What is a breast reduction? Women who suffer from overly large breasts often experience emotional and physical distress that can make normal, everyday activities very difficult. In Houston breast reduction is a popular cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and glandular tissue from the breasts to create smaller breasts that better suit the patient’s frame and lifestyle. Houston board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks, have performed hundreds of breast reduction surgeries throughout their career. The results of a breast reduction are long-lasting, have the potential to be permanent, and leave women with newfound physical and emotional comfort.
How much does a breast reduction cost in Houston? The average cost of a breast reduction in Houston typically ranges from $6,500 to $10,000. The total cost for your breast reduction will depend on factors such as your surgeon’s fee, the location of your procedure, and other miscellaneous medical expenses. At Heights Plastic Surgery, we accept cash and all major credit cards. We are also happy to offer financing through CareCredit® for patients. Breast reduction may be considered medically necessary based on the volume of the breast and associated symptoms. It is not covered by all insurance plans.
How do I prepare for a breast reduction? To prepare for your breast reduction, Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks suggests a healthy diet in the weeks leading up to surgery is a must. Maintaining a healthy diet will aid in your recovery process post-surgery. It is also important to refrain from smoking for about four to eight weeks before and after surgery to avoid the risk of complications both during and post-surgery.
How does Heights Plastic Surgery perform a breast reduction? A breast reduction is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about two to four hours to complete. To begin, general anesthesia will be administered to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout your surgery. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will reduce the overall size of your breast and manipulate its position to look more natural on your frame. The nipple is typically separated from the outer skin but left attached to its blood supply within the breast tissue in order to position it higher on the chest. In large reductions with nipples set very far from your chest wall, removal and replacement of the nipple may be indicated. After incisions are closed, the surgeon will protect the treatment areas with a supportive bra and surgical dressings.
What techniques do you offer for a breast reduction? Houston breast reduction experts, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks may use any of the following techniques to enhance and re-contour your breasts during your breast reduction: Inverted-T (Anchor). This technique removes a large amount of tissue and skin to drastically reduce the size of the breasts, resulting in an anchor-shaped scar. Both the nipples and areola are repositioned in order to complement your new breast shape. Vertical (Lollipop). This technique is typically used to remove a slight-to-moderate volume of breast tissue. The resulting scar runs around the areola then towards the breast crease, mimicking the shape of a lollipop. Liposuction Breast Reduction. Liposuction may be used as a standalone procedure to receive a very slight reduction in breast size. It is often used in conjunction with the previous techniques to remove fat from the top or sides of the breast, creating a rounder, perkier, and more natural shape.
What does recovery look like after a breast reduction? For the first 24 hours following your breast reduction from Heights Plastic Surgery, it is normal to experience moderate pain in the chest and nausea as a result of the anesthesia used during surgery. Your surgical dressings and surgical bra may be removed after 48 hours of surgery. After about two to three days following your breast reduction, you may resume showering as normal. We recommend avoiding the use of narcotic pain medication after three days. Within 1 to 2 weeks, you may return back to work and resume low-impact daily activities and exercises provided your breasts are supported. Driving is typically not recommended until it is no longer painful to wear a seatbelt. Around 6 to 8 weeks after your breast reduction, you may resume normal activities and workout routines without hesitation. Within about three months following your procedure, your breast reduction scars will begin to fade and your breasts’ final shape will begin to settle.
Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction in Houston? Good candidates for breast reduction are patients who are in good general health. Women above the age of 40 or those who carry a significant family history of breast cancer are required to have a mammogram screening prior to surgery. Additionally, women who experience irregularities such as nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or lumps also need to undergo screening tests to ensure their safety. Ideal candidates for a breast reduction experience any of the following concerns: Large breasts that make everyday tasks difficult Low-lying nipples Breast asymmetry
