Differences Between Breast Reduction Techniques?

To put it simply, larger breasts may require more significant incisions. In most cases, I use an vertical incision, which goes around the areola, down the lower portion of the breast, in the shape of a “lollipop.” This method generally provides the best long term shape for the breast. In a small percentage of patients, an “anchor-shaped” scar or free nipple graft technique may be required.  . Liposuction can be is often incorporated into breast reduction to shape the underarm area and the sides, ensuring bras fit properly after surgery and the final result looks natural. 

Thank you for your question. There are many variations to the design of the incisions for breast reduction. The size and shape of your breasts, as well as the desired amount of reduction, are factors that will help determine the best technique for you.In some instances, it may be possible to avoid the vertical incision that runs from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease or the horizontal incision underneath the breast.Occasionally, the doctor performs liposuction only to reduce the breast size. Candidates for this technique are usually younger and have nipples that are already in a higher, or pointing forward or up position.Rarely, if your breasts are extremely large, the nipples and areolas may need to be completely detached before they are shifted to a higher level. In such a case, you will need to have made the decision to sacrifice sensation and the possibility of breast-feeding in order to achieve your desired breast size. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certified Plastic surgeonHoffman Estates BarringtonOakbrookChicago

#BreastReduction is performed as an outpatient
procedure and the vast majority of our patients tell us that there was far less
discomfort in the early recovery period than was anticipated. I prefer to use a
minimal incision surgery with a “#vertical” or “#lollipopBreastReduction scar
technique. This method has been used in Europe and South America for more than
30 years but is performed by a small number of Plastic Surgeons in this
country.The trend toward using this
much better procedure is growing as younger plastic surgeons learn this
technique in their residency programs.The benefits include: approximately fifty percent less scarring, a
narrower breast, better forward projection and shape, longer lasting
improvement, shorter surgery time and less complications. In general, we have
stopped using the older traditional “anchor” or inverted “T” incisions as these
provide inferior results. The procedure is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient
operation.#Liposuction may be used during the procedure
to reduce the size of the breast in selected patients. Liposuction alone has
the least number and size of scars but has the greatest limitations in shaping
and reducing the breast. Liposuction may be combined with the vertical method
to give an optimal shape to your breasts. Adjustments of the Nipple and/or
Areola can also be done at the same time.#LiposuctionBreastReduction or
#scarlessBreastReduction may be performed in older patients who just want some
relief of their excessive breast size and weight.In rare circumstances, for extraordinarily large or bulky breasts, i.e.
gigantomastia, for technical reasons, we sometimes remove the nipples
completely and reattach them as “free grafts”. The sensory nerves are all cut,
and even though a certain amount of sensation returns after healing, it will
never as it was
prior to surgery. Many of these patients preoperatively do not have this due to
stretch of their nerves. The milk ducts are interrupted in
this operation, so nursing would be impossible. You will be amply informed in
advance if your #breasts are in this category. This may be one of the
exceptions where the inverted “T” or Anchor technique is utilized.