Reduction Mammaplasty

Breast Reduction
"My breasts got me noticed, but enough is enough!"

Many women with large breasts (macromastia) love their curves and are not bothered by them.  Others are nearly incapacitated by the symptoms of large breasts.

For those women given too much of a good thing, overly full breasts can be contoured to smaller, more comfortable proportions with breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty).

Many women desire only a modest reduction in the size of their breasts.  Indeed, some women have a mild asymmetry, where one breast is larger than the other.  In these women, often mere liposuction of the breast(s) is all that is necessary to achieve the desired look.  Liposuction is often an option when up to a cup size is all that is necessary to be removed.

However, in most a more significant reduction is desired.  In these women, breast reduction surgery is the standard of care.  Due to their weight, typically large breasts have also fallen (nipples pointing toward the ground).  Fortunately, breast reduction surgery also provides the woman with a breast lift as well as smaller cup size.

Women considering this surgery should plan on a lengthy consultation with Dr. Baeke where he will present the details on what such an operation would involve; what are realistic expectations as well as possible complications.

Reduction Mammaplasty

For this to be a rewarding experience, it is imperative that the patient has realistic expectations.  The purpose of this surgery is to, a) give the woman a more flattering feminine figure and b) reduce or eliminate any symptoms the large breasts may have caused.  The woman must also understand that though as a plastic surgeon Dr. Baeke strives to give every patient an inconspicuous scar, there will be scars on your breasts.  Most women believe scars for smaller and lifted breasts are a good trade-off.  However, if you are the kind of woman intolerant of scars on her breasts, this may not be the proper operation for you.  

The scars are typically of an anchor shape.  Specifically, the scar first goes around the circumference of the areola, then down to the bottom of the breast and lastly horizontally curved under the lower fold of the breast.  In other words, it looks like an anchor.

Women with very large breasts often complain of shoulder pain and grooving from the brassier straps; chronic upper back pain; breast pain (mastodynia) and a chronic sweaty malodorous rash beneath their breasts (intertrigo).

Some women will have been seen by physical therapists for the back discomfort and even been prescribed pain medications. Others will have seen dermatologists for the rash.

In the woman with these symptoms, frequently insurance will cover the operation; however typically there is a minimum weight of breast tissue which must be removed.  Dr. Baeke can discuss this with you in more detail.

It has been Dr. Baeke's experience that most breast reduction patients are thrilled with the results.

For any woman considering breast surgery, they should have had a recent screening mammogram.  They should not have been recently lactating.

Generally, breast reduction surgery does not prevent future breast feeding.  However, in some (especially those with extremely large breasts) there may be an inability to breast feed.  Thus, if this would be unacceptable, deferring breast reduction surgery until you are finished bearing children is recommended.

Decreased sensation of the nipples is another rare but possible side-effect of this surgery. Many large breasted women naturally have little sensation of their nipples.

The length of surgery depends somewhat on the size of the breasts, but generally is about 3 hours.  It is performed as a same-day surgery procedure in either the hospital or surgery center; and under a general anaesthesia.

The patient will likely awaken with a surgical drain placed in each breast.  This is a small flexible tube, about the size of a #2 pencil which evacuates any fluid that may accumulate beneath the skin.  Drains are generally removed in a couple days.  This does not hurt. In some patients Dr. Baeke will also apply the Prevena device which can speed healing (please read more about this device from 3M•KCI at mykci.com). You will awaken wearing a snug bra.  Dr. Baeke recommends Prairie Wear (prairiewear.com).

You should anticipate returning to home or hotel the same day as surgery.  You will be given prescriptions for pain meds, but this is really not a very painful recovery.  Yes, Dr. Baeke or one of his staff shall make a house call on you the day after surgery.

Complications are fortunately quite rare.  Post operative bleeding, infection and delayed or poor wound healing of the breast skin or nipple are possible but happen in less than 2% of patients.  Do not worry.  Dr. Baeke will be right there with you, quick to handle any problems.

The most frequent question asked is, "What size will I be?"  

Be prepared for Dr. Baeke to ask you to search the net or print media looking for a topless model with similar proportions who has breasts close to the size you desire.  The bra cup size letter designation is mostly meaningless.  Showing Dr. Baeke example photographs, has proven to be a simple but effective way to assure you get close to what you want.

link to breast reduction photos.

Custom Consultation for Your Needs or Questions

Please use the links below to schedule an appointment or to ask Suzanne any questions you may have prior to booking.

Hear It From Our Clients

Dear Dr. Baeke:

Thank you for meeting with me. Although I did not have anything done, I feel confident and beautiful because our meeting. I am now more appreciative of my body.

Thank you for your honesty and sincerity, R.D.

R.D.
Breast Reduction

Dr. Baeke:

I just wanted to thank you again for getting me in as quickly as you did to work on my nose. It looks good and feels great. Your staff is so polite and kind.

Thank you and God bless you all! R.G.

R.G.
Nasal Reconstruction

Dr Baeke is a true angel the most caring plastic/general surgeon I've ever met.

D.F.

D.F.
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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love my new assets. They’re wonderful. I even feel more confident.

Love, S.S.

S.S.
Breast Augmentation

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WOW! Thanks for giving me my voice and tastebuds back. You're a great doctor and an even better person. 

Thanks a million! M.G.

M.G.
Laryngitis

Dear Dr. Baeke:

I could not let another day go by without expressing my gratitude and appreciation for what you did for me. I felt as though you were indeed my "Guardian Angel", as you seemed to always "pop up" when I needed something.I shall always be indebted to you for saving my feet.I just wanted you to know how very grateful I am.

Sincerely, B.E.

B.E.
Lower Extremity Reconstruction

Dear Dr. Baeke & Suzanne:
Just wanted to drop you guys a note and thank you profusely for all you've done for me...for helping to implement the most amazing and profound change in my self-esteem-in my life! 

L.B.

L.B.
Breast Augmentation

Dr. Baeke,

I am wearing a size 6 now, not an 8, and I am still shrinking.

P.J.

P.J.
Liposuction

Dr. B, I wish I'd had this done 20 years ago.  They work as advertised.  These things are wonderful.

A.O.

A.O.
Breast Augmentation

Dear Dr. Baeke & Staff:

I wanted to thank you all for allowing one of my dreams, of breast implants, to come true. Suzanne especially was not going to give up until I got them, and she didn't (smile). I was so nervous when I got to the office for surgery but everyone there made me feel so comfortable. Thanks again, I'll never forget you guys!

Love, E.D.

E.D.
Breast Augementation

Dear Doctor John and Suzanne:

We love ya!. For once in my life, I am in love with my breasts!! (So is my husband). No time soon will I quit bragging about the doctor and his wonderful women in the office.

Love, T.M.

T.M.
Breast Augmentation

Hi Dr Baeke!

Your skills, your integrity and just your amazing human compassion have been truly such a gift to me. I thank God for the day I found you. You and Suzanne have just absolutely been my guardian angels!

-S.L. (Phoenix, AZ)

S.L.
XL Breast Augmentation
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