Breast Reduction
At our practice in Richmond, breast reduction is a common procedure for women who wish to reduce the size of their breasts. A breast reduction reduces the volume of oversized breasts. Women with very large or pendulous breasts often experience both physical as well as emotional symptoms. Aside from a negative body image, feelings of self-consciousness, or social embarrassment, you may have back, shoulder, or neck pain, or may have irritation of the skin underneath the breast.
The Benefits of Breast Reduction
Breast reduction can improve your self-esteem, physical symptoms, and overall quality of life, and it ranks among the procedures with the highest patient satisfaction rate.
Also known as reduction mammoplasty, a breast reduction can resolve posture issues, put a stop to constant painful bra-strap indentations and rashes under the breasts, and reduce chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain.
Breast Reduction Surgery
A routine mammogram may be necessary before your procedure to establish a baseline. The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia. General anesthesia induces a temporary unconscious state in order to ensure that the patient feels no pain or discomfort during surgery. The chosen incision pattern can then be created using a scalpel.
Breast reduction then involves the surgical removal of skin, glandular, and fatty tissue. Next, the nipple is relocated to a higher, more natural position. If you have an over-stretched areola (the pigmented, dark area around the nipple), this can be reduced in size as well. Once these changes have been made, the incisions are closed with the help of dissolving sutures.
Incision Techniques
There are two main types of breast reduction incisions, and each is specialized to allow a different degree of access to the underlying tissues of the breast.
Anchor Technique: This option is best for patients dealing with a large amount of excess tissue. It involves an incision around the areola, a vertical incision down to the breast crease, and a horizontal incision across the breast crease.
Lollipop Technique: This incision technique is most suitable for achieving a moderate reduction in tissue. It involves an incision around the areola and an incision down to the breast crease.
The best incision pattern option for you will be chosen during your breast reduction consultation.
Breast Reduction Recovery Process
This bra will help to control post-surgical swelling and bruising, as will ice packs. If surgical drains are placed during surgery, they are typically removed in the office within the first few days.
Patients will need to take some time off from work. They must avoid heavy exercise routines or other strenuous activities for several weeks after the surgical session. Once the healing process is complete and all swelling has fully resolved, patients will be able to enjoy their smaller and more proportionate breasts.
Breast Reduction Before & After Photos
Check out these before and after photographs of actual patients of Dr. Hubert!
* Individual results may vary.
Photo Gallery
View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Darrin Hubert, MD
How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost In Richmond?
The cost of a Richmond breast reduction can vary on a number of factors. Often, breast reductions are covered by your health insurance. In order to get insurance coverage, you must meet their criteria, such as documentation of symptoms, failed conservative treatments, and removal of a minimum amount of tissue. If insurance does not cover your procedure, you still may benefit greatly, with improvement in both your symptoms and appearance. Dr. Hubert will meet with you in his office to discuss all options and pricing.
Schedule Your Consultation
To find out more about getting a breast reduction in Richmond, schedule a consultation by contacting our office. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Darrin Hubert will be available to answer any questions you may have and can get you started with the process.