Overly large or disproportionate breasts can significantly detract from a woman’s physical and emotional well-being. Living with large, pendulous breasts can be extremely limiting. Some women are unable to participate in certain exercises, experience daily neck and back pain, and find it challenging to find comfortable clothing. Patients may have naturally large breasts, or their breast size has changed due to weight gain or childbirth.
Breast reduction surgery has the potential to drastically improve a woman’s quality of life, improving physical comfort and self-confidence through minimizing and reshaping the breasts for a more manageable, aesthetically pleasing result. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Geoffery Kim expertly performs this procedure in Denver, Colorado, to give his patients the happiness and comfort they deserve.
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What Is a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of large, pendulous breasts that are disproportionate to the woman’s body and can cause physical pain. The primary aim of this procedure is to remove and reshape breast tissue and fat to create a smaller, more pleasing result. A secondary benefit is that most breast reduction patients receive a moderate lift to their breast placement. Dr. Kim will also remove some excess skin and reposition the breasts on the chest to a more youthful placement.
If you have disproportionately large breasts that interfere with your daily life, a breast reduction might be for you. Breast reduction surgery can be transformational, as it can improve both your physical comfort and your aesthetic satisfaction. The benefits of breast reduction surgery include:
- Smaller, lighter breasts
- A better-proportioned figure
- Relief from back and neck pain
- Alleviated rashes or lesions from bra straps
- Improved comfort during sleep, daily activities, and physical exercise
- More aesthetically pleasing breast and nipple shape and position
- Increased clothing options
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What Are My Breast Reduction Options?
Dr. Kim will tailor your breast reduction procedure precisely to your needs. Generally, breast reduction surgery will involve the removal of glandular (breast) tissue, skin, and fat through a keyhole incision type, but your case may vary. Other possible incision types include the periareolar incision (around the nipple) and the lollipop (around the nipple and vertically down the breast). The choice of incision will depend on the severity of your concerns, necessary revision, personal preference, and Dr. Kim’s professional opinion. The procedure can be performed on one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) breasts.
Breast Reduction with Liposuction
Liposuction is commonly used in conjunction with the excision of breast tissue if the patient has an adequate amount of fat contributing to the size of their breasts. In some cases, liposuction alone can be used to reduce the size of the breasts, but this is rare and does not allow for manipulation of the skin and tissue.
In each case, the surgical plan will be uniquely determined by the patient’s breast composition of fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin, as well as her goals for the procedure, the size of her breasts, and her preferences. Dr. Kim will discuss all of your options during your consultation and give you his honest, professional opinion on the best surgical plan to help you achieve your goals.
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Am I a Candidate for a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age, as long as your breasts have reached maturity. Because breast reduction surgery often involves removing a significant amount of breast tissue, it may impair your ability to breastfeed. This, paired with the subsequent changes that pregnancy can have on the results of a breast reduction, is why it is best to undergo your breast reduction after you are reasonably confident you are done having children. Additionally, candidates for breast reduction surgery:
- Are in good health with no significant medical conditions
- Are nonsmokers, or are willing to quit
- Have a healthy outlook about results and have specific goals in mind for their procedure
How Is a Breast Reduction Performed?
Breast reduction surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Each breast reduction procedure will differ, but you can generally expect the following:
- Dr. Kim will review your surgical plan with you one last time before surgery, and the predetermined incision placements will be marked on the treatment areas.
- You will be given either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on your health assessment as per your surgical plan. All anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist (MD) for optimum safety.
- Dr. Kim will make careful incisions in the predetermined pattern.
- Excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin is carefully removed. Liposuction may be used to extract fat. The nipple remains connected to its original blood supply and is repositioned. The areola may be reduced through careful incisions.
- The vertical incisions are then brought together to reshape the breast.
- Non-removable sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts.
- Dr. Kim will use sutures, skin adhesives, and/or surgical tape to close the skin.
- You will be monitored as you come out of anesthesia and, once cleared, sent home.
Our patients are patients for life. We love to hear their stories.
