Breast reduction surgery was performed on approximately 300,000 women over the past several years, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). After having breast reduction surgery, women experience the following benefits:
- Relief from back, neck and shoulder pain, grooves in the shoulders, skeletal deformities, breathing difficulty and other medical conditions associated with oversized heavy pendulous breasts
- Reduction in breast size to provide contour enhancement and greater comfort in everyday life and during exercise
- Refined nipple and areola size and shape to fit your newly contoured smaller breasts.
- Better fitting bras to resolve shoulder strain and muscle spasms
In order to achieve excellence in breast reduction surgery, Dr. Kole of The Kole Plastic Surgery Center formulates an individualized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Unlike most Philadelphia Area Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Edward Kole has refined his techniques to offer both the traditional inverted T (anchor shaped scar) and vertical mammoplasty (lolly-pop) surgical techniques.
The physical and cosmetic benefits of breast reduction surgery are unique for every individual patient. The risks and benefits of breast reduction surgery are evaluated individually for every patient as well. During consultation with Dr. Kole, you will learn about the breast reduction procedure and how those factors may affect the procedure, including:
- Potential Insurance coverage for your procedure
- Breast size, shape and skin quality after the breast reduction procedure
- The breast quality, quantity of breast tissue and fat and breast tissue overall consistency
- Location and shape of the nipples both before and after surgery
- Role that your age plays in breast reduction surgery
- Anesthesia options
- Facility choices such as our licensed ambulatory surgical facility or in a local hospital
- Post operative instructions to follow to reduce the risk of complications
- Medications and over the counter medications role to affect wound healing
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Dr. Kole may perform breast reduction, technically known as a reduction mammoplasty, to remove excess breast tissue and skin. The results of the breast reduction procedure will create enhanced smaller, symmetrical contoured breasts that are in proportion with the rest of your body. Breast reduction surgery requires two to four hours of surgical time depending on the amount of tissue weight to be removed. During the breast reduction surgery, liposuction may be used to remove excess fat especially around the lateral breast and axillary area. In almost every case except extremely large breast reduction cases, the nipples and areola complex remain attached to blood vessels and nerves in order to preserve sensation and the blood supply to the new higher nipple and areola.
Dr. Kole performs both the traditional form of breast reduction surgery using the inverted “T” or anchor technique and the vertical mammoplasty (lolly-pop) incisions through carefully selected and placed incisions. The Inverted “T “anchor incision circles around the areola, follows down the center of the breast vertically and across and underneath the breast crease. Vertical mammoplasty does not have the incision along the breast crease to provide a better shape and longer term results for those who qualify for this type of reduction.
The length of incisions will vary among patients especially if the breasts and chest circumference are larger, the incisions tend to be a little longer. Dr. Kole will create the smallest incisions possible to achieve the shortest scars. Women usually do not mind the scars when compared to the benefits achieved after a breast reduction. After the procedure, you may be wrapped in surgical dressings and/or placed in a surgical bra for discharge the same day of surgery. No overnight stay is needed or required.
Post Operative Care for Breast Reduction Surgery
Following the breast reduction surgery, you will either be wrapped in an elastic bandage or placed in a surgical bra over non stick sterile gauze dressings. The elastic bandage and dressings will be removed in a few of days and then you may get the incisions wet and shower. Naturally, you may experience some pain in the first few of days following breast reduction surgery and this discomfort responds well to the prescribed medications. You will need to continue wearing the surgical bra for several weeks until the swelling (edema) and bruising subside to counteract the effects of gravity while the edema subsides.
Within several months or so, your breasts will settle into their new shape. Scars will be visible in the first year, and gradually fade in time. The breast reduction procedure consistently achieves the highest satisfaction rates among patients.
Contact The Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center Today
Dr. Kole is board certified in Plastic Surgery and has experience performing all aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. During your consultation, Dr Edward Kole will personally answer all of your questions and develop an individualized plan to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. At The Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center, we are dedicated to ensuring that every patient’s visit to our office is a comfortable informative and pleasurable. Please call The Kole Plastic Surgery Center at 215-315-7655 today to learn more about the breast reduction procedures and to set up your personal private consultation with Dr. Kole.
