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Which Breast Reduction Technique Is Right for Me?
Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) can be incredibly effective for many women whether they’re struggling with upper body pain from enlarged breasts, signs of aging, poor posture concerns or other issues. However, there is not just one technique that is available for breast reduction surgery. Instead, there are a few options which could provide you with a greater likelihood of obtaining the results that you are seeking based on your individual anatomy.
Choosing the right breast reduction technique for you depends on factors such as:
- Your present breast size
- Desired cup size
- Anticipated amount of tissue to be removed
- Skin elasticity
- Nipple-areola complex position
- Presence or absence of sensation of your nipples and its importance
- Your surgical goals
- Age
- Medical issues
This blog will discuss different breast reduction techniques and help you identify which one may help you achieve the best results for your body.
Different Types of Breast Reduction Techniques
Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess breast tissue and skin and reshaping the remaining tissue. A breast lift is also an intrinsic component of this procedure.
There are two main techniques for a breast reduction.
Pedicled Approach
A pedicled approach to breast reduction surgery preserves the attachment of the nipple-areola complexes with the underlying breast tissue. The goal here is to preserve the blood and nerve supply as well as connections to the underlying ductal tissue which are necessary for their viability, the possibility of maintaining sensation and the ability to breastfeed in the future.
This is the most commonly used approach for a breast reduction and can provide excellent outcomes. However, there are situations, such as those involving massively enlarged breasts, where this approach is impossible to use or where the results can be associated with very limited or poor outcomes and high complication rates.
Hence, an alternative.
Free Nipple Graft
The free nipple graft option for breast reduction surgery involves the removal of the nipple-areola complexes, precise and controlled tissue removal and breast contouring and then replacing the reduced-sized grafts back on the reconfigured breasts in the most ideal location. This approach facilitates far greater flexibility and strategic removal of breast tissue, allowing for more precision and often superior short- and long-term results.
Though this technique can be used for essentially all breast reductions, it is particularly advantageous and may even be the best choice for patients in the following situations:
- Those with massively enlarged breasts
- Women with considerably elongated breasts, often associated with very poor skin tone
- Smokers (if surgery would even be done at all)
- Those with significant medical issues
- Women desiring a very small cup size — like an “A” or “B”
- Where there is a high risk of impairment of blood flow to the breasts and nipple-areola complexes
The major downsides of this approach include loss of sensation and sensuality as well as the inability to breastfeed — provided these are even relevant issues at all.
Liposuction Breast Reduction
This is a very niche procedure, rarely used for so many reasons, where liposuction of fat is the approach for the breast reduction. There is no skin tightening, contouring, nipple-areola complex repositioning, rejuvenation or removal of glandular breast tissue. Very tiny incisions are used to facilitate this.
The best usage of this technique is to make very minor size or contour changes for breasts that are largely fatty in nature and where there is little concern regarding aesthetics.
Where Will My Breast Reduction Incisions Be Located?
The standard and most common incision design for a breast reduction is the one shaped like an inverted “T” (anchor). This involves incisions extending from around the areola, vertically down to the crease at the bottom of the breast and then horizontally along this crease. Through this design, three-dimensional reduction, contouring and rejuvenation of the breast can be fully accomplished. This allows for maximal flexibility and control.
A lollipop or modified lollipop design is another option though far less common. This involves an incision extending from around the areola down to the breast crease, either straight or curvilinear in nature. Significant limitations can be inherent in this approach which will jeopardize the ultimate aesthetic outcome.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for Me at All?
Whether breast reduction surgery is right for you would depend on aesthetic, functional and/or symptom-related issues that are important for you and your needs. If your breasts are large or larger than you feel comfortable with for aesthetic or emotional reasons alone, then this surgery may be important to consider.
If you are experiencing a variety of symptoms such as neck, back and shoulder pains, shoulder grooving or irritation from your bra straps or posture changes due to your large breasts, a breast reduction should also be considered. This is also true if they are interfering in activities that you want to engage in, are always getting in the way or are associated with constant fatigue.
In order to be able to make an informed and intelligent decision regarding this, you should seek a personalized consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon well-experienced in breast reduction surgery.
Finding an Experienced Surgeon for Your Breast Reduction Procedure
Choosing the best plastic surgeon for your breast reduction surgery is crucial. You should search for a plastic surgeon who is reputable and highly experienced in this procedure — typically performing a large number with nice outcomes and happy patients. You should feel very comfortable with them and their staff — both during and after your consultation.
It is also recommended, in addition, that he/she is a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Learn More About Breast Reduction Surgery With Dr. Turkeltaub
Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub is a very experienced plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He has been performing breast reduction surgery in Phoenix, Scottsdale and throughout Arizona for almost 40 years. Quality of care, excellent outcomes and safety are his and his staff’s priorities.
During your personalized consultation, he will determine your goals and desires, perform a thorough examination and then explain to you in detail using understandable language what your options are and what would best meet the results that you are seeking. You are encouraged to ask questions.
If you are interested in pursuing a consultation with Dr. Turkeltaub, you can contact us at the Arizona Center for Breast Surgery either by calling (480) 451-3000 or completing our online contact form.