Plastic Surgeon & Medical Spa Serving Norman, Edmond, Oklahoma City & Nearby Central Oklahoma
If you have very large, pendulous breasts, you have likely experienced a dragging sensation at the end of the day. You may have low neck pain or upper back pain. Your bra straps may also indent your shoulder, or you might sweat excessively underneath your breasts.
Do any of these problems sound familiar? If so, breast reduction or mammoplasty can help.
At Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, Dr. Panchal, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the prestigious American Association of Plastic Surgeons, performs this and other breast procedures.
- Who Are the Best Candidates for Breast Reduction?
- Plan for Your Surgery
- Prepare for Your Surgery
- How small can you go with a Breast Reduction?
- Are there any risks with Breast Reduction Surgery?
- Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed
- Are there any risks with Breast reduction Surgery?
- The Surgery
- Immediately after Surgery
- What is Recovery like?
- Can I combine Breast Reduction Surgery with other procedures?
- Will there be noticeable scarring after the procedure?
- Your New Image
Who Are the Best Candidates for Breast Reduction?
Performed mainly for physical relief than cosmetic improvement, this surgery helps women who have sagging breasts that stop a woman from activities. The surgery is performed when a woman’s breasts are fully developed but they can also be performed earlier if the breasts cause serious physical pain. Women who are mature enough to comprehend the procedure and have realistic goals are great candidates for this surgery. You should not have this surgery if you plan to breast-feed.
To find out if breast reduction is right for you, call Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa at 405-340-9949 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jayesh Panchal. We serve patients throughout the Oklahoma City area from offices in Edmond and Norman.
Visit our before-and-after gallery for photos of breast reduction patients.
Are there any risks with Breast Reduction Surgery?
General surgical risks include bleeding, infection, poor incision healing, and negative reaction to medication. You can help to avoid these problems by disclosing all medications and supplements that you take and carefully following pre and postoperative instructions.
Risks specific to breast reduction surgery include asymmetric results, excessive breast firmness, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and breast contour and shape imperfections. These risks may be reduced when you choose to work with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon who utilizes advanced techniques and performs the procedure in an accredited surgical facility.
Plan for Your Surgery
Dr. Panchal will examine and measure your breasts and make a determination based on your size of the breasts, your weight and height, what your final size ad shape of the breasts will be. The location of the incisions and the final location of the nipple and the areola will also be discussed.
You and Dr. Panchal will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations.
Prepare for Your Surgery
A mammogram may be essential prior to the surgery. You may have to purchase a garment or a support bra prior to the surgery. You will need for someone to take care of you for the first few days after the surgery.
How small Can you Go with a Breast Reduction?
The purpose of breast reduction surgery is to reduce the physical discomfort and aesthetic issues caused by overly large breasts. The procedure is used to bring your breasts into ideal proportions with surrounding features and is different for every woman. Depending on your anatomy, specific needs, and goals, breast reduction may be used to decrease the size of your breasts by one or more cup sizes. The best way to learn how much reduction will be necessary to achieve optimal comfort is through a one-on-one consultation with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Painful?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will not experience any discomfort during your procedure. There will, however, be some swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort during the recovery period of breast reduction surgery.
You can reduce discomfort by taking time to rest and recover, keeping your incisions clean and dry, wearing a compression garment, and using the medications prescribed by Dr. Panchal.
Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed
Breast reduction is nearly always performed under general anesthesia. You'll be asleep through the entire operation.
Are there any risks with Breast reduction Surgery?
General surgical risks include bleeding, infection, poor incision healing, and negative reaction to medication. You can help to avoid these problems by disclosing all medications and supplements that you take and carefully following pre and postoperative instructions. Risks specific to breast reduction surgery include asymmetric results, excessive breast firmness, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and breast contour and shape imperfections. These risks may be reduced when you choose to work with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon who utilizes advanced techniques and performs the procedure in an accredited surgical facility.
The Surgery
Dr. Panchal tends to remove just enough breast tissue and create a breast that looks full and teardrop in shape, giving it a natural appearance. This is achieved by doing a superior pedicle technique which is the latest and newest technique currently used by nationally recognized plastic surgeons around the country. The incision is the shape of a popsicle or a small anchor and rarely extends horizontally under the breast crease thereby minimizing your incision and scarring.
Skin and breast tissue are removed and the nipple is relocated (but not completely detached) and stitched in the new position. All incisions are closed in multiple layers and all sutures are left underneath the skin.
