Even though large breasts are a part of many women’s body wish list, overly large breasts can cause pain, discomfort and even embarrassment for some women. If a woman experiences any of these issues, she can choose to have breast reduction surgery, which removes excessive skin and fat from the breasts. After Seattle area plastic surgeon, Dr. Marosan, performs this surgery, the breasts will appear smaller with a better shape and be more proportionate to the rest of the body. The contoured breasts will also help to enhance a woman’s overall figure.

Taking extra care, Dr. Marosan will utilize the lollipop scar, or short scar, method to minimize the look of scars for beautiful, natural-looking results.

It is important to find a highly skilled surgeon who has experience with this procedure. It is important to maintain a good blood supply to the nipple areola complex as there is risk of discoloration and loss of sensation when blood flow is restricted. Liposuction is also implemented to remove the excess fat while the loose skin will be excised and tightened to form the newly shaped breasts. This procedure is also implemented as a way to correct an issue of breast asymmetry.

The most common incision for breast reduction is what's called “the anchor” or a vertical T. With this kind of approach, the incision is made around the areola, extends vertically down to the breast crease, and then is followed by another horizontal incision along the direction of the fold. The areola will be repositioned once the breasts have been resized and reshaped. A lift will also be done so that the breasts will be placed higher on the chest. Dr. Marosan employs the lollipop scar technique for a vertical lift in most of the patients. Occasionally, a small horizontal scar is placed under the breast crease lateral from the vertical scar as a "J" extension. No scar is placed under the crease medially or in the cleavage.

Breast reduction is always done in our AAAASF accredited surgical suite under intravenous sedation as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. For the first several weeks, the surgeon will recommend the use of a supportive bra to protect the breasts. Patients may go back to work within 5-10 days and may resume physical activities (such as exercise) between 6-8 weeks post-operative. Results following a breast reduction are usually visible immediately after the surgery. Nipple sensitivity will gradually return within the first year. Breast reduction patients are one of our happiest patients due to the symptomatic relief from heavy, large breasts, and the aesthetic improvement.

Breast reduction is a long-term solution for patients who are affected with excessively large breasts. In cases where there is significant weight gain, the results may be compromised just like any cosmetic procedure that modifies body shape. Natural aging and gravity will take their toll over time and will still affect the breasts with or without the reduction. It is important to maintain a good health routine so that the enhancement lasts for a long time.

For women with larger breasts, the areola is also excessively large. In a breast reduction surgery, an areola reduction is also done. As an incision is made surrounding the areola, the excess skin will also be trimmed so that it is proportional to the breasts’ new shape.

This varies depending on the doctor’s initial evaluation and the patient’s preference. Often, the reduction results in a cup or two smaller from the original breast size.