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Making You More Comfortable

Women who are not happy with the size, shape, or weight of their breasts can choose to undergo breast reduction surgery to achieve a more desirable chest appearance. With breast reduction surgery, women can take back control of their lives by changing their body’s appearance and gaining more self-confidence. If you are considering breast reduction surgery in Northern Virginia, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghaznavi at our Reston office today.

Why Women Consider Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a cosmetic surgery for women with large breasts who are uncomfortable in clothing or when participating in activities. It may also help reduce neck, shoulder, and back pain. Breast reduction surgery is meant to reduce the size of your breasts. It can also raise and tighten the nipples and provide a perkier appearance.

Breast reduction surgery is often considered by women whose bra cup size is D-cup or larger. Large breasts may cause physical discomfort because they’re too large for your body frame. Even if your breasts are large and uncomfortable, women should wait until they’ve had all of their children because breast reduction surgery can interfere with the mammary glands and the ability to breastfeed.

Common Reasons for Breast Reduction Surgery include:

  • Breasts are causing you physical pain, especially in your back
  • Breasts are causing skin irritation
  • Breasts are causing bra strap grooves
  • Breasts are too large for your body frame
  • Suffered significant trauma to breasts
  • Breasts prevent you from engaging in physical activity
  • Breasts that make you feel unhappy with your appearance

Incisions for a Breast Reduction

Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Typical Recovery for a Breast Reduction

Requirements for a Breast Reduction

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to make them smaller and more proportionate to the body. The surgery is typically performed on women with large breasts who experience physical and emotional discomfort because of their size.

The surgery is done under general anesthesia. An incision is made in each breast near the natural crease of the armpit. The nipple and areola may need to be repositioned after the skin has been removed. Fat, glandular tissue, and skin are then reduced or redistributed into a more desirable position.

The remaining breast tissue is reshaped to fit the new size and location of the breast. In some cases, a woman may need this surgery if she has had a previous breast cancer treatment that has damaged her skin or other tissues around her nipple area.

The surgery can be performed using several different techniques. The most common types of incisions include a lollipop-shaped or anchor-shaped incision around the areola. All techniques involve removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat. In some cases, the nipples and areolas may also be reduced in size. For very large breasts, a free nipple graft may be used to transplant the nipple and areola. The surgery usually takes two to four hours to complete, and patients typically require one or two nights in the hospital.

Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery

In addition to understanding expectations and asking questions, it is important that patients know how to prepare for surgery. At AMG Plastic Surgery in Reston, VA, our team will make sure you understand the steps to take prior to your procedure, which may include:

  • Stop taking certain medications
  • Get a baseline mammogram, if necessary
  • Stop smoking for a significant length of time
  • Follow all day-of instructions

You will also want to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your procedure. It is helpful to have someone stay overnight with you after your procedure to assist you with post-operative care.

Results of Breast Reduction

Most people are happy with the results of breast reduction surgery. Patients can see results immediately, though it will take time for the swelling to subside. The breasts are smaller and more proportional to the body, and many women find that they experience relief from physical symptoms they may have had as a result of large breasts, such as back and neck pain. In some cases, it can even help improve a woman’s self-confidence and body image.

Medically Necessary Breast Reduction

Many insurance companies now consider breast reduction surgery medically necessary, and it is typically covered under most health insurance policies. To be eligible for the surgery, a woman must have physical symptoms from her large breasts. Please check with your insurance provider to see if this procedure would be covered for you.

Recovery from Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is generally considered to be safe, but like any major surgery, it does carry some risks. The most common risk is bleeding during the initial healing process. However, once the woman is healed, she will require regular checkups with her doctor to monitor for complications that may arise later on.

The postoperative period following surgery is important for the patient. During this time, the patient will begin to heal and recover from the surgery. There are a few things that patients can do to help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery:

  • Follow the post-operative instructions given by the surgeon. These instructions will tell the patient what to do and what not to do to ensure a healthy recovery.
  • Get plenty of rest and take things easy during this time.
  • Wear compression garments as directed by the surgeon.
  • Avoid heavy lifting for at least six weeks following the surgery. Patients should also avoid contact sports during this time.

Can Breast Reduction be Combined with Other Procedures?

Breast reduction surgery can often be combined with other surgical procedures. Common surgeries that are performed at the same time as breast reduction include a tummy tuck and liposuction of the legs or thighs to help sculpt the body. Sometimes, liposuction of the breasts is also used during reduction surgery.

Combining surgeries can help to achieve a more comprehensive result and can often be more convenient for the patient. However, it’s important to discuss all of your surgical options with Dr. Ghaznavi to determine the best plan for your individual needs and goals.

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Meet Dr. AMIR GHAZNAVI

Dr. Amir Mahan Ghaznavi is a dual board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Northern Virginia and the founder of AMG Plastic Surgery. Dr. Ghaznavi chose plastic surgery to fuse his passion for aesthetics in art with the practice of functional surgery. Dr. Ghaznavi believes these two aspects go hand-in-hand in creating a holistic approach to surgery. His “E3 philosophy” of Empathy, Expertise, and Education permeates his practice. He lives to empathize with his patients needs, while demonstrating expertise in surgical skill and educating his patients to make the most informed decisions about their medical care.

Meet Dr. Ghaznavi

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction

Most patients experience some discomfort and soreness after the surgery, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. The pain typically subsides within a few days to a week.

Breast reduction surgery can interfere with the mammary glands and the ability to breastfeed. If you plan to have children and breastfeed in the future, discuss this with Dr. Ghaznavi during your consultation.

Initial recovery usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks, but full recovery can take several months. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least six weeks.

Ideal candidates are women with large breasts that cause physical discomfort (such as back, neck, or shoulder pain), skin irritation, or emotional distress. Good candidates should also be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the results.

The surgery typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and extent of the reduction needed.

While Dr. Ghaznavi makes every effort to minimize scarring, some visible scars are inevitable. Scars typically fade over time and are often placed in less noticeable areas, such as around the areola and in the breast crease.

Yes, many women experience significant relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain after breast reduction surgery. The procedure reduces the weight and size of the breasts, alleviating the strain on these areas.

While the surgery provides long-lasting results, your breasts can still change due to factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and pregnancy.

You will notice an immediate change in the size and shape of your breasts post-surgery, but the final results will become more apparent as swelling subsides over several weeks to months.

Many insurance companies consider breast reduction surgery medically necessary if you experience physical symptoms due to large breasts. Check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify for coverage.

As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and asymmetry. Dr. Ghaznavi will discuss these risks with you during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed.

If you’re considering breast reduction surgery to improve your comfort and appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghaznavi at AMG Plastic Surgery in Reston, Northern Virginia. Dr. Ghaznavi will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your aesthetic and health goals. Take the first step towards achieving a more comfortable and confident you by booking your appointment today.

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