Overly large breasts are an aesthetic concern, cause physical discomfort by placing a heavy weight on the chest wall, and restrict regular activities. The condition affects a woman’s physical and emotional well-being and lifestyle. Many women are choosing to have breast reduction liposuction in New York City to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing breast contour. Also known as reduction mammaplasty, the procedure involves removing unwanted fat, glandular tissue, and skin to create smaller, firmer breasts that are more proportionate with the rest of the body.
According to the latest annual report of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), cosmetic breast reduction procedures increased by 6% in 2019. Despite its growing popularity, many prospective patients don’t know much about the procedure. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about this cosmetic surgery procedure:
What is breast reduction liposuction?
Breast reduction liposuction, removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to result in a breast size that is in proportion with your body. Breast reduction surgery addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns and positively impacts a woman’s quality of life. It has been consistently reported as one of the cosmetic surgery procedures with the highest patient satisfaction. Leading NYC plastic surgery practices offer minimally-invasive breast reduction liposuction using the Smartlipo Triplex laser-assisted workstation.
What concerns does breast reduction liposuction resolve?
Breast liposuction can help women with the following concerns:
- Breasts are too large
- Breasts that are not equal in size, with one significantly larger than the other
- Struggle to find clothes that fit well
- Bra straps dig into the shoulder
- Look overweight due to having large breasts
- Rashes under the breasts
- Find sports, household activities, or work physically challenging due to heavy breasts
- Postural issues, such as rounding of the upper back
- Difficulty sleeping
- Breathing issues, especially when lying on the back
- Pain in the neck, back, or shoulders
Does the procedure affect the breastfeeding ability?
With laser liposuction alone, the ability to breastfeed will not be affected as there is minimal interference with areola and there is no change in nipple positioning. Some patients experience temporary loss of nipple sensation.
How is the procedure performed?
The FDA-approved Smartlipo workstation combines three unique laser wavelengths – 1064 nm, 1320 nm, and 1440 nm – which can be used individually or blended for safe and effective removal of excess fat and skin tightening. Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure involves making tiny incisions to remove the fatty tissues, tighten the skin, reshape the breasts, and reduce sagging. It can also address minor breast asymmetry.
What type of anesthesia is used for this treatment?
Traditional breast reduction liposuction surgery is usually performed using general anesthesia and involves hospital stay. However, minimally-invasive laser lipolysis requires only local anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. With Smartlipo breast reduction liposuction in Manhattan, patients can typically go home the same day as the surgery.
Is it necessary to get a mammogram before breast reduction?
Breast reduction patients undergo routine preoperative tests and a mammogram is the only important additional test that is suggested only for women age 40 and over and those 30 to 40 with a significant personal or family history of breast disease.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Cancer Society don’t recommend a mammogram until a woman turns 40. A University of Michigan study reported that thousands of younger women are receiving a mammogram before reduction mammaplasty, which is a matter of concern as the best guidelines recommend avoiding routine mammograms before elective breast surgery unless a specific concern exists. Patients should have a candid conversation with their surgeons as to whether they actually need screening mammography or not.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
Breast reduction liposuction results in shapely, proportionate breasts. It can address breathing problems, shoulder aches, and back and neck pain. Having the procedure can improve also body posture. Smartlipo liposuction in NYC helps women achieve their aesthetic goals without the surgical scarring involved in traditional breast reduction surgery. The benefits of laser liposuction include:
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure
- Minimal scarring and bruising
- Minimal discomfort and pain
- Quicker recovery
How do I know if I am a good candidate for breast reduction?
If you are experiencing physical and aesthetic problems due to overly large breasts, breast reduction can help. To be a good candidate for this procedure you must be over 21 years of age and have fully developed breasts. Candidates also need to meet the following criteria:
- Have a significant amount of fatty tissue that needs to be addressed
- Have excellent skin elasticity
- Do not smoke
- Are physically and emotionally healthy
- Have realistic expectations
The procedure is not suitable for those who are:
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, intend to breastfeed, or recently stopped breastfeeding
- Are severely obese
- Have an abnormal mammogram or an undiagnosed breast condition
- Have a history of poor wound healing or a clotting disorder
- Smoke
- Have a severe illness or infection
What does recovery involve and how long will it take?
Depending on the amount of fat removed and the overall length of the procedure, the recovery time after breast reduction surgery of every patient will vary. Proper planning well ahead for the post-operative period and following the plastic surgeon’s post-op care instructions is important for smooth recovery. It is crucial to keep your follow-up appointments and inform your surgeon if you notice any unusual changes in the treated area during the healing process.
If you are considering breast reduction liposuction in Manhattan, choose a reliable AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery facility that provides service of well-trained plastic surgeons who are experts in the procedure. You can expect end-to-end care and support all through the treatment, right from the initial consultation up to full recovery.
