Breast Reduction

Excessively large, heavy breasts make it hard to live the life you want to live. A breast reduction at Cape Fear Valley Health helps you move forward. 

What is a Breast Reduction?

Most women with excessively large, heavy breasts complain about these problems:

• Emotional discomfort or extreme self-consciousness
• Inability to purchase decently fitting clothing
• Painful, tender breasts
• Restrictions to playing sports or exercising
• Shoulder cramping
• Upper or lower back pain

Breast reduction surgery fixes these problems by making your breasts smaller and lifting them. During surgery, your plastic surgeon will remove the excess skin and tissue to create a more flattering bust.

Restore your self-confidence

Now is your chance to transform your figure by getting a breast reduction. You can trust that Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeons will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We’ll evaluate your health needs, cosmetic goals and skin to determine if a breast reduction is right for you.

Our Approach to a Breast Reduction

At Cape Fear Valley Health, our plastic surgeons stay up-to-date on the latest medical advances and innovations. Enjoy first-class care in the comfort of being close to home.

Understanding Your Goals

Our compassionate, warm and friendly staff will treat you like a friend, not a number. Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your specific areas of concern, and prioritize answering your questions to keep you well-informed throughout the process. 

We Stay Connected

After your breast reduction, we’ll make sure you understand how to take care of yourself. Recovering from surgery takes time, but we’ll be checking in with you to make sure you’re healing properly.

Your Breast Reduction Team

From your first call, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team of experts, including plastic surgeons, licensed practical nurses, and medical staff.

What to Expect With a Breast Reduction

Getting a breast reduction takes between two and four hours. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure because you’ll be under general anesthesia. You’ll be able to go home after the procedure is over.

Your plastic surgeon will leave the nipple and areola attached to its original blood and nerve supply. The nipple and areola get elevated to a new location that’s higher up on the breast. Beneath the nipple, a “pie wedge” portion of breast tissue, skin, mammary gland and fat is removed. The remaining breast tissue is brought together under the nipple and areola to support the breast in its new position.

Your plastic surgeon will conceal most incision lines in the natural breast contours. Some will be visible on the breast surface. 

Breast Reduction Consultation

Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your breasts. Next, they’ll make a breast reduction recommendation based on your desired results and develop your personalized treatment plan. 

Are You a Candidate For a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is for women who are motivated to enhance their appearance. 

Procedures work best on patients who:

• Are in good overall health.
• Don’t drink alcohol for two weeks before surgery. (Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, which increases the risk of excess bleeding during surgery.)
• Maintain a stable weight at least six months to a year before surgery.
• Quit using nicotine products three to six weeks before surgery and three to six weeks after. (Nicotine increases your risk of surgical complications, like blood clots.)

Please note: Pregnant women aren’t eligible for a breast reduction. And if you’ve given birth recently, you need to wait at least six months until you’re done breastfeeding. 

Will my insurance  pay for breast reduction? 

If you’re seeking breast reduction surgery through your insurance provider, you’ll need the following:

• A body mass index (BMI) of less than 35
• Documented physical therapy sessions for back, shoulders and neck
• Long-term wear of therapeutic bra with weight-distributing shoulder straps
• Trial of therapeutic medication

Breast Reduction Recovery and Results

Following your breast reduction surgery, expect to have some sutures (sterile surgical stitches) removed within one to two weeks after surgery. After getting a breast reduction, you will need to take one to two weeks off from work. During this time, you should:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Wear a surgical bra for three weeks to promote healing and recovery.
• Avoid strenuous activities for about six to eight weeks.

Keep in mind that it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising and discomfort after surgery. It takes about one to two weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside. While individual recovery experiences may vary, most patients report satisfaction with their breast reduction results within three to four months post-surgery, enjoying the improved contours and enhanced well-being.

Breast Reduction Risks

Like all surgeries, a breast reduction involves a certain degree of risk. However, when it’s performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, serious complications are rare. Minimize other complications by following the instructions and advice of your plastic surgeon.

Some risks and complications could include:

• Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles or organs
• Infection
• Loss of nipple or areola
• Pain, swelling or numbness
• Skin discoloration, skin rippling or irregularities
• Uneven contours or asymmetry

Rest assured, our dedicated team is committed to ensuring your safety and satisfaction throughout your breast reduction journey, empowering you to embrace the enhanced contours and newfound confidence