Breast Reduction Surgery

Common reasons patients with large breasts (macromastia) undergo breast reduction include:

  • Back and neck pain.
  • Rashes beneath the breast.
  • Bra-strap grooving on the shoulder.
  • Discomfort with exercise.
  • Desire for smaller, more manageable breasts.

During breast reduction surgery, breast tissue and skin are removed, contouring the breast into a smaller more aesthetically pleasing shape. Similar to a mastopexy, or breast lift, the nipple is raised and centralized on the breast in the most ideal position. Patients with macromastia, or large breasts, typically have a constellation of symptoms including back pain, neck pain, rashes and shoulder “bra-strap” grooving, which are often significantly improved following this procedure.

Commonly used techniques impart a “square” look to the breast. In my opinion, this is not ideal and I have therefore adapted the way I perform breast reduction surgery to create a round, coned shape with a central nipple location. This results in a more natural shape and projection. Nipple sensation is typically unchanged and even improves in some cases.

An aesthetically pleasing breast reduction involves addressing the breasts themselves as well as the surrounding tissues, a component that is often ignored. A beautiful painting is complemented by the frame, which in this case is the axillary, or armpit, and lateral chest “bra fat.” Your initial consult will include an evaluation of these regions as potential targets for treatment. This attention to detail can significantly enhance a breast surgery result.

Breast Reduction Procedure

A SMALLER AESTHETICALLY PLEASING SHAPE

The satisfaction rate following breast reduction surgery is exceptionally high. Patients uniformly describe their more manageable, perky breasts as life changing and wish they had undergone surgery sooner. Activities become easier, discomfort disappears, and clothing is more complementary with a smaller, more aesthetically pleasing shape.

Reduction Methods

Contouring the breast into a smaller more aesthetically pleasing shape.

The incision is disguised in the areolar margin with a vertical extension to the breast crease, allowing the skin to be tightened while simultaneously elevating the nipple and areola. There is less scarring than the anchor pattern and the areola can often be reduced in size if the patient desires. This technique is useful in patients with moderately sized breasts who only require a small reduction in volume and elevation of the nipple.

The incision is similar to the lollipop incision in that it is disguised in the areolar margin with a vertical extension to the breast crease. There is an additional horizontal incision that is hidden in the breast crease, which allows for maximal skin removal, tightening and nipple/areolar repositioning. The areolas can be reduced in size if the patient desires. This is the most frequently used technique, as it facilitates maximal volume reduction and shaping in patients with large to very large breasts.

What to Expect

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Consultation

During the in-depth consultation we will thoroughly review your goals and expectations. Patients are encouraged to bring photographs of several breast results that best represent their desired look. These will not only help me understand the result you have imagined but also shape our discussion on how your goals will be achieved.

Surgery

Surgery is performed at an accredited surgery center in Newport Beach, California, USA and typically lasts 3-5 hours depending on the degree of shaping required to achieve your desired look. Under the care of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, general anesthesia (fully asleep) is used to ensure maximal comfort and safety.

The “Lollipop” and “Anchor” incisions used in a breast reduction tailor the skin in a way that aesthetically augments the reshaped underlying breast tissue. Care is taken to place the incisions in existing creases so as to minimize the visibility of scarring.

Recovery

Patients are discharged home the same day and generally experience very minimal discomfort, often returning to work the week following surgery. I ask my patients to gradually resume their exercise regimen over 3-4 weeks following the procedure in order to ensure optimal healing. I ask that my patients wear a supportive bra without underwire for 6 weeks following surgery.

Results

The results are expected to be long lasting provided patients maintain an active lifestyle and avoid significant change in natural breast volume (i.e. substantial weight change and pregnancy). Skin gradually loses its innate elasticity as we age, which unavoidably compromises the robustness of the result in time. As such, patients may desire additional revisionary procedures to re-elevate and tighten the breasts.

FAQs

Some patients become fixated on achieving a specific bra cup size. I steer my patients away from this thinking because it is poorly standardized and has high inter-brand variability. A visual representation removes this ambiguity, allowing me to better understand what you want to achieve so that we can develop an accurate operative plan. In order to preserver sensation and viability to the nipple, a certain amount of breast tissue must be retained. This amount varies between patients and depends on the existing size of your breasts.

In order to reduce the breast volume, breast tissue must be removed. Studies show, however, that greater than 65% of patients are able to breast feed following breast reduction surgery, however, 35% required formula supplementation. These percentages are the same for patients who have large breasts and have not undergone surgery.

