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What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, otherwise referred to as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to achieve a bust size that is more proportionate to the rest of the patient’s body. It is also designed to alleviate the discomfort that comes with having excessively large breasts, known as macromastia.

Overly large breasts can take an emotional and physical toll on patients. The discomfort and pain associated with this condition can be difficult to live within that normal daily activities become more difficult to accomplish. The long-term effects of the condition can also result in depression and anxiety, further reducing the patient’s overall quality of life. 

What can you achieve with a breast reduction? 

A breast reduction can have many positive results for patients who would like to reduce the size of their breasts, including:

  • Relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain caused the weight of the breasts
  • A better, easier fit in bras, swimwear, and clothing
  • Increased physical comfort, and greater ease during exercise
  • A more proportionate physique
  • Better breast symmetry
  • More youthful, upward-tilted nipples
  • Relief from chafing and skin irritation 
  • A more youthful profile
  • More appealing, round breasts
  • A boost in confidence

Please contact us if you are interested in a breast reduction in New York City

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Am I a candidate for breast reduction?

Women with large breasts who want to resolve the following concerns are typical candidates for breast reduction surgery:

  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by large breasts
  • Rash or skin irritation under the breasts
  • Nerve pain caused by heavy breasts
  • Restricted activity due to the size of the breasts
  • Poor self-image related to overly-large breasts
  • Trouble fitting into bras and clothing

Ideal candidates for a breast reduction in NYC meet the following qualifications:

  • Are generally in good health–have no medical concerns such as diabetes or heart problems
  • Do not smoke
  • Are not obese
  • Have fully developed breasts
  • Are finished having children
  • Are at or near your ideal weight and feel you can maintain your weight
  • Are in NYC or the surrounding areas

Breast Reduction Before & Afters

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Find a Dr. you can trust

Dr. Darrick Antell: The Premier Breast Surgeon in NYC

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world’s most celebrated plastic surgeons. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is known for his meticulous precision, integrity in patient care, and outstanding ability to create remarkably natural-looking results. As a breast surgeon, he beautifully shapes, reduces, and improves the appearance of women’s breasts for those whose breasts are too large for their physique.

Preparing for breast reduction: the consultation

During the consultation for your breast reduction in New York City, with Dr. Antell, he will listen to your concerns and evaluate your medical history and overall health. He will measure and examine your breasts and take photographs of your breasts for your medical record.

Dr. Antell will discuss your aesthetic goals for the size and appearance of your breasts, and he will describe the breast reduction surgery in detail, including its risks and benefits, so that you’re fully prepared for the procedure and feel confident about it. 

Dr. Antell may also ask you to do the following to prepare for your surgery:

  • Have tests, including a mammogram
  • Stop smoking for a period of time both before and after your surgery
  • Avoid blood thinning drugs or supplements, such as aspirin
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery

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Is breast reduction covered by insurance?

If your breast size is causing neck, shoulder, or back pain, breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance. Before your surgery, Dr. Antell can help determine if the procedure meets certain points that an insurance company requires to cover the procedure. Your insurance will require a letter from Dr. Antell describing your symptoms and his physical findings, including an estimate of the amount of breast tissue to be removed.

The breast reduction procedure 

Breast reduction begins with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or with another form of “twilight” sedation. A board-certified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure safety. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions will be made in one of the following ways. Incision types usually depend on the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed:

Around the areola 

This is the most common incision placement for breast reduction, usually resulting in far less noticeable scarring. It is more ideal for a less significant breast reduction procedure.

At the crease under the breast, then up to the nipple 

This type of incision is used when a patient’s breasts droop and sag, but not in a pronounced way.

Around the areola and down to the base of the breast 

This incision type is used to remove more significant amounts of excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue.

Once the incision is made, Dr. Antell will remove the excess fat, skin and tissue. He will carefully reshape the breasts into a smaller, more attractive shape, achieving the breast size and round, appealing shape you desire.

As a next step, Dr. Antell will reposition the nipples so that they point youthfully upward, creating a lifted, perkier look. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to support your newly sculpted breasts.

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

A breast reduction is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. However, as with any surgery, there are risks, such as bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. Breast reduction includes the risk of changes in nipple or breast sensation, which typically resolves in a few months. In rare cases, there can be partial or total loss of the nipple and areola.

What is recovery and aftercare for breast reduction surgery?

After your breast reduction surgery, you will be able to return home with a family member or friend the same day after the procedure. Dr. Antell will provide instructions to guide you through your recovery period, and he and his staff will be available to help you.

You will have a compression dressing on your breasts to support their new shape and to help reduce swelling. Expect swelling and some bruising as you heal. Most patients can return to many of their daily activities within days of the procedure.

Wait to exercise again until Dr. Antell clears you for this, usually about two weeks after your surgery. The external sutures will usually be removed one to two weeks after your procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months to fully dissipate, with the final result typically being visible around six months. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Can I combine it with a breast lift?

A breast reduction is often combined with a breast lift procedure to enhance results. Once the breasts are reduced to the desired size and have been shaped attractively, excess skin is removed to lift the breasts higher on the chest wall. This helps achieve a more perky, youthful appearance.

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Breast Reduction FAQ

How long before I can exercise?

Most patients can return to exercise after about one month.

When can I return to work?

Most patients can return to sedentary work and light activities within a week.

Is there a limit to how much fat can be removed?

Breast reduction can remove as much as seven or eight pounds from the breasts.

Are results permanent?

Results are typically permanent, although breast shape and size can still change over time with age or fluctuations in weight.

How painful is it?

Expect some pain and soreness for several days after your surgery.

Will the scar be noticeable?

Scars around the areolae are not typically noticeable. If the procedure requires further incisions, they are made below the nipple on the lower half of the breast so that they aren't noticeable above your clothing.

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