If your breasts are large enough that you get back aches from the weight of your breasts or you have to layer multiple sports bras in order to exercise, then you may have considered breast reduction surgery at some point. Little Rock Breast Reduction Specialist Dr. Melanie Prince is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with experience helping women feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies. Dr. Prince often performs breast reduction surgery for functional reasons, including relief from back or neck pain, and also for cosmetic reasons to bring the breasts into proportion with the rest of the body.
Reasons for Breast Reduction Surgery
The decision to have breast reduction surgery is personal. Everyone in your life may not understand your choice, but all that matters is that you make a well-informed decision that is right for you. There are many different reasons women choose breast reduction surgery, including:
- Alleviate neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by heavy breasts
- Relief from skin irritation caused by friction or excess skin
- Enjoy running, dancing, and sleeping better without the discomfort of large breasts
- Gain the ability to wear more types and styles of clothing
- Look slimmer and more proportionate with perkier breasts
- Feel more comfortable and confident
What Should I Expect From Breast Reduction Surgery?
The first step is a consultation appointment with Dr. Prince at her Little Rock office. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you have and learn more about your surgical options. If you are hoping for insurance coverage of breast reduction surgery, Dr. Prince will analyze your height, weight, and desired breast size in order to help determine if your surgery may be covered by insurance. If you decide that breast reduction surgery is right for you, Dr. Prince will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
On the day of surgery you will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your procedure. Breast reduction surgery is performed with general anesthesia. There are several types of incisions that may be used for breast reduction, but the most commonly used is an “anchor” incision which will go around the areola, vertically down the bottom half of the breast, and then horizontally along the natural crease. Dr. Prince will remove breast tissue, fat, and excess skin. She will then reposition your breast tissue, skin, and nipple so your breasts sit higher and more symmetrically on your chest. Your incisions will be closed with internal dissolvable stitches and skin glue.
Dr. Melanie Prince is a miracle worker! She is kind, compassionate, empathetic, and an expert in her field. As a result of her expertise, my breast reduction has made me happier than I’ve been in over a decade. I found her online because she received recent recognition in her field. I’ve never had plastic surgery before so I was nervous at my consult but she made me feel at ease and she completely understood the issues I faced daily- physical pain in my neck and upper and lower back, and emotional pain from anxiety and stress. It makes a difference seeing a female surgeon, ladies! I had been to 2 male surgical consults previously and no offense to men but for this surgery- a woman knows! By the way- my surgery was just at the beginning of July- and I am already reaping the benefits of a healthier and happier me. Thank you Dr. Prince!
Nikki
Breast Reduction Recovery
Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure so you can go home the same day as surgery. Dr. Prince uses advanced surgical techniques and does not need to place surgical drains after breast reduction. You may experience swelling, bruising, and pain, which can be managed with medication. Expect to devote time to rest and recovery — patients can typically resume school or work after a few days, but you will have strict restrictions on any heavy lifting, exercise, or strenuous movement. You will wear a front closing sports bra for the first 4 weeks after surgery. Dr. Prince will give you specific post-op instructions and will schedule follow-up appointments with you.
Breast Reduction Results
You may feel lighter right away after your breast reduction surgery, but you will not be able to see your true results due to swelling. Swelling typically subsides within a few weeks, but you may experience some residual swelling for a few months after surgery. Once you are fully healed, you’ll be able to really appreciate your results. Breast reduction surgery has some of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any plastic surgery; one study found that 95% of breast reduction patients were happy with their results.1
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Will health insurance pay for breast reduction?
Health insurance will sometimes cover the cost of breast reduction surgery. Insurance plans differ, but they will typically require proof that the size of your breasts cause pain or impede you physically. Insurance may require you to have physical therapy or try pain medication before they will cover your procedure. Insurance companies may also require a certain amount of breast tissue to be removed, which can give you less control over your results. If your surgery is covered, you will still be responsible for any co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles required by your plan. If your insurance will not cover the surgery you can pay out of pocket. Dr. Prince can help you understand your options during your consultation appointment.
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Can I just get liposuction on my breasts instead of breast reduction surgery?
You can have liposuction on the breasts, but liposuction can only remove fat, not breast tissue. Liposuction also does not lift the breasts at all, since there is no skin removal or repositioning involved.
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Is a breast lift included with breast reduction surgery?
Yes, breast reduction is kind of a two-for-one surgery! Dr. Prince performs a breast lift with every breast reduction surgery, so patients can expect breasts that are not just smaller, but also perkier and more youthful looking.
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What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?
All surgical procedures involve some risk of complications or side effects. Possible risks of breast reduction surgery include general anesthesia risks, infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, and scarring.2 Your safety is a top priority for Dr. Prince and she will do everything possible to ensure a successful procedure.
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Will I be able to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
There is a possibility that the ability to breastfeed could be compromised due to breast reduction surgery. Pinpointing the precise number of breast reduction patients who go on to have difficulty breastfeeding is complicated by the fact that many women face challenges breastfeeding for the first time, and it can be impossible to determine the cause. The likelihood of reduced or non-existent milk production can vary depending on the details of your surgical plan, and Dr. Prince will explain more about any potential challenges you may face if you choose to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery.
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What will my scars look like after breast reduction surgery?
If your surgery involves an anchor incision, which is the type most commonly used in breast reduction surgery, then you will have an incision around the areola, a vertical incision from the bottom of your areola down the underside of your breast and horizontally along the crease under the breast. While the scars will be noticeable at first, many patients find they fade considerably after the first year. Our practice will give you scar care information to help with scarring following surgery.
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How many cup sizes can I go down?
Bra sizing varies from brand to brand, so medical professionals tend to focus more on the volume of the breast than on the cup size. That said, patients typically go down one to two cup sizes.3 Keep in mind that your treatment plan will be personalized to suit your health, your body type, your lifestyle, and your desired results.
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Are breast reduction results permanent?
Yes, breast reduction surgery is permanent in that the breast tissue is permanently removed. However, your body can change throughout your life, and you may experience changes in breast size due to weight gain, aging, or pregnancy.
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Am I a candidate for breast reduction surgery?
If you are bothered by very large breasts — either because they cause you physical discomfort or because you simply do not like the way that they look — then breast reduction surgery may be the solution for you. Ideal candidates for breast reduction are in good general health and maintain a stable weight. The best way to decide if breast reduction surgery is right for you is to talk with an experienced surgeon.
Contact Dr. Melanie Prince for Breast Reduction Surgery in Little Rock, Arkansas
Dr. Prince is the only female surgeon in the Little Rock area who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, she is specially trained and uniquely qualified to perform breast reduction surgery that restores comfort and delivers beautiful aesthetic results. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation appointment.
1 Gonzalez MA, Glickman LT, Aladegbami B, Simpson RL. Quality of life after breast reduction surgery: a 10-year retrospective analysis using the Breast Q questionnaire: does breast size matter? Ann Plast Surg. 2012 Oct;69(4):361-3. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e31824a218a.
2 Mayo Clinic. Breast Reduction Surgery. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246 Accessed December 4, 2019.
3 Cleveland Clinic. 8 Things to Know If You’re Considering Breast Reduction Surgery. Available: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/8-things-to-know-if-youre-considering-breast-reduction-surgery/ Accessed December 4, 2019.
Dr. Melanie Prince has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.