19495 Biscayne Blvd.
# 204
Aventura, Florida 33180 (Miami Metro)
Phone: 305.931.3338
Fax: 305.931.3324
Miami Breast Reduction
Written By: Leonard M. Hochstein, M.D., P.A.
Miami Florida, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Since Dr. Leonard Hochstein opened his private practice in 1998, he has been perfecting his technique for the Breast Reduction / Breast Lift procedure for his Miami/Fort Lauderdale patients. His results have attracted patients from all over the world to his Aventura Florida office. A breast reduction and lift is a procedure that reduces, lifts, and reshapes the breast. Many women seek to have their breast reduced to alleviate painful conditions such as: back pain, shoulder pressure, and rashes, as well as improving the appearance of their breast. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere between 2- 4 hours. The breast reduction procedure involves removing skin, fat and glandular tissue. Then the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher position for a more desired shape. In some cases the nipple and areola will need to be transferred as a skin graft to their new position.
It is important to describe in detail what you would like to improve before surgery. If Dr. H fully understands your expectations he will be able to determine if your goals are realistic. Dr. Hochstein will first examine your breasts and talk about what size/look you want your breast to be after surgery. Because there will be breast tissue removed after a reduction Dr. Hochstein requires all patients to have a mammogram before they undergo surgery.
Breast reduction procedures are usually performed using the Wise-pattern technique which is an anchor scar where dermoglandular tissue is removed both in the medial and lateral breast and the nipple areolar complex on the inferior pedicle is superiorly retro-positioned.
The scars extend around the nipple and then run vertically down from the nipple and under the breast. The scars fade in time but usually retain some visible scaring. Patient satisfaction with breast reduction is very high do to symptom relief.
Some patients chose to have implants put in at a later date to improve the fullness at the top of the breast and to create a more defined breast cleavage. You will need to talk with Dr. Hochstein about your options in consultations. He will be able to show you pictures of the different results after surgery.
Maintaining good blood supply to the nipple areolar complex to prevent devascularization or problems with loss of death of the nipple is very important. Because of this Dr. H will want to see you the very next day to make sure you are healing properly.
Often, breast reductions require suction lipectomy of the lateral breast, removing tissue from the axillary tail-of-Spence. When the lateral breast is quite full and this is not suctioned, the women often complain of inability to bring their arms down to the sides of their chest without constant heaviness and fullness to the sides.
Patient symptoms with breast reductions usually include severe back pain, neck strain, grooving from the shoulder blades from the bra straps, and rashes (intertrigo) along the inframammary folds associated with hygienic contact dermatitis or infections.
It is not uncommon to have asymmetry (small difference in size) following breast reduction - This is most often do to swelling and bruising of the tissue.
Most patients will have some change in their nipple sensation after surgery. This is usually temporary but could last from 6 months to a year.
Insurance may cover your surgery if the size of your breasts are the cause of health problem but it is important that you contact your health insurance first to find out if you qualify. Also you will need to find out if the doctor you want takes your insurance. Here at Dr. Hochstein’s office patients are required to pay for the procedure and then be reimbursed by their insurance carrier.
We look forward to seeing you for your consultation for bilateral breast reduction surgery in the near future here in Miami Florida.