Breast Reduction in Maryland and Northern Virginia
If You're Considering Breast Reduction
Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight such as back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. Large breasts can make a woman or teenage girl feel extremely self-conscious.
Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is a Maryland breast enhancement procedure designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller and better-shaped breasts that are in proportion with the rest of her body.
Dr. Chiaramonte encourages you to Request a Free Consultation if you are considering breast reduction so that you can learn more about this procedure and receive a professional opinion about your cosmetic needs.
Breast Reduction in Maryland
Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Dr. Chiaramonte removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. The skin from both sides of the breast is brought down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction in Maryland may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.
In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue.)
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. And occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.
After Your Breast Reduction Surgery
After your surgery you'll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two. You may feel some pain for the first couple of days especially when you move around or cough and some discomfort for a week or more. Dr. Chiaramonte will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.
The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, though you'll continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks. If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day, but be sure to keep the suture area dry.
Getting Back to Normal
Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. Dr. Chiaramonte will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work (if it's not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks. But you'll have much less stamina for several weeks, and should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, and swimming until your energy level returns. You'll also need a good athletic bra for support. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell, and to avoid anything but gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks. A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some crusting over the incision is normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, don't hesitate to call our office.
Your New Look
Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. The shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes and pregnancy.
Dr. Chiaramonte will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible after your Maryland plastic surgery procedure. Still, it's important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months and then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.
Of all the plastic surgery procedures Maryland and Northern Virginia women have, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.
To visit our cosmetic plastic surgery office in National Harbor, Maryland, serving Alexandria and other Northern Virginia communities, Request a Free Consultation online or call the office at 866-BELLA 06.