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Breast Reduction Tampa, FL

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.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Your breast markings are done immediately prior to 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

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.