Breast Reduction

All traditional breast reduction patterns leave a scar on the breast. Thankfully, these scars tend to fade with time, and the results are well worth it. Women often achieve an improved body image and decreased back and neck pain, and they can lead a more active lifestyle when the breasts are reduced to a lovely, more normal size and shape.

There are two major scar patterns that result from breast reduction: a vertical pattern and a “T” or anchor-shaped scar. A vertical breast reduction allows for breast skin and tissue removal that leaves a lollipop-shaped scar. This type of reduction is excellent for moderately large breasts that are not extremely wide. For wider, larger breasts that need a higher lift, either a "T" shaped or an anchor-shaped (Wise pattern) scar is often necessary to achieve a safe and effective partial breast gland removal while optimizing a natural breast shape. In addition to these breast gland and fat reduction techniques, liposuction can often be helpful to achieve a pleasing contour to the lateral (outer) part of the breast and under the armpits.

If pain due to the size of your breasts is impacting your daily life, or you feel that your breasts are disproportionately large and creating an unbalanced look, you are probably a candidate for breast reduction surgery. If you have any medical conditions, you need to speak with our doctor to ensure that we take the correct precautions prior to, during, and after your surgery.

You may be asked to cease certain medications or supplements, including blood thinners, for at least 7 days before your procedure, which will be coordinated with your physician. Breastfeeding women need to wait at least 3 months after breastfeeding has stopped before scheduling surgery. If you have a specific question about whether you are a good candidate for breast reduction, the best way to get answers is to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation.

After your surgery, you will need to schedule some time off from work to heal and rest. In the first two weeks, you will have some pain, swelling, and bruising. However, most patients can return to work after 7 to 10 days. You will be restricted from lifting for 2 weeks, as this puts strain on the incisions. Depending on what your job entails, you may need to request time off, or reduced activities during this period. After the initial first few weeks, most people report just mild discomfort or pain with exertion that can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. You will check in with your doctor throughout the healing process to ensure it is moving ahead as it should, with no complications.

Just like any surgical procedure, there are risks that you should understand prior to the procedure. All surgical procedures involve the risk of bleeding, infection, or reaction to any of the medications or anesthetics. To assist in minimizing the risks, we ensure that we have reviewed your entire medical history prior to surgery. Our surgical rooms are kept absolutely sterile, and we utilize the most modern equipment to assist in keeping every patient safe and healthy. Dr. White delivers arguably the safest breast reductions Miami has to offer.