Patients seek breast reduction surgery for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Excessively large breasts can cause chronic neck and back pain, deep bra strap indentations, skeletal deformities, and skin irritations, creating a need for cosmetic breast reduction. Large, heavy breasts can also make exercise and other physical activities difficult to perform. Cosmetically, large breasts can look disproportionate on your body, make shopping for clothing difficult, and cause some women to feel self-conscious. Luckily, these problems can be alleviated through surgical breast reduction. Maryland plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo offers state-of-the-art breast reduction surgery to his patients in the Hagerstown area.
“A friend recommended Dr. Garazo for a cosmetic procedure and i could not be more thankful for her making that connection. Dr. Garazo is phenomenal in his practice, his attentiveness, follow-up, and overall care/bedside manner… the nurses and office staff are genuinely kind and have great energy – which is very assuring as a patient. i highly recommend this practice and already have my next procedure on the books.”
—Real patient review
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Why consider a breast reduction procedure?
Dr. Garazo has found that each breast reduction patient’s reasons for considering the procedure are unique to her circumstances, including physical, psychological, and lifestyle considerations. Many women undergo breast reduction surgery for one or more of the following reasons:
- Pain Relief: Large breasts can cause significant physical discomfort, including back, neck, and shoulder pain. Reducing their size can alleviate this pain and improve posture.
- Improved Physical Activity: Women with large breasts often find it challenging to participate in sports or physical activities due to discomfort or the physical limitation caused by their breast size. Reduction can increase mobility and make it easier to engage in exercise.
- Reduced Irritiation: Large breasts can lead to skin irritation under the breast fold, as well as indentations from bra straps. Breast reduction surgery can help in reducing these discomforts.
- Increased Bra & Clothing Options: Finding clothes that fit well can be difficult for women with disproportionately large breasts. A reduction can broaden their fashion choices and improve fit.
- Improved Proportions: Some women feel that their large breasts are not in proportion with the rest of their body. Breast reduction can help achieve a more balanced body image.
Men can struggle with excess breast tissue, too! Dr. Garazo also performs male breast reduction surgery.
What to expect from your breast reduction procedure
Cosmetic breast reduction surgery involves the removal of glandular tissue, fat, and excess skin from your breasts, making them smaller, firmer, and lighter on your body’s frame. If needed, the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) can also be reduced, bringing it into proportion with the rest of your breast.
Dr. Garazo performs all breast surgeries in his on-site, state-of-the-art Quad-A accredited facility with qualified anesthesia providers who will ensure your safety and comfort throughout your procedure.
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Recovery
You can expect the recovery period for breast reduction surgery to last for several weeks as your body heals from the surgery. Patients often start to see initial results immediately after the procedure, as the most significant changes are evident once excess breast tissue has been removed. However, the final shape and appearance may take up to several months to stabilize due to the swelling that can occur. Most swelling subsides within a few weeks, but subtle changes can continue for up to a year.
Results
The results of breast reduction surgery are typically long-lasting, although factors such as significant weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and aging can affect the breast size and shape over time. It is essential you maintain a stable weight and carefully follow their surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to maximize the longevity of your results.
After breast reduction surgery, patients report relief from pain, greater ease performing physical activity, lessened pain, and a less constricted lifestyle.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Alleviated Back and Neck Pain: By removing excess breast weight, breast reduction surgery can significantly alleviate chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain associated with large breasts.
- Improved Posture: Reducing breast size can help correct posture problems caused by the forward pull of heavy breasts, leading to a more upright stance.
- Increased Physical Activity: With smaller, lighter breasts, individuals often find it easier and more comfortable to engage in physical activities, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Proportions: Breast reduction can create a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing body shape, enhancing overall body image.
- Reduced Skin Irritation: Removing excess breast tissue and skin reduces the risk of skin irritation and infections that can occur under large breasts.
- Anesthesia: Medication used to prevent pain during surgery; breast reduction typically requires general anesthesia.
- Breast Asymmetry: A condition where one breast is significantly different in size or shape from the other; breast reduction can help achieve symmetry.
- Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty): A surgical procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate discomfort.
- Gigantomastia: A rare condition characterized by excessive breast growth that can cause significant physical discomfort and emotional distress, often treated with breast reduction surgery.
- Incision Techniques: The patterns of surgical cuts made during breast reduction, which can include circular around the areola, keyhole (or racquet-shaped), and anchor-shaped incisions, depending on the amount of reduction required.
- Liposuction: A technique that may be used in conjunction with breast reduction to remove excess fat from the breast area, especially in cases where fatty tissue predominates.
- Mammogram: A specialized breast X-ray recommended for women before undergoing breast reduction surgery to screen for breast cancer and other abnormalities.
- Nipple-Areola Complex: Refers to the nipple and the surrounding colored area (areola), which may be repositioned or resized during breast reduction to create a more proportionate appearance.
- Postoperative Care: The care and instructions followed after surgery, including wearing support garments, managing drains, and attending follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
- Recovery Time: The period required for healing after breast reduction, during which physical activity may be limited and support garments worn to minimize swelling and support the new breast shape.
- Reduction Mammoplasty: The medical term for breast reduction surgery, which involves the removal of excess breast tissue and skin to alleviate discomfort and achieve a breast size proportional to the body.