Read Testimonials“Dr Kim and his staff was amazing throughout the whole process! They really took good care of me. My results are amazing. I have so much more confidence now thanks to dr Kim! Thank you!”
Cathy M.
Google Review“This was my first ever surgery, so I was obviously very nervous. However, the whole team was absolutely amazing in making me feel comfortable and eased my nerves. I’m one month post and I’m so happy with my results!”
K. S.
Google Review“I had the most amazing experience with Dr. Geoffrey Kim and his team. From the front desk , to the operating everyone on board for your surgery is there for you every step of the way .”
Angela T.
Google Review“Wonderful experience, I did breast augmentation. Dr. Kim did amazing and he listened to my wants and needs. Litzy the medical assistant was also amazing with any questions and with caring for your needs. and their anesthesiologist made me feel so comfortable and relaxed.”
Johanna L.
Google ReviewWhat Is Breast Reduction Recovery Like?
Breast reduction recovery will vary from patient to patient, but Dr. Kim and his staff will provide extensive instructions and support throughout the process.
Immediately following your breast reduction, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra should be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess fluid or blood that may collect. Before you are released from surgery, you and your family member, friend, or caregiver will be given specific aftercare instructions that may include:
- How to care for the surgical site
- Medications to apply or take orally
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or overall health
- When to follow up with Dr. Kim
Initial healing will include swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treatment areas. Any discomfort should be manageable with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. You will be recommended to wear your surgical bra at all times for the first few weeks to minimize swelling and support your breasts.
You will be instructed to do some light walking as soon as you can to increase blood circulation and induce healing. Follow Dr. Kim’s recovery instructions and call the office if you have any questions or concerns.
When Will I See My Breast Reduction Results?
You will notice an immediate improvement in your breasts’ weight, and back and neck pain should be immediately reduced. Although you will be wearing bandages and a compression garment, you will most likely notice your breasts’ reduced size.
Once swelling and bruising begin to subside, you will be able to see details of your newly reshaped breasts. They will be smaller but more balanced to your body and symmetrical. Your nipple-areolar complex may be repositioned to a more appealing location and may be smaller.
Breast reduction patients have some of the highest satisfaction rates of any group, as this procedure improves both physical comfort and aesthetic beauty.
Have More Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery?
How much is a breast reduction in Denver, CO?
The cost of breast reduction surgery in Denver will vary depending on the severity of concerns, the type of anesthesia used, and the specific surgical plan. Once you have agreed upon a treatment plan, Dr. Kim will be happy to discuss the cost of your procedure.
How can I prepare for a breast reduction?
Before your breast reduction, you may be asked to:
- Get a blood test
- Take or adjust current medications and herbal supplements
- Stop taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory medications as these increase bleeding
Additionally, your consultation will be a crucial step in your breast reduction process. Take this time to ask Dr. Kim any questions you may have, and be sure to voice any concerns. Dr. Kim will ask you to disclose relevant medical information to determine your candidacy at this time best.
Will a breast reduction improve my sagging breasts?
This is a very common question for breast reduction patients, as the substantial weight of the breast tissue can stretch the skin, causing ptosis (sagging). In most cases, breast reduction surgery provides adequate lifting of the breasts, as your surgeon will remove excess skin that contributes to a drooping appearance. If you have severe ptosis, be sure to discuss with Dr. Kim what you can reasonably expect from your results.
What procedures can I combine with a breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is a popular procedure to include in a Mommy Makeover for comprehensive body contouring. Additionally, patients may desire to tone and tighten the abdominal muscles with a tummy tuck along with their breast reduction, especially if aging or past pregnancies are contributing to the appearance of the breasts.
Is a breast reduction permanent?
Breast tissue and skin will be permanently removed during your breast reduction procedure. However, subsequent weight gain, hormone fluctuations, and pregnancies can affect the results of your breast reduction surgery. To maintain your results, it is best to undergo your breast reduction surgery after you are finished having children and to do your best to maintain a steady weight.
Want to Learn More About Breast Reduction Surgery with Dr. Kim?
For more information about breast reduction surgery in Denver, Colorado, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim, call our office today at (303) 741-3131 or complete our online contact form.