Often excessively large breasts are the result of excess skin that has stretched and caused the breasts to droop. This prompts many of these women to undergo breast reduction in conjunction with breast lift surgery. This combined procedure can effectively reduce, lift, and reshape the breast. It can alleviate back and neck problems, shoulder blade grooving from the bra straps, and rashes (intertrigo) along the inframammary folds associated with hygienic contact dermatitis or infections, while avoiding a loss of sensation from stretched nerves.
It is important to describe in detail what you would like to improve before surgery. If Dr. Leonard M. Hochstein, a Miami breast reduction and lift specialist, fully understands your expectations he will be able to determine if your goals are realistic. He will first examine your breasts and talk about your desired outcome. Because breast tissue is removed with a reduction, he requires all patients to have a mammogram before they undergo surgery.
Since “Dr. H” 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. Dr. Hochstein’s expertise has attracted individuals from all over the world.
Breast Reduction and Breast Lift Techniques
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. In addition, the nipple areolar complex on the inferior pedicle is superiorly retro-positioned. A breast reduction may involve nipple and areola repositioning to a higher position for a more desired shape, whereas in some cases the nipple and areola will need to be transferred as a skin graft to their new position.
Commonly, breast reductions require liposuction of the lateral breast, removing tissue from the axillary tail-of-Spence. When the lateral breast is quite full and not suctioned, women often complain of inability to bring their arms down to the sides of their chest without constant heaviness and fullness to the sides.
Breast lift techniques can be used to remove excess skin with undetectable scars or with liposuction (“suction-lipectomy”); the T-incision technique involves making a T-shaped cut on the breast, which raises the nipple. The incisions are short, providing only subtle scarring. The Vertical-incision lift works well with smaller or droopy breasts. The Doughnut Lift involves cutting around the nipple and removing extra skin or sometime breast tissue. Other techniques may be able to give Ft. Lauderdale breast reduction and Aventura breast reduction patients’ better results without the risk of scarring.
Maintaining good blood supply to the nipple areolar complex is very important, as it will help prevent devascularization or problems with loss of death of the nipple. Because of this Dr. Hochstein will want to see you the day after surgery to make sure you are healing properly.
Although 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, the typical time it takes to undergo a combined breast reduction and breast lift procedure is between 2 and 4 hours. It is performed using general anesthesia.
Potential Side Effects and Complications
It is not uncommon to have asymmetry (small difference in size) following breast reduction, which is most often due to swelling and bruising of the tissue. With any breast reduction surgery there is a risk of skin or nipple loss, change or loss of sensation and the loss of an ability to produce milk. However, these risks are greatly reduced by choosing a well qualified doctor, such as Dr. Hochstein.
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 Coverage
Insurance may cover your surgery if the size of your breasts are the cause of health problems, but it is important that you contact your health insurance carrier 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.
Results
Patient satisfaction with breast reduction is very high do to symptom relief. This is not a permanent solution, however, because the breast skin will eventually stretch again. The scars fade in time but usually retain some visible scaring.
If you are considering undergoing breast reduction surgery and/or a breast lift, be sure to discuss your goals and expectations in detail with Dr. Hochstein during your visit. We look forward to seeing you for your consultation regarding bilateral breast reduction surgery. During this time, you will be able to view before and after photos of patient results. Please call (305) 931-3338 to make your appointment with Dr. Hochstein at his plastic surgery practice, in Miami.
