Breast Reduction in Baltimore, MD

It can be physically and emotionally draining for women who suffer with excessively large breasts. Fortunately, breast reduction surgery can help improve this problem by reducing the size of a woman’s breasts. Dr. Woodyard is an experienced breast reduction surgeon offering many options for Baltimore women in regards to incision placement and technique. This procedure involves the removal of fat and glandular tissue from the breast, as well as the tightening of skin to create breasts that are in better proportion to the patient’s body. The breasts are then lifted to a higher placement on the chest wall.

Surgeon skill and experience are vastly important in breast reduction surgery. In addition to minimizing scarring, there will be a focus on maintaining a healthy blood supply to the nipple areola complex and to the skin. This is essential for good healing and to maximize the potential for preserving sensation. Excess skin is removed in addition to breast tissue to lift the breast and elevate nipple position on the chest wall for an aesthetically pleasing appearance in addition to the relief of symptoms caused by enlarged breasts (mammary hypertrophy).

An “anchor” incision is one of the most commonly used techniques during this surgery. An incision is made around the areola, which extends down to follow the natural curve and crease of the breast. It is also referred to as a inverted “T”. Once the breast is resized and reshaped, the nipple and areola will be repositioned and then the lift will be performed so the breast sits higher on the chest. The incisions will generally include absorbable stitches on the inside of the breast. There are variations to this incision pattern that can be used depending on breast size and aesthetic goals.

A breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility as an outpatient procedure. It typically takes about 2-4 hours to complete. During surgery, a small drainage tube may be placed during the surgery and is usually removed the next day. For the first several weeks, patients will be directed to wear a surgical bra or compression garment. Most patients are able to return to work within 1-2 weeks, and may begin exercising by 4-6 weeks. The visible results of a breast reduction will be immediate. However, it may take 6 months to a year for the scars to soften and lighten.

The results following breast reduction surgery should remain the same as long as a significant amount of weight gain does not occur. The natural aging process and gravity will, over time, change the laxity of a woman’s breast, but the size should remain steady if there is not a pregnancy or weight gain that follows.

One of the drawbacks to having excessively large breasts is an enlarged areola (the slightly darker area surrounding the nipple). Thankfully, breast reduction surgery corrects this. Since the incision occurs around the areola, it is a relatively simple technique to trim away the desired amount of areola and reshape it into a smaller size so it looks proportional with the new breast size and shape.

This varies depending on the patient’s aesthetic and physical goals. After breast reduction surgery, it is common to go down one or several cup sizes.