Breast Reduction & Breast Lift

Excessively large breasts can produce many functional problems such as neck and back discomfort, shoulder grooving, rash and skin problems, and problems wearing clothing. Breast reduction successfully reduces the excess size and weight of the breast, tailors the skin to reposition the breast mound upward, and repositions the nipple areola complex onto the newly shaped and positioned breast mound.

Most patients experience a dramatic improvement in their symptoms soon after reduction mammaplasty and are able to wear many types of clothing for the first time in their lives. In addition, they can participate in many activities that they were unable to do before, such as jogging, sports, swimming and aerobic exercise.

In all cases, Dr. Forley will recommend the minimal amount of incisions necessary to produce the desired outcome from breast surgery. In order to remove excess tissue from the breasts and reposition the breast mound, incisions must be made in the lower part of the breast. These incisions produce visible scars but significant improvement in the appearance of the scars occurs over 6-12 months. The extent and location of the scars depends on the size and shape of your breasts and the procedure necessary to correct them.

You may experience a sensation of tightness or fullness of the breasts following surgery due to swelling. Usually, pain is minimal and any discomfort is managed with pain medication the first 2-3 days. Bruising and swelling resolve over 10-14 days with continued softening of the breasts occurring over 6 months. Most patients can return to their normal routine after 2 weeks.

After pregnancies, breast feeding, aging and weight loss, breast skin loses its elasticity and the breasts tend to lose their shape. In these situations, an uplift or mastopexy is recommended to raise and recontour sagging breasts into a more youthful shape. Adjustment in the size of enlarged nipple areola can usually be performed at the same time as the uplift. Occasionally a breast lift will be combined with an implant when there is inadequate breast volume present especially following pregnancy or large weight loss.

New techniques for both breast reduction and breast lift procedures enable utilization of shorter scars that Dr. Forley will customize to the needs of each individual patient.