What Breast Reduction method is best and how much should I remove? (photo)

Question

I am almost 20 and a 36dd. I have had big boobs (and have been overweight) all my life which have cause major problems for me. They hurt my neck, back and even the front of my chest. I get rashes that take forever to go away and the pain gives me migraines (and i think might be affecting my jaw ??) I have lost around 70lbs and now they are more droopy which isn’t helping with my posture due to me trying to compensate. Would I be able to go down to a full B or is that pushing it ?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @masonbaby08 thank you for your question and showing your picture. When I perform a breast reduction, I try to reduce the volume of the breast tissue in the different segments. What happens? depending on the surgical technique developed by the specialist, depending on the shape of the breast, a greater reduction will be made on one segment than on the other in order to achieve the best aesthetic result. The best aesthetics result for me is a breast that has an adequate shape and proportion, that the projection is slightly conical, that has a slight descent in the upper part so that it looks esthetically adequate. When these volumes are reduced, obviously I have to make a rearrangement of all the tissues, always keeping the areola and the nipple together. About how much can be reduce it depends on you and what the specialist recommends. Best wishes!

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no single best method for breast reduction which is why surgeons have so many different ways of doing them. I prefer a superior medial pedicle method. The best method tends to be the one your surgeon is most comfortable with performing.

Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. In looking at your photo, you are a good candidate for breast reduction. You have very mild asymmetry which can be corrected and a lift is performed as part of the procedure as well. It is covered by your NY-based insurance and it can even possibly be done in an office based OR setting, which is more comfortable and convenient than a hospital. A full B in your case is possible, but may be small for your frame – computer imaging can help you make this decision. It’s a great procedure with an extremely high satisfaction rate.
Mark G. Albert, M.D., F.A.C.S.New York, NY and Boston, MA

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear masonbaby08,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Aydin Gozu, MD · Answer

We have used the central pedicle mound technique (Wuringer modification) for 20 years with great success, preserving areola/nipple sensation and milk ducts. The breast can be reduced to any size with that,  proportional to the chest/body measurements as well.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to begin by visiting with a few board certified plastic surgeons near you for consultations.  Here you can discuss your goals for surgery and hear various opinions.  From your photo it appears you would be able to have the reduction and lift for a nice result.

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

- Thank you for sharing! Large breasts may not only interfere with your physical ability to function in daily activities but can be emotionally burdensome as well. From what you describe you are a candidate for a breast reduction. Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue and reshapes the contour of the breasts so that they are smaller and perkier. It is possible to do a breast reduction with a minimal scar technique and can also be done as an outpatient procedure under twilight sedation. I commonly use a minimal incision technique (Le Jour), eliminating the need for large scars while providing a pleasing breast contour and shape that is proportionate to the patient’s body. Your surgeon knows exactly how much tissue he or she is taking out, because it is weighed after removal. Additionally, breast reduction comes with an added bonus- the removed breast tissue can be sent to the lab and examined by a pathologist for signs of cysts or cancer. And having smaller breasts can take years off your appearance! It's important to be sure expectations are realistic and you have an understanding of the commitment needed for the healing process. Make sure that you understand the nature of your surgery, the recovery process, and that you feel comfortable and emotionally ready to make these changes to your body. I suggest you make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon who will examine you and go over your surgical options in detail.

Luisa Valenzuela, MD · Answer

Tienes todos los signos clásicos que envían a una paciente a cirugía por aumento desproporcionado de la mamá. Habría que valorar el tipo de tejido mamario que predomina en ti , de forma subjetiva ; más graso o más glandular; puesto que la mamá a predominio graso permite mayor grado de eliminar tejido ; es decir , tiene probabilidad de que si . La evaluación personal para la toma de medidas es crucial al momento de tomar una determinación para llevar un paciente a cirugía.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The surgeon is the artist in your breast reduction. Not the method. You need to select whom to go to by looking at lots of postop pictures to find the best artist.

What Breast Reduction method is best and how much should I remove? (photo)

Answers (10)

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