A breast enhancement procedure designed to reduce the size of the breasts and achieve a youthful aesthetic.
Breast Reduction Surgery in Birmingham, AL
Many women who struggle with overly large breasts feel that their lives are restricted both physically and emotionally. Cumbersome breasts can be a source of physical discomfort, resulting in back and breast pain in addition to poor posture. They can also draw unwanted attention, which can be distressing. Dr. Robert I. Oliver, Jr., and Dr. Jason M. Jack perform personalized breast reduction surgery with compassionate care to give women the breast aesthetic and body confidence they desire. Breast reduction surgery can restore the breasts to a more proportionate size and improve your quality of life.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for Me?
Disproportionately Large Breasts
Having large breasts that are disproportionate to the rest of your body can be disheartening and make it difficult to find flattering clothing. By developing a breast reduction surgery plan tailored to your needs, our surgeons can reduce the size of your breasts so that they appear more natural and complement your unique curves.
Unappealing Breast Appearance
When a woman’s breasts become overly large, they can appear distorted in their shape, size, and position. The nipple-areolar complex can also become malpositioned or stretched out, creating a displeasing appearance. Breast reduction surgery can address these cosmetic concerns and restore the breasts to a more attractive aesthetic.
Restricted Mobility
Heavy, cumbersome breasts can put an excessive amount of pressure on a woman’s spine, which can significantly restrict her mobility and make performing routine tasks painful or uncomfortable. Women who opt for breast reduction surgery can enjoy more manageable breasts and lead a healthier, freer lifestyle.
Your Breast Reduction Procedure
Incision Options
Short-Scar Vertical Technique
- An incision is created around the areolas and down the lower breast pole
- Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin can be removed
- Suitable for small or medium volume reductions
Anchor T-scar Technique (“Wise Pattern”)
- An incision is placed around the areolas, down the lower breast pole, and along the inframammary fold
- The nipple-areolar complex is repositioned
- Ideal for women who need more tissue removed
No Vertical Scar (Horizontal) Technique
- A horizontal incision positioned under the breast and small circular nipple scar are used
- Results in a more rounded upper breast shape than other techniques
- Ideal for patients with longer, narrow breasts to produce a breast lift shape
Procedure Details
- Breast reduction surgery is performed at the hospital as an outpatient procedure
- The procedure usually takes two to three hours
- General anesthesia is used during this procedure
- Incisions are created utilizing the designated surgical technique
- Excess tissue is excised, and the remaining breast skin is tightened
- The nipple-areolar complex can be reduced and moved to a higher position on the breasts
- All incisions are stitched with sutures
Before & After Photos
The desire of Dr. Oliver and Dr. Jack at Plastic Surgery Specialists located in Birmingham, Alabama is to provide you with the finest personalized care while creating beautiful, natural results.
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Addressing Your Concerns
What should I expect during my recovery after breast reduction surgery?
After your procedure, bandages will be wrapped around your breasts to help promote healing and minimize postoperative discomfort. You must wear a special surgical bra for several weeks once the bandages are removed to support the breasts as they heal. Residual swelling may persist for a few weeks. Depending on the amount of correction required during surgery, drains may or may not be necessary. Discomfort is expected and can be managed with oral medication, as recommended by your surgeon. Most patients can return to work after two weeks. You will be given aftercare instructions that detail physical limitations and a recovery timeline that reflects your procedure.
Will I have visible scarring after my breast reduction procedure?
Due to the invasive nature of breast reduction surgery, many patients will have scarring following their procedure. However, by using precise surgical technique and practicing diligent aftercare, all breast reduction scars are likely to fade over time.
How much is breast reduction in Birmingham, AL?
The cost of breast reduction surgery in Birmingham, Alabama, varies significantly from patient to patient. Your final cost will incorporate many factors including the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, pre-surgical tests, and post-surgical garments and medications. In addition to the above cost factors, breast reduction cost is also influenced by geographical area.
The only way to learn more about what your expected cost will be is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Oliver or Dr. Jack at Plastic Surgery Specialists of Birmingham, Alabama.
