Cosmetic Procedures/Photos
- Breast Reduction -
 
Click any image for a larger view.
Before After
Age: 18
Preop cup size: DD
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 31
Preop cup size: DDD
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 20
Preop cup size: DD
Post op cup size: B
Before After
Age: 44
Preop cup size: F
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 35
Preop cup size: DD
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 18
Preop cup size: DDD
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 18
Preop cup size: DD
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 27
Preop cup size: DDD
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 26
Preop cup size: F
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 31
Preop cup size: E
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 55
Preop cup size: G
Post op cup size: C
Before After
Age: 19
Preop cup size: DDDD
Post op cup size: C
 

Description: Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure performed to reduce breast size for a number of reasons:

· To reduce back, neck, and shoulder pain due to heavy breasts.
· To reduce skin irritation and rashes beneath heavy breasts.
· To balance breast size when the breasts are of different sizes.

Many women with enlarged breasts will experience neck, upper back, and shoulder pain.  Other common complaints include deep shoulder marks from bra straps, poor posture, chronic irritation beneath the breasts, and inability to participate in sports activities.

Breast reduction is successful in reducing or eliminating these symptoms in 95% of women.  Breast reduction is frequently covered by insurance.  The procedure is accomplished by removing variable amounts of breast tissue and skin, tightening and lifting the breast while decreasing its size.   The areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) is also reduced in size and elevated.  Dr. Friedman generally performs liposuction to remove fat on the outer side of the torso adjacent to the breast.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours, depending on breast size.  Incisions are placed around the nipple-areola and the lower portion of the breast.  There are no incisions on the upper breast. Most of the stitches are internal, and all are absorbable.  Although there are scars from surgery, they fade significantly over time.

Patients go home the day after surgery.  Temporary drains are usually necessary and are removed during the first postoperative visit.  Pain is generally mild to moderate and well controlled with prescription pain medication.   Most patients return to light activities within 3 to 5 days. Heavy lifting and chest work-outs should be avoided for 6 weeks.

When you visit our office, we will be happy to show you what to expect from breast reduction.  We will also show you several examples of pre- and postoperative photos of breast reductions performed by Dr. Friedman.  If you wish to speak to other women who have undergone the procedure, we will provide you phone numbers.

Pre- & Post-operative Instructions:

One week before surgery:

  1. Do not take aspirin-containing products, as these may increase your risk of bleeding. Use extra-strength Tylenol for any headaches or other minor pains.
  2. Please notify Dr. Friedman's staff if you become sick with a fever, significant cough, etc. If necessary, your surgery can be rescheduled to a time when you are feeling better.
  3. Do not smoke at all or use a nicotine patch for at least two weeks (and preferably 4 weeks) prior to surgery and 4 weeks after surgery. Smoking interferes with wound healing and increases your risk for anesthetic and surgical complications.
  4. Arrange to have a relative or friend drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the evening. You cannot drive yourself home.

The evening before surgery:

  1. Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time.
  2. Make some jello and/or soup for after surgery. Have some juice in your refrigerator.
  3. The anesthesiologist will contact you by phone to discuss your medical history and to answer any questions.
  4. Day of surgery: before you leave home
  5. Remember not to eat, drink, or smoke. This includes no chewing gum, mints, etc.
  6. Make sure someone is available to drive you home. Put a pillow and blanket in the car.
  7. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid heavy make-up, jewelry, or contact lenses. Please do not use any lotion, baby oil, perfume or powder. LEAVE ALL VALUABLES AT HOME!

Day of surgery: at the facility before surgery

  1. Dr. Friedman will talk to you before surgery to answer any last-minute questions. He will place drawings on your chest to help him accurately plan your surgery.
  2. You will meet the anesthesiologist and surgical nurses.

Day of surgery: at the facility after surgery

  1. You will be taken to the recovery area to wake up after surgery. Dr. Friedman will go to the waiting room to speak to your family/friends.
  2. Approximately 1 hour later, your family can visit you. Depending on your prior arrangements with Dr. Friedman's staff, you will either go home or be hospitalized overnight. Breast Reduction
  3. Temporary plastic drainage tubes may be used along the outer part of each breast to prevent accumulation of fluid in the breasts. If these are used, the nurses will give you drain care instructions and a sheet for recording the amount of fluid in each drain.

At home after surgery:

  1. Have someone stay with you for the first night. You may be weak and drowsy.
  2. Take the antibiotics (3 times daily), pain medication (as needed), and anti-nausea medicine (as needed) that Dr. Friedman has prescribed for you.
  3. Sleep with your head elevated. Sleep on your back (not your stomach or side).
  4. Keep your dressings (gauze and tape) clean and dry. Do not remove the dressings. You may shower only from the waist down. You may wish to sponge bathe.
  5. If you experience a prolonged fever (oral temperature greater than 101), contact Dr. Friedman.
  6. If you have drains, measure and empty the fluid from the drains twice daily. After emptying the fluid, re-collapse the drains to ensure proper function. Keep a record of drain output and bring it to Dr. Friedman's office for your first follow-up visit.
  7. Call Dr. Friedman's office to arrange your first follow-up visit.

Your first follow-up visit (about 1 week after surgery):

  1. The dressings will be removed. Dr. Friedman will examine the incisions. You may begin light showering 3 days after the drain tubes are removed Avoid immersing the breasts under water.
  2. Your breasts may look too high and tight at this time. Over the next several months, your breasts will become softer and more natural in appearance. To facilitate softening of the tissues, you should avoid tight bras. Instead, wear a camisole or a loose cotton sports bra. Do not wear an under wire bra for at least 3 months following surgery unless instructed to do so by Dr. Friedman.
  3. You may walk as much as you like following surgery. You may begin jogging and light aerobic exercise about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery (while wearing a sports bra). You should avoid chest, arm, and abdominal exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. Do not lift, push, or pull anything greater than 5 pounds (or a grocery bag) for 6 weeks after surgery. It is normal to feel "stretching" sensations in the chest for a few months after surgery.
  4. You may not drive while you are taking the prescription pain medication. You may begin driving (preferably an automatic transmission) about 7 to 10 days after surgery. Please avoid freeways and tollways until you feel comfortable with city driving.
  5. The incisions may become increasingly firm and red for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. After this, they will gradually soften and fade. Final results are at about 1 year after surgery. Avoid direct exposure of the incisions to the sun or tanning booths for 6 months.

Please feel free to ask Dr. Friedman or his staff about any additional questions or concerns.

Return to top