Often, it will improve. In theory, the nerves that supply the nipple are stretched by the weight of the large, pendulous breast, causing them to work less efficiently. Following breast reduction the pull on these nerves is relaxed, returning lost sensation. The incidence of hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity is roughly 2% and gradually resolves with time. A much smaller percentage experiencing complete loss of nipple sensation.

Before & After

Stunning, natural results from patients.

Breast Reduction Before & After

Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Before & After

Breast Reduction

Request a Consultation

BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Receive an in-depth consultation where we will thoroughly review your goals to personalize a plan focused on a natural and aesthetic result. Dr. Donald S. Mowlds, MD is located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA but is also available via a virtual consultation for out-of-town patients.

    Breast Procedures

    All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

    Breast augmentation utilizes silicone or saline implants to enhance both breast volume and shape.

    A breast lift, or mastopexy, involves repositioning the breast tissue and nipple on the chest wall, restoring a youthful appearance and feel.

    Breast implants are not lifetime devices. As such, many women ultimately require revisionary breast procedures to replace their implants. Breast shape changes with time so revision breast surgery often includes additional procedures designed to create a natural, youthful breast.

    Implant removal surgery involves removing existing breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue (capsule). The breasts are often re-shaped to optimize aesthetics.

    During breast reduction surgery, breast tissue and skin are removed, contouring the breast into a smaller more aesthetically pleasing shape.

    Restoration of form and function is one of the tenants of plastic surgery and breast reconstruction, specifically, epitomizes this mantra.

    Patient Reviews

    Andrea R.

    Person gray photo placeholder woman

    Breast Revision

    Dr. Mowlds is the absolute BEST at what he does. I had a botched breast augmentation, which was causing me serious health concerns, chronic chest and back pain. I was extremely nervous as I didn’t think my issue could be resolved, let’s just say my breasts needed a lot of work. I loved that Dr. Mowlds never treated me like a patient, but rather a friend who he wanted to have the best experience and results possible. He is a true artist in his field, and my breasts are proof of that. Dr. Mowlds was professional, warm, knowledgeable, talented, and great at listening to my concerns and helping me understand everything along the way. I have already recommended a few of my girlfriends to go see him.

    Andrea R.

    Scarlett A.

    scarlett

    Neck Liposculpture

    Dr. Mowlds did liposuction under my neck to get rid of my double chin and define my jawline. It was the best decision I have ever made. He made me feel so much more confident and the results were more than I could have ever hoped for. The surgery was easy and recovery was smooth. Dr. Mowlds checks up on his patients every 2-3 weeks to make sure the results are perfect. Highly recommend this surgery and Dr. Mowlds!!

    Scarlett A.

    Abigail S.

    abby

    Skin Tightening & Scar Revision

    After consulting with numerous plastic surgeons I decided on Dr. Mowlds for my c-section scar revision and Renuvion skin tightening. I had 3 emergency c-sections that had left me with a terrible looking scar. After a virtual consultation, I knew Dr. Mowlds was the right choice. The added bonus was that he has the Renuvion skin tightening machine which is the gold standard in skin tightening and I am amazed at my results just 3 weeks out. I am so happy with my decision and would highly recommend Dr. Mowlds for any cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

    Abigail S.

    Emma B.

    emma

    Non-Surgical Procedures

    I saw Dr. Mowlds for my Botox and lip filler and I have never been happier! He pays close to attention to detail and got me the results I wanted. He achieved a natural look and the experience was painless! I will definitely be seeing Dr. Mowlds again and would highly recommend him if you are looking for a skilled injector or plastic surgeon.

    Emma B.

    Melanie L.

    Person gray photo placeholder woman

    Back Surgery

    Dr. Mowlds and his staff provided me with outstanding and professional healthcare while treating me with kindness and respect during my visits. It was quite evident Dr. Mowlds takes a lot of pride in the work that he performs! I underwent an extensive back surgery and was not only concerned of the physical results, but additionally, the functional results of an extensive surgical closure. I am so grateful my neurosurgeon recommended and works in collaboration with Dr. Mowlds. I am extremely pleased with the aesthetic results of my surgery and would not hesitate to recommend this professional practice.

    Melanie L.

    @DSMOWLDSMD

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    Services & Procedures

    All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

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