For many women, having extremely large, pendulous breasts is not as glamorous as other individuals may think it is. Women with overly enlarged breasts may feel self-conscious about their figure, or perhaps even embarrassed. They may hide their breasts under layers of clothes and avoid engaging in certain activities that are painful, such as jogging. If this sounds familiar, consider having breast reduction surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat. Dr. Mussat can decrease the size of your breasts, so you are comfortable but still look like yourself.
Reasons to Consider Breast Reduction Surgery
Women who pursue breast reduction surgery do so for various reasons. Here are some of the main reasons to consider undergoing the procedure:
- You suffer from back or neck pain due to the weight of your breasts pulling you forward
- You find yourself hunching forward throughout the day
- You suffer from painful welts or indentations on your shoulders, due to your bra straps digging into your skin
- You often get rashes under your breasts
- You are bothered not only by overly large breasts but also by excessively large areolas and perhaps downward-pointing nipples as well
- You avoid certain physical activities because they are painful, such as jogging, playing tennis or horseback riding
- You feel self-conscious, embarrassed or ashamed about your large breasts
- You would like to undergo the procedure for personal reasons and are making the decision to pursue breast reduction surgery of your own accord
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Dr. Mussat performs breast reduction surgery on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia.
There are three incision pattern options. During consultation, Dr. Mussat will assess your physique, listen to your cosmetic concerns and recommend the surgical approach, including the incision pattern, that will best satisfy your unique anatomical needs and surgical goals.
To start breast reduction surgery, Dr. Mussat makes one of the following incisions:
- Periareolar incision. This incision pattern goes around the outer edge of the areola, and is best for women requiring minimal skin and breast tissue excision.
- The “lollipop” incision. Mussat makes two incisions with this pattern, one that encircles the areola and a vertical one that goes down the front side of the breast. This technique allows her to remove excess skin and breast glandular tissue while remolding the remaining natural breast tissue mound as she moves it to a higher, more youthful-looking position on the chest wall. She can also reduce the size of overly enlarged nipples and move the nipple-areola complex to a more aesthetically pleasing position on the breast.
- The “anchor” incision. This incision pattern requires three incisions: the two described above plus one more that runs horizontally along the underside of the breast, under the natural breast fold. This technique allows for maximum skin and breast tissue removal. Dr. Mussat can reduce the size of the areola and reposition the nipple-areola complex with this method as well.
Once Dr. Mussat has made the incision, removed excess skin and breast tissue and reshaped the remaining breast mound while moving it to a more aesthetically pleasing position on the chest wall, she closes the incisions with removable sutures. Dr. Mussat dresses the treatment area with soft bandages and an overlying surgical bra, to provide support to the healing tissues and decrease swelling. Patients notice some of the aesthetic benefits of the procedure immediately after surgery, but the final outcome takes a few months to become visible; this is how long it takes for any residual swelling to resolve and for the body to heal fully.
Nipple Reduction Surgery
Look Like Yourself, Only Better
Undergoing breast reduction surgery does not have to change your entire look. The procedure simply serves to make you more comfortable, while preserving your unique beauty. To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mussat and find out more about the procedure, contact her office by calling (312) 751-9000 today.
Chicago Breast Reduction FAQs
How much does a breast reduction cost in Chicago, IL?
According to Realself.com, 98% of women who’ve had breast reduction surgery in Chicago say it’s “worth it.” Most felt better with immediate relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain. The costs of breast reduction surgery vary based on factors like these.
- Surgeon’s fee
- Operating and surgery center charges
- Anesthesia fees
- Medication and special garments for recovery
Check with your health insurance provider to learn if your plan will cover a portion of the expense or the entire cost. If your medical insurance does not cover the procedure, Dr. Mussat offers finance options from accredited health care lenders.
When considering different surgeons, be wary of low estimates that seem too good to be true. Make sure your doctor is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive education, training, and experience with breast reduction surgery.
What should I wear after breast reduction surgery?
After your breast reduction surgery, Dr. Mussat will send you home with a specialized post-surgical bra. This garment provides benefits that enhance healing and help you recover faster. In addition, the bra compresses the surgery site, promoting optimal circulation.
When can I sleep without a bra after breast reduction?
In six to eight weeks, you should be able to sleep comfortably without a surgical bra. Since everybody heals at different rates, your time may vary. Speak with your plastic surgeon during your consultation and subsequent after-surgery appointments for a more precise timeframe.
How long does it take to recover after breast reduction surgery?
Recovering from your breast reduction surgery takes between two to six weeks. We suggest taking at least a week away from work if your job is sedentary and at least two weeks if your job is more strenuous.
The primary factor in determining how long your recovery will last is your help during the healing process and how you feel. Some patients define a full recovery as having no remaining activity restrictions. Approximately six weeks after surgery, you will likely feel well enough to return to lifestyle routines that include heavy lifting and intense exercising. However, ensure Dr. Mussat clears you to do so.
The secret to a successful recovery is to get plenty of rest and sleep, especially early on. Perform mild activities like gentle walks around the house the first few days, progressing to trips around the neighborhood.