Breast Reduction

Understanding Breast Reduction Procedure

Over the years, many people have come to associate breast surgery with the desire to have larger, fuller breasts, usually through the insertion of breast implants. Many patients, however, turn to Chelmsford plastic surgeon Dina A. Eliopoulos with precisely the opposite request: for a number of reasons, most highly personal, they wish to have smaller breasts.

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Please view Dr. Eliopoulos’ breast reduction before and after results. These are actual patients.

Breast Reduction Boston

Although some women want to have smaller breasts for cosmetic reasons, breast reduction surgery is often performed to alleviate medical problems. Regardless of a woman’s reasons for undergoing the procedure, at our plastic surgery practice that serves Chelmsford and Boston breast reduction is always performed in such a way that patients emerge looking and feeling incredible.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Chances are that if you are wondering whether you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery, you probably are. Most people who are in good general health and aware of the risks associated with any surgical procedure are good candidates for breast reduction. Perhaps most importantly, patients who wish to undergo breast reduction are doing so for their own reasons and not due to any outside pressure. They should be in good mental health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. During their initial consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos, patients will be advised of their options and thoroughly screened to ensure that breast reduction is the best course of treatment for them.

You may be an ideal candidate for breast reduction if any, several, or all of the following criteria apply to you:

  • Your breasts are disproportionately large compared to your body frame
  • You have difficulty finding clothes that fit properly due to the size of your breasts
  • You draw unwanted attention due to the size of your breasts
  • You experience physical pain, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, due to the weight of your breasts
  • You are unable to participate in certain physical activities, such as certain exercises and types of sports, because your breasts get in the way
  • The size of your breasts is affecting your posture or the way you walk
  • You suffer from bra strap indentations in your shoulder because your breasts are too heavy
  • You suffer from feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, or even anxiety because your breasts are disproportionately large

What to Expect

Dr. Dina Eliopoulos has nearly 2 decades of experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon, with a reputation for dedication, surgical excellence, and professionalism. The purpose of her consultation is not to “convince you” to undergo a procedure, but to learn about your goals and educate you on your surgical options.

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Massachusetts Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos

It should be noted that breast reduction is not exclusively performed on female patients. Males who suffer from a condition called gynecomastia, marked by the development of enlarged breasts, can also benefit greatly from male breast reduction surgery.

Our Boston breast reduction patients turn to Dr. Eliopoulos because of her experience, surgical skill, and eye for aesthetic detail. She is known by her peers and patients alike as an outstanding plastic surgeon who produces consistently excellent results.

If you are dissatisfied with your appearance or are suffering from physical ailments due to the size of your breasts, breast reduction surgery may be the ideal solution for you. To learn more about breast reduction at our Chelmsford plastic surgery practice, please contact Dr. Dina A. Eliopoulos.

Medical Reasons for Getting Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is sometimes performed to address serious aches and pains that are the result of breasts that are too large. In such cases, the excessive weight of the breasts themselves lead to issues with the lower back, and can even cause pain to the shoulder and neck area. These issues in conjunction with the aesthetic matters are often compelling reasons to consider breast reduction surgery.

"Deciding to have a breast reduction was a bit difficult for me but it turned out to be the best decision. The results of it have improved my quality of life. My experience under Dr. Eliopoulos' care was beyond exceptional. She makes you feel immediately comfortable. She addresses every question and concern. Dr. Eliopoulos and her amazing staff treated me with care and respect. They walk you through the entire preparation process with ease. I would recommend them highly." TR, Age: 49, Home Health

Breast Reduction Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

When the size of the breasts causes pain, discomfort, or insecurity, breast reduction may help. Breast reduction surgery can create smaller, firmer breasts, improving appearance and confidence. As with any surgery, breast reduction requires some time for recovery. During private consultations, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos provides each patient with a personalized breast reduction recovery timeline. Contact Dr. Eliopoulos' Chelmsford, MA practice to get more details on breast reduction recovery and find out what to expect after surgery.

Recovery after Breast Reduction

Every patient's recovery experience is unique and will vary based on personal healing times, current health, lifestyle factors, and how well pre- and post-surgical instructions were followed. With that said, the following is a general timeline similar to what most patients will experience after breast reduction surgery.

The First Few Days after Surgery

Breast reduction surgery may be performed on an outpatient basis or may require an overnight hospital stay. Whether a patient goes home the day of surgery or stays overnight, patients can expect to feel some pain, discomfort, bruising, and swelling during the first few days of recovery due to manipulation of the breast tissues and incisions.

But actually, patients are often pleasantly surprised that this discomfort is very tolerable, and much less than they anticipated. Pain medication will be prescribed to help manage discomfort during recovery. The amazing thing is that even though you will have some swelling immediately after surgery, you will already sense remarkable changes in the size and shape of the breast, and this will continue to improve as you heal over the next several weeks.

Drainage tubes may be placed to help remove excess fluid and reduce swelling. If drainage tubes are placed, they are generally removed after a few days to one week. You will wear this surgical bra as much as possible, which will give you good support and comfort, and will help with swelling. You will have a bit of gauze tucked into the bra for comfort as well. You will have a special surgical tape over your incisions, which will stay in place until about 2 weeks postoperatively.

The First Two Weeks after Surgery

Patients should expect to take a full week off of work after surgery and may require more time depending on personal healing times. Most people are recovered enough to return to their normal routines after one to two weeks, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about four weeks. Your surgical tapes will come off two to three weeks after surgery, and your stitches are dissolvable beneath the skin, so there is no need for removal. Patients are advised to continue wearing a surgical bra for four weeks after surgery.

Pain, bruising, and swelling may persist for a couple of weeks after surgery. However, these side effects should subside as the body heals. If pain or swelling becomes worse and is accompanied by redness, it may be a sign of infection or other complication and should be brought to your physician's attention immediately.

Breast Reduction Before & After Photos

See Dr. Eliopoulos' breast reduction before and after results. It is important to look at before and after images to get an idea of what can be achieved with a surgery and to help guide the process with the doctor.

View Before & After Gallery

Breast Reduction Boston

Will insurance cover my breast reduction surgery?

In certain circumstances, medical insurance will cover the cost of a breast reduction surgery, though certain criteria must be met for patients to qualify. Patients will often need to have their general practitioner cite the size of the breasts as a cause for pain. A plastic surgeon will then need to define a treatment plan and note how much breast tissue will be removed to help alleviate this pain.

Getting the Necessary Paperwork In Order

Insurance policies and providers all vary with regard to breast reduction surgery. It is of the utmost importance that you contact your insurance provider directly to find out what the requirements are for coverage. You will also be able to ask questions about care as needed.

By getting all of the necessary paperwork done ahead of time and knowing what requirements need to be fulfilled, you will be able to increase your chances for getting your coverage approved.

How Our Team Will Help You In This Process

During your consultation with our team, we will be sure to go over all of your options for care and to provide any paperwork or documentation that you need to increase the likelihood of insurance coverage for your breast reduction. We know that these can be stressful situations, so we want to make sure that your time with us is as relatively stress-free as possible.

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like more information about breast reduction, including what to expect during recovery, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Dina Eliopoulos today

(978) 275-9440

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