Is breast reduction painful?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, you will not experience any pain or discomfort during the actual procedure. Some discomfort is normal in the days following your procedure due to bruising and swelling. You may also feel pain at the incision site. Most patients find this to be very manageable and can alleviate any discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications.
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What should I expect during my recovery after breast reduction surgery?
After your procedure, bandages will be wrapped around your breasts to help promote healing and minimize postoperative discomfort. You must wear a special surgical bra for several weeks once the bandages are removed to support the breasts as they heal. Residual swelling may persist for a few weeks. Depending on the amount of correction required during surgery, drains may or may not be necessary. Discomfort is expected and can be managed with oral medication, as recommended by your surgeon. Most patients can return to work after two weeks. You will be given aftercare instructions that detail physical limitations and a recovery timeline that reflects your procedure.
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Will I have visible scarring after my breast reduction procedure?
Due to the invasive nature of breast reduction surgery, many patients will have scarring following their procedure. However, by using precise surgical technique and practicing diligent aftercare, all breast reduction scars are likely to fade over time.
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How much is breast reduction in Birmingham, AL?
The cost of breast reduction surgery in Birmingham, Alabama, varies significantly from patient to patient. Your final cost will incorporate many factors including the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, pre-surgical tests, and post-surgical garments and medications. In addition to the above cost factors, breast reduction cost is also influenced by geographical area.
The only way to learn more about what your expected cost will be is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Oliver or Dr. Jack at Plastic Surgery Specialists of Birmingham, Alabama.
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Is breast reduction painful?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, you will not experience any pain or discomfort during the actual procedure. Some discomfort is normal in the days following your procedure due to bruising and swelling. You may also feel pain at the incision site. Most patients find this to be very manageable and can alleviate any discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for breast reduction?
Candidates for breast reduction are women who are dissatisfied with the appearance and feel of their large and heavy breasts. Patients should be at least 18 years old (or at least have breasts that have reached maturity) and be in good overall health.
Breast reduction is performed to help alleviate:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Chest pain
- Shoulder pain
- Shoulder grooves
- Skin rashes beneath and between the breasts
How do I know which breast reduction incision is right for me?
Breast reduction procedures are tailored to the patient. Because of this, the incision technique used will depend on the extent of correction desired. The more reduction you are looking to achieve, the more extensive the incisions will be. Fortunately, all scars can be covered by bras and bathing suits and tend to heal well.
Most patients willingly accept the resulting scars as a side-effect when considering the significant boost they receive in comfort and confidence.
Will a breast reduction lift my breasts?
A breast reduction is designed to remove excess glandular tissue and fat. With the exception of very small reductions, all breast reductions are combined with breast lift surgery to tighten the remaining skin and tissues and reposition (or resize) the nipple-areola complex (NAC).
Or, can a breast lift reduce the size of my breasts?
While a breast lift will make the breasts more compact, which can make them appear slightly smaller, a breast lift does not remove tissue or fat. If you are looking to achieve smaller, lighter breasts, a reduction is needed.
How long will my results last?
The results of breast reduction surgery are intended to be permanent, but becoming pregnant or gaining weight following your procedure can alter your outcome. It is essential to maintain a communicative relationship with your surgeon so that you can express your concerns both before and after surgery.
Can liposuction be performed as a standalone procedure for breast reduction?
In some cases, liposuction may be performed to remove excess breast tissue. Ideal candidates for this approach to breast reduction must have good skin elasticity and only require minimal correction.
Is breast reduction covered by insurance?
Breast reduction is one of the few procedures that may be covered (at least partially) by insurance. To qualify for this, you will need to prove that your large breasts are resulting in physical pain that can only be remedied with surgery.
If your insurance does not cover the procedure, financing options are available at Plastic Surgery Specialists of Birmingham, Alabama.
Will breast reduction prevent me from breastfeeding?
While some women can successfully breastfeed after a breast reduction, it is important to note that this procedure can impact your ability to do so. Because of the nature of the procedure, the milk ducts may be severed during surgery, which can limit or negate your ability to breastfeed. If you are undergoing this surgery prior to having children, and this is a concern of yours, discuss this with Dr. Oliver or Dr. Jack during your consultation.