- Scar Management: Techniques and treatments to minimize the appearance of scars post-surgery, including silicone sheets, scar massage, and topical treatments.
- Vertical Scar Technique: A breast reduction technique that results in a scar around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, suitable for moderate reductions and offering less scarring than the traditional anchor technique.
- Wise Pattern Technique (Anchor Technique): A common incision pattern for breast reduction that resembles an anchor, suitable for significant reductions and providing extensive reshaping.
View our Breast Reduction before and after gallery »
Breast reduction FAQs
What types of incisions are used in breast reduction surgery?
Dr. Garazo determines incision placements based on your anatomy and goals. Common incision patterns include the anchor (inverted T), vertical (lollipop), and periareolar (around the areola) techniques.
Will I have visible scars after breast reduction surgery?
Yes, you will have breast reduction scars. Dr. Garazo makes meticulous incisions and carefully sutures them so they heal as thin, faint lines. Following all aftercare protocols will help scars fade as much as they can and protecting them from UV exposure will also prevent them from darkening.
Can breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?
When performed by an expert breast surgeon like Dr. Garazo, breastfeeding should still be possible for most women after a breast reduction. Dr. Garazo is careful not to disturb milk glands and vital nerves whenever possible to limit the chances that breastfeeding may be affected.
What kind of anesthesia is used during breast reduction surgery?
You’ll be under general anesthesia during your breast reduction. This means you’ll be asleep and numb for the entire surgery.
What kind of post-operative care is required after breast reduction?
We provide every patient with detailed aftercare instructions based on their specific case. In general, post-op care includes wearing compression garments and a supportive bra, avoiding strenuous activities until cleared, and attending follow-up appointments.
When can I return to work after breast reduction surgery?
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within 1-2 weeks, but this varies depending on the nature of your job and your individual recovery.
Will breast reduction surgery affect nipple sensation?
Temporary changes in nipple sensation are common, usually resolving at you heal from surgery. Permanent changes are less common and depend on the extent of tissue removal and the surgical technique used. Dr. Garazo will discuss what to expect in your consultation.
How long do the results of breast reduction last?
Results are long-lasting; patients can expect several years to decades of pleasing outcomes, but factors like aging, weight changes, and pregnancy can diminish initial results over time.
View our Breast Reduction before and after gallery »
What is the difference between breast reduction and a breast lift?
Breast reduction decreases breast size and weight, while a breast lift reshapes and raises sagging breasts. Both can be done simultaneously if needed—a breast lift is typically part of breast reduction surgery.
Can men undergo breast reduction surgery?
Yes, men with gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts) can undergo male breast reduction surgery to achieve a flatter, more masculine chest.
Can breast reduction surgery help with chronic pain?
Yes, many patients experience relief from chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain after breast reduction.
“Love this office! Amazing and friendly staff. Got a breast reduction done by Dr. Garazo and absolutely in love with results. If i had to do it all over again i would pick this office a million times!”
—Real patient review, September 2024
Will my insurance cover breast reduction surgery?
Insurance may cover the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary due to physical discomfort or health issues related to large breasts. We recommend reviewing your policy and speaking with your agency to learn if they cover part or all of your surgery.
How much breast tissue will be removed during the surgery?
The amount of tissue removed depends on your individual goals, body proportions, and the amount Dr. Garazo needs to reshape your breasts to look perkier and proportionate to your body.
Can breast reduction surgery improve my posture?
It can; reducing the weight of your breasts can improve posture and alleviate strain on the spine and shoulders.
What should I expect in terms of breast shape and size after reduction?
Dr. Garazo will create breasts that are proportionate to your body and symmetrical. During your consultation, he will make sure he understands your vision and explain what is realistically possible with surgery.
View our Breast Reduction before and after gallery »
Meet Dr. Henry Garazo
Dr. Henry F. Garazo is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience offering aesthetic procedures in the greater Hagerstown, MD area. Known for his thorough, expert, and friendly care, Dr. Garazo is a 6x winner of “Best Plastic Surgeon” in the Herald-Mail Tri-State’s Best Community’s Choice Awards. He prides himself on offering comprehensive, informative consultations and ensures every patient always meets personally with him.
Dr. Henry Garazo brings years of experience and state-of-the-art techniques to his patients in Hagerstown, Maryland, and the surrounding area. Breast reduction surgery offers positive change to the lives of countless women. Through careful consultation, Dr. Garazo can help you determine if you are a candidate for cosmetic breast surgery.
“From my consultation until now almost 3 weeks after my surgery these people have been wonderful and very welcoming, one of the friendliest offices I’ve ever walked into. They are very personable and make you feel very comfortable. They show genuine concern about your healing and comfort, they check on you regularly, they see you regularly to insure everything is going as it should. If you think somethings wrong they bring you in immediately without question. They are very kind people and I’m extremely happy with the work that I had done, I don’t think I’ll ever go anywhere else to have “work” done. This office is amazing and his employees are amazing, they are all so sweet and caring. I’d recommend them to everyone.”
—Real patient review
Schedule a consultation to learn more
For area patients considering a breast reduction surgery, Frederick cosmetic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo invites you to explore your options through a patient consultation. To schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Services, contact us online or call (301) 791-1800.
References »
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