Breast Reduction in Farmington Hills

What breast reduction addresses

Breast reduction, also called reduction mammoplasty, is for women with overly large breasts (macromastia) that cause physical discomfort or emotional distress. It reduces the size and weight of the breasts and moves the nipple and areola to a higher position, so it includes a breast lift.

For many patients, the procedure can help with:

• chronic neck, back and shoulder pain
• skin irritation and rashes beneath the breast fold
• painful bra strap indentations in the shoulders
• posture pulled forward by the weight of the breasts
• difficulty exercising or taking part in physical activities
• trouble finding clothes and bras that fit

Am I a good candidate?

You may be a candidate if large breasts cause persistent pain, limit physical activity, lead to recurrent rashes or infections beneath the breast fold, affect your posture, leave deep grooves from bra straps, or make you self-conscious. Suitable candidates should also:

• be in good overall health, without conditions that could impair healing
• have realistic expectations about the outcome
• be at a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuation can affect results
• be a non-smoker, or willing to quit before and after surgery
• have fully developed breasts, typically over 18 years of age

Candidacy is decided at consultation, after a review of your medical history and an examination of your breast tissue and skin. That visit also establishes whether a minimally invasive approach or a traditional reduction mammoplasty better suits your needs.

Techniques

The incision pattern depends mainly on how much reduction is needed, and is decided at consultation.

• Anchor (inverted-T) — incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease and horizontally along the crease. The most common technique for significant reductions.
• Vertical (lollipop) — incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, for moderate reductions.
• Circumareolar — incisions only around the areola, for minimal reductions.
• Liposuction-assisted — a minimally invasive option for primarily fatty breast tissue, with smaller scars and a more modest reduction.

How the procedure is performed

At consultation, Dr. Hardaway reviews your medical history and current medications, examines your breasts, and takes measurements and photographs for surgical planning. Before surgery you receive specific instructions, which may include adjusting medications, quitting smoking and arranging post-operative care.

Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to four hours, depending on how much tissue is removed. Excess breast tissue and skin are removed, the remaining tissue is reshaped, and the nipple and areola are repositioned higher. The blood supply to the nipple is preserved, and nipple sensation and the potential for breastfeeding are preserved whenever possible.

Recovery

First 24 to 48 hours. After a brief recovery period at the facility you return home, and a responsible adult should stay with you. A surgical bra or compression garment helps limit swelling, discomfort is managed with prescribed pain medication, and light walking is encouraged to promote circulation.

First two weeks. Discomfort typically decreases significantly within the first week, when you have your first follow-up appointment. Most patients return to light, non-strenuous activities within one to two weeks, continuing to wear supportive garments.

Weeks 2 to 6. Return to work usually falls at two to four weeks, depending on the job, along with a move from the surgical bra to a supportive sports bra. More strenuous activity and exercise are typically cleared at four to six weeks. Scars begin to fade from red to pink, and sensation in the breast and nipple continues to improve.

Three to six months. Residual swelling resolves and the final result becomes visible.

Long-term results

The breast tissue and skin removed during surgery are gone for good. Significant weight change, pregnancy or hormonal changes can still affect breast size over time, so maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the result. Scars are permanent and typically fade significantly over 12 to 18 months.

Your surgeon

Dr. Hardaway is a board-certified plastic surgeon, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Detroit Receiving Hospital, and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Wayne State University. Procedures are performed in the practice’s QUAD A accredited surgical suite.