Breast Reduction
in scottsdale, AZ
Dr. Jude LaBarbera offers breast reduction surgery for patients in Scottsdale to help them feel more confident and comfortable. Women with large or sagging breasts often face discomfort, self-esteem issues, and various physical and psychological challenges. Excessively large breasts may cause chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and chest, which is why many patients want to reduce them. Luckily, there are safe and effective techniques to achieve this. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. LaBarbera helps women attain their ideal breast shape and feel more satisfied with their appearance.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is Breast Reduction?
Types of Discomfort Caused by Enlarged Breasts
Consultation & Preparation for Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction Procedure
Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
Ideal Candidates for Reduction Mammoplasty
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Cost of Breast Reduction in Scottsdale, AZ
What Makes Our Breast Reduction Different From Others?
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction (or reduction mammaplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin to make the breasts more proportionate with the body and alleviate discomfort. Many patients undergo this operation to give their breasts a more aesthetically pleasing contour and make clothes fit more comfortably. Dr. LaBarbera makes incisions and removes tissue, lifts the breasts into an elevated position, and refines the nipples and areolae. On average, the breast reduction surgery takes 2 to 5 hours to complete, depending on the technique used and the extent of corrections.
Types of Discomfort
Caused by Enlarged Breasts
Although bigger breasts are sometimes seen as advantageous, excessively large sizes can cause significant health problems. Known as macromastia, this condition may result from genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or substantial weight changes. It can cause the following issues:
- chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, chest, and back
- sleep disturbances
- poor posture
- headaches
- shortness of breath
- bra straps digging into the shoulders, creating permanent grooves over time
Consultation & Preparation for Breast Reduction
Patients should schedule a breast reduction consultation with Dr. LaBarbera to start preparing for the operation. During this meeting, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s health, examines the breasts, takes measurements, and discusses the desired results.
He also explains the details of the procedure, including the technique that will be used, the type of incisions, and what to expect during recovery.
Before the operation, patients usually complete the following tasks:
- Take medical tests, such as blood work and imaging
- Receive clearance from primary care physician
- Stop smoking or taking certain medications or supplements a few weeks beforehand
- Make arrangements for transportation and assistance during the initial recovery period
- Take 10-14 days off of work
Breast Reduction Procedure
General Anesthesia
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free. Our trained specialist controls this process and uses the safest and most appropriate medications. The patient’s vital signs are closely monitored during the entire procedure.
Incisions
The surgeon makes incisions to remove excess breast tissue. The anchor incision is the most common – it goes around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease. It is designed for extensive reduction. Another option is to use the lollipop incision, but this technique is very rare. The cut goes around the areola and vertically down without the horizontal part along the crease. It is suitable for moderate corrections.
Removal of Breast Tissue
Dr. LaBarbera uses the scalpel and surgical scissors to remove excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat. He aims to find the best proportions and make the breasts smaller and perkier.
Liposuction (Optional)
In some cases, Dr. LaBarbera uses liposuction to remove excess fat deposits from the armpit or sides of the breast. This helps to reduce fullness and improve contours. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions to suction out the fat.
Breast Lift
The nipples and areolae are repositioned higher on the breast to create a perky, youthful appearance. The stalks are preserved to maintain sensation and blood flow. The surgeon may also reduce the size of the areolae.
Incision Closure
Finally, the incisions are closed with dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures, marking the end of the procedure. Over time, the scars fade significantly and become less visible.
Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
Week 1
In the first week after breast reductions, patients can expect to have drainage tubes to remove fluid and prevent infection. Bandages and a surgical bra should be worn to provide support as the breasts heal. Patients usually experience swelling, bruising, mild pain, and numbness during this time. Rest is important, but some light activity like walking is encouraged.
Week 2
During the second week, drainage tubes are typically removed. Swelling and bruising start improving. The breasts may feel tender and numb as the nerves regenerate. Stitches are absorbed or removed at this time. Patients can return to work after 10-14 days, depending on their occupation. Gentle stretching and increased mobility are encouraged.
Week 3 and Beyond
At week 3, patients often report feeling much better and having less pain and discomfort. Swelling continues to go down, and sensation starts to return to the breasts and nipples. After 4-6 weeks, exercise and normal activities can usually be resumed, but strenuous physical tasks should still be avoided for at least two months. The final results are visible after 6 months when the breasts are completely healed and scars become less visible.
Ideal Candidates for Reduction Mammoplasty
Overly large breasts can lead to various health and emotional issues. Many women with big, pendulous breasts struggle with self-image concerns and often experience physical pain and discomfort. Common traits among breast reduction patients in Scottsdale include:
- Heavy, asymmetrical, or overly large breasts relative to their frame
- Limited physical activity due to breast size
- Shoulder grooves from bra straps
- Skin irritation beneath the breast crease
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by large breasts
- Self-consciousness
Dr. LaBarbera works closely with each candidate for breast reduction
to assess their concerns and determine if surgery is the best option. Non-invasive treatments like support bras, massage, chiropractic care, or physical therapy may help alleviate symptoms of macromastia but are not as effective. It is generally recommended to complete childbearing before the patient decides to undergo breast reduction surgery.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Improved Posture
and Pain Relief
and Pain Relief
The surgery removes excess tissue and skin, helping to lift the breasts and create better proportions for the patient’s frame. This reduction in size and weight often leads to improved posture as the shoulders are no longer strained by the heavy mass of large breasts. Patients frequently report relief from chronic pain in the back, neck, and other regions.
Ability to Exercise and Participate in Sports
Large breasts can make many exercises difficult or uncomfortable. Reducing their size and weight enhances the patient’s ability to work out and participate in athletic activities that may not have been possible before. Exercise and sports become more enjoyable without heavy breasts restricting movement or causing discomfort.
Better Fitting
Clothes
Clothes
Finding properly fitting tops, dresses, and bras may be extremely frustrating and difficult for women with large breasts. After the surgery, patients can fit into clothing they could not wear before. Bras and swimsuits are easier to purchase and look better.
Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence
In addition to physical discomfort, overly large breasts can make some women feel self-conscious about their appearance. The dramatic change in breast size and better body proportions after surgery often improve self-esteem and confidence. Patients report feeling better about their looks and having more freedom. Therefore, breast reduction plastic surgery provides significant psychological benefits.
Cost of Breast Reduction in Scottsdale, AZ
Breast reduction cost in Scottsdale ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. At Jude LaBarbera MD Plastic Surgery, we calculate the price by adding the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, operating room costs, and additional expenses. Other factors include the extent of breast reduction and the technique used. Patients should also consider that post-surgical garments, pain medication, and medical tests may increase the final price.
Our plastic surgery practice offers flexible financing plans to help make breast reduction more affordable. In addition, some women may find that their health insurance covers certain aspects of a medically necessary breast reduction surgery.
What Makes Our Breast Reduction Different From Others?
Our patients receive the best care from an experienced breast surgeon with advanced skills. Dr. Jude LaBarbera is a double-board-certified professional who prioritizes quality and safety in each procedure. As a highly trained doctor, he has extensive experience with traditional breast reduction surgery. Dr. LaBarbera works closely with each patient to create a customized treatment plan and meet their aesthetic goals. With his talents, knowledge, and dedication to quality care, Dr. LaBarbera is always ready to help women transform their lives and feel more comfortable.
