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Breast Reduction Tampa, FL

Struggling with the physical and emotional challenges of having overly large breasts is taxing. Many women experience discomfort, pain, and self-consciousness due to the size of their breasts. At Landon Plastic Surgery, we understand how this can impact your daily life and well-being. Breast reduction surgery is a highly effective solution that not only relieves physical symptoms but also boosts your confidence by giving you a more proportionate and comfortable figure.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size of the breasts. The procedure also lifts and reshapes the breasts, repositioning the nipple and areola for a more youthful and balanced look. In many cases, liposuction is also performed in the armpit area to remove additional fatty tissue. The surgery typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

Tampa Breast Reduction model with brown hair

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is designed to improve the neck, back and shoulder pain, and postural difficulty associated with pendulous breasts.

Bra strap indentations, slouching and social withdrawal, especially for younger women, are commonly associated with excessively large breasts. The best candidates for reduction are looking primarily to alleviate these symptoms and secondarily seeking improvement through cosmetic surgery. They must have realistic expectations and understand the physical changes to the breast that are an expected outcome of surgery. At Landon Plastic Surgery in Tampa breast reduction is commonly performed in older patients; however, young patients with excessively large breasts and pain with exercise, beyond childbearing years, are also candidates for surgery.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

With our practice providing surgery for breast reduction Tampa patients that visit us have access to several important benefits, including:

  • Pain Relief: Alleviates chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of large breasts.
  • Improved Posture: Helps correct poor posture by reducing the strain on the spine.
  • Enhanced Mobility: Makes physical activities and exercise more comfortable.
  • Better Fitting Clothes: Allows for a wider range of clothing options and a more proportionate silhouette.
  • Increased Confidence: Improves self-esteem and body image by achieving a breast size that is more in harmony with the body.

Combination Procedures

For those looking to further enhance their results in Tampa breast reduction surgery can be combined with other procedures such as:

  • Liposuction: To contour the surrounding areas, such as the armpits or back, for a more defined shape.
  • Tummy Tuck: Often part of a Mommy Makeover, this can help address excess abdominal skin and fat.
  • Breast Lift: Although a lift is typically part of the reduction process, additional lifting can be performed for optimal results.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Your breast markings are done immediately prior to breast reduction surgery in the upright position.

These markings provide a roadmap to guide the ultimate reconstruction of the breast mound. Excessive tissue and skin are removed, and the remaining nipple and tissue are moved to a new position. The underlying breast tissue ensures the blood supply and sensibility of the nipple complex are preserved. Liposuction is often performed in the armpit region to remove the extra fatty tissue that usually accompanies the larger pendulous breasts. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia for approximately 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

Tampa Breast Reduction model with brown hair

Results

The results of breast reduction surgery are both immediate and long-lasting. Patients often experience significant relief from physical discomfort shortly after surgery. The final shape and size of the breasts will become more apparent as swelling subsides, typically within 4 to 6 months. Scars will continue to mature over the next 8 to 12 months, becoming less noticeable with time and proper scar care.

Why Choose Landon Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Bruce Landon and his team at Landon Plastic Surgery are dedicated to providing the highest level of care. With over 22 years of experience in the Tampa area, Dr. Landon is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to achieving natural, aesthetically pleasing results. Our AAAASF-certified operating suite ensures that all procedures are performed with the utmost safety and precision.

Tampa Breast Reduction model with brown hair

Breast Reduction Recovery

All stitch material is absorbable and waterproof dressings are applied in the immediate postoperative period. After their Breast Reduction Tampa patients may shower the following day, and a postoperative appointment will be provided to the patient for return 24 hours after surgery. Bra support is provided to the patient immediately after surgery. Similar to breast augmentation surgery, the postoperative recuperation is approximately 1 week for return to work and 6 weeks for return to full exercise. An under wire support bra or sports bra should be worn on a continual basis. Walking is encouraged, as is a nutritious diet high in protein for optimal healing. Settling takes approximately 4 to 6 months, and scar maturity is complete within 8 months to a year. Postoperative scar therapy is recommended and discussed with all patients.

Cost of Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery offers several significant benefits, including:

The cost of breast reduction surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure and whether any additional treatments are performed. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your specific needs. While some insurance plans may cover breast reduction if it is deemed medically necessary, coverage varies, and we recommend checking with your insurance provider.

FAQs

Breastfeeding may still be possible after a breast reduction, but it can be affected depending on the extent of tissue removal and the surgical technique used. Dr. Landon will discuss your breastfeeding plans during your consultation.

Over time, natural aging and gravity can cause some changes in the shape of your breasts. However, the results of breast reduction are long-lasting, and your breasts will maintain their new shape for many years.

Breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance if it is performed to relieve medical symptoms such as chronic pain. We recommend consulting with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.

As with any surgical procedure, breast reduction carries some risks, including infection, changes in nipple sensation, scarring, and asymmetry. Dr. Landon will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed.

The initial recovery period typically lasts about one week, during which time most patients can return to light activities and work. Full recovery, including a return to exercise and more strenuous activities, generally takes about six weeks. Dr. Landon will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.

Some patients may experience changes in nipple sensation after breast reduction surgery, which can include increased or decreased sensitivity. In most cases, these changes are temporary and sensation returns to normal as the nerves heal over time. Dr. Landon uses precise techniques to preserve as much sensation as possible during the procedure.