they sit higher on the chest. This gives you a more youthful, proportionate, and balanced appearance while making the clothes you wear look more flattering and feel more comfortable.

During the breast reduction surgery, incisions are made in order to remove tissue, fat, and skin to reduce your breast size. The remaining tissue of the breasts is molded, reshaped, and repositioned to a more attractive and elevated area on the chest for improved projection. The nipples and areolas may also need to be elevated to create the most visually appealing and natural appearance.

Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be administered for your comfort. Dr. Burnett may combine liposuction to remove excess fat with other excision techniques, depending on your anatomy and the amount of tissue that needs to be removed. The technique he uses will be based on multiple factors, including your individual condition, breast composition, the amount of reduction you desire, his own advice, and your personal preferences. He may choose one of the following breast reduction incision options:

  • A circular incision around the border of the areola
  • A keyhole-shaped incision that circles the areola and stretches vertically down to the natural breast crease
  • An inverted-T pattern that consists of three incisions around the outside of the areola, a vertical line down to the breast crease, and a small incision along the breast crease

What To Expect From Breast Reduction Recovery

You can return home following breast reduction, and although the transformation to your breasts will be visible right away, their shape will continue to gradually improve as you recover. Some discomfort, swelling, and bruising should be expected. Dressing and bandages will be applied to the incisions after the breast reduction surgery has been completed. It will take some time for the swelling to go down after surgery, as well as for scars to fade.

You may need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to provide support for the breasts and reduce swelling. You’ll be given instructions for what medications to apply or take orally, any specific concerns you should look out for at the surgical site or in terms of your general health, and when you will need to follow up with the surgeon.

Patients can expect to experience some discomfort and fatigue during the first few days. You'll be able to walk around—but don't overdo it! Intense exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided during the first six to eight weeks. Driving should be avoided until patients are comfortable wearing a seatbelt again.

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS LIKE FROM BREAST REDUCTION?

Breast reduction is highly rewarding because of the physical and emotional benefits it can have. The results are noticeable right away after breast reduction surgery, although it will still take a few months before the body heals and the breasts settle into their final shape. Removing excess fat, tissue, and sagging skin will have various benefits for the patient. These include making the breasts firmer, lighter, and more youthful looking, allowing bras, swimsuits, and other types of clothing to fit in a more comfortable, attractive way, giving patients a renewed sense of freedom to wear whatever clothes they want, sculpting more proportionate and balanced breasts to improve the overall silhouette, reducing stretched or large areolas, and feeling more confident during activities.

More Than Breast Reduction

In addition to breast reduction, there are a variety of other breast-related surgical procedures available for patients. A breast lift performed on its own involves simply raising the position of breasts that are sagging and reshaping them. A breast augmentation is designed to create rounder, fuller breasts using implants for those who want to enhance their curves.

Discuss any of these options and more with Dr. Carlos Burnett so you can get the contours and proportions you want for your body.

Burnett Plastic Surgery

Contact Westfield's Burnett Plastic Surgery today to discuss breast reduction in NJ. Call (908) 233-0200 or send a message online.