Immediately after Surgery
You will be in a surgical compression bra following the surgery for four to six weeks. Pain is there for the first couple of days especially if you cough or move around. Dr. Panchal will prescribe you pain medications to decrease your pain following the procedure.
What is recovery like?
Recovery from breast reduction surgery takes around six weeks. Some women can resume work within seven days, but more time will be needed before returning to work that is physically demanding. During the first few weeks, swelling and bruising are to be expected.
Swelling can be controlled with compression garments and light activity, such as walks, throughout the day. Bruising will subside on its own. It may take up to six weeks before you can resume more demanding physical tasks. During your follow-up visits, Dr. Panchal will carefully evaluate your progress to help you determine when it is safe to resume all of your normal activities.
Can I combine Breast Reduction Surgery with other procedures?
Breast reduction is commonly performed in combination with breast lift surgery. Combining these procedures allows for a reduction in volume along with perkier, more youthful breast projection. Combining procedures is not necessary for every woman. You can explore this option in further detail during your initial consultation with Dr. Panchal.
Will there be noticeable scarring after the procedure?
Scarring after any surgical procedure is unavoidable. You increase your risks of visible scarring if you use nicotine or medications and supplements that thin the blood before and/or after surgery. Keeping incisions dry and clean, and wearing a compression garment may help to reduce the risks of scarring.
Dr. Panchal utilizes the superior pedicle technique, which has been specifically designed to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of scarring. During your initial consultation, he will discuss this technique along with what you can realistically expect from your results to help ensure you are making the best decision for your needs.
Your New Image
Even after six months to a year, your breasts will still need time to settle into their new shape. Breast reduction scars are permanent, but your surgeon will try to conceal them as much as possible. The scars will remain lumpy and red for months and then gradually become less obvious. Eventually, you will only have thin white lines for scars. Scars will be placed so you can still wear low-cut tops.
You will find that the back pain will reduce almost immediately following the surgery. You will feel lighter and enjoy doing sports activities and exercises.
Will a Breast Reduction Surgery Affect My Ability to Breastfeed Later?
Breast reduction surgery can affect breastfeeding in some cases. It depends on the techniques used and the extent of tissue removal.
If the nipple and areola stay attached to the underlying tissue, there's a higher chance that breastfeeding will still be possible. However, if the nipple is removed and repositioned, then breastfeeding may become difficult or impossible.
It's important to discuss your breastfeeding plans with Dr. Panchal before the procedure. He can choose a technique that preserves lactation ability.
How Long Does the Actual Breast Reduction Procedure Take?
The duration of a breast reduction surgery ranges from two to five hours. It varies based on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of tissue removed. Other factors may also influence the time required, such as:
- The surgical technique
- Your anatomy
- Whether other procedures like liposuction are involved
Dr. Panchal will provide a more accurate estimate during your initial consultation.
What Is the Difference Between Breast Reduction and a Breast Lift?
Breast reduction and breast lift procedures differ in their goals and outcomes.
Breast reduction surgery decreases the size of the breasts by removing tissue, fat, and skin. The goal is often to relieve discomfort caused by very large breasts.
A breast lift, on the other hand, elevates and reshapes the breasts without necessarily reducing their size. It addresses sagging by tightening and repositioning the skin and tissue.
Both procedures can improve breast shape and symmetry. In some cases, you can also combine them for more noticeable results.
How Can I Minimize Scars After Breast Reduction Surgery?
To reduce the appearance of scars, follow Dr. Panchal's post-operative care instructions. These may include:
- Keeping the incisions clean and dry
- Avoiding excessive movement
- Wearing prescribed compression garments can help promote healing
- Using silicone sheets or gels, as well as topical scar treatments
- Avoiding sun exposure on the scars
- Maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle
Why Choose Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa?
Choose Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for exceptional care led by Dr. Panchal, a skilled craniofacial and plastic surgeon.
Dr. Panchal is dedicated to his patients, providing 24/7 availability and sharing his personal phone number with every one. He also values long-term relationships. Many patients, including his first patient, have returned to him for over a decade.
Dr. Panchal's commitment to personalized attention and lasting results sets Genesis apart. He and his team offer you a trusted partner in your aesthetic journey.
You will need time to adjust to the new changes of your body. Be patient and keep in mind why you had surgery. You will then be pleased with your new results like most women are. Learn more about breast reduction by calling Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa at 405-340-9949 for a consultation with Dr. Panchal.
