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While most people may initially think of increasing the size of their breasts through plastic surgery, many women actually wish to reduce the size of their natural breasts as even everyday activities can be difficult for them. Heavy or excessively large breasts can make it difficult to participate in common activities and exercise or cause unnecessary back, shoulder, and neck pain. At Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rouchdi Rifai offers safe and effective breast reduction surgery with beautiful results, allowing patients to feel restored confidence and freedom from discomfort.
What is a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction is a surgical procedure intended to reduce the overall size of the breasts while maintaining or improving an aesthetically pleasing shape and contour. This can be performed for cosmetic reasons, to reduce physical symptoms, or both. Breast reductions are known by plastic surgeons as “reduction mammaplasty.”
How is a Breast Reduction Performed?
Breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Once anesthesia has taken effect, incisions are made in a variety of patterns depending on the goal results. These may include:
- “Lollipop incisions,” or around the areola and vertically to the breast crease
- “Keyhole incisions,” or around the areola and above in a keyhole shape
Through these incisions, excess breast tissue is removed, often with the assistance of liposuction. The natural tissues are repositioned according to the goal results, excess skin is removed, and the areola is reduced for a proportionate and natural appearance. Finally, the nipple and areola are repositioned and any incisions are closed using sutures.
Meet Dr. Rifai
Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon
A talented, board-certified cosmetic surgeon with more than forty years of experience, Dr. Rifai uses only the finest equipment in our clean, state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Rifai knows that taking time to listen and learn about your expectations is essential to giving you the results you want. He will answer your questions and explain the treatment options in detail. Dr. Rifai is devoted to improving the way you look, the way you perceive yourself, and the way others see you.
Meet Dr. RifaiWho is a Candidate for a Breast Reduction?
Candidates for breast reduction should first be generally healthy overall, including being at or near a healthy and stable weight. Patients who choose breast reduction may do so for cosmetic reasons, to reduce physical symptoms, or both. Common physical symptoms of excessively large breasts can include:
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Breathing problems
- Limitations on physical activity and exercise
- Rashes or irritation at the breast crease
In addition to these issues, patients may feel low self-esteem and difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably and appropriately.
In some cases, breast reduction may be partially or totally covered by health insurance. There are often restrictions on insurance coverage, such as failure to resolve symptoms through non-surgical methods like physical therapy or the removal of a certain amount of tissue. For these patients, it is best to contact your health insurance company prior to your surgery to determine candidacy. Patients choosing breast reduction for cosmetic reasons will not have their procedures covered by insurance.
What Our Patients Say
Recovery After Breast Reduction
Immediately following your breast reduction, you will have bandages and a supportive surgical bra in place. This will support the breasts as they heal for ideal results. Most patients will experience soreness or discomfort, bruising, swelling, and redness, especially in the initial few days after the procedure. Dr. Rifai will provide specific aftercare instructions, including pain management. On average, patients require one to two weeks of downtime to rest and recover after a breast reduction. Total downtime varies depending on the nature of your normal routine; patients typically return to non-strenuous work about a week after surgery. Dr. Rifai will monitor your healing progress through post-operative appointments.
What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
How much breast tissue is typically removed during a reduction?
Will breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?
How long do the results of breast reduction last?
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about breast reduction in Detroit, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rouchdi Rifai at Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery. Call our office at (248) 723-9370 or contact us online.