Breast Reduction San Francisco
Medically referred to as reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed for women whose breast size has become particularly problematic and / or inhibitive to their lifestyle. Large breasts, while desired by many, can actually present some women with troublesome challenges and even pain.
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Our breast reduction surgery in San Francisco offers women the opportunity to safely have their breast size reduced in a way that will yield immediate results. When a woman's breasts are too large for her proportions, she may experience pain not only in this area but in her neck and back as well.
Oversized breasts can lead to difficulty in finding clothing and can even make a woman appear much heavier than she actually is. As such, it is not uncommon for women suffering in this way to seek surgical options to alleviate the problem. The process itself involves removing excess fat from the breasts, as well as taking out extra glandular tissues and skin in order to effectively minimize the size of the breasts and make them proportional with the rest of a woman's body. In doing so, pain is systematically alleviated and discomfort is diminished. No longer will these women be made to suffer the embarrassment, pain and/or inhibitions that they may have once felt on a daily basis.
Along with a more balanced appearance, at our practice in San Francisco breast reductions often bring significant physical and emotional relief. Women who have struggled with discomfort, posture issues, or limitations in physical activity often find that reducing breast size dramatically improves their quality of life.
This is an elective surgery, and the decision to proceed should be made by you and you alone. Our breast reduction is not meant to fulfill the wishes of another. Good candidates for breast reduction surgery are women in good health who feel that the size of their breasts is interfering with daily life or causing discomfort. This procedure is especially great for those experiencing chronic pain, skin irritations, or limitations in exercise due to large, heavy breasts.
Candidates should be non-smokers, have realistic expectations, and ideally maintain a stable weight. During your consultation, your surgeon will help determine if breast reduction is right for you based on your symptoms, anatomy, and goals.
You may be asked to undergo lab testing or a baseline mammogram before surgery. You should stop smoking at least four weeks prior, avoid certain medications that can increase bleeding, and arrange for a trusted friend or family member to help during the first few days of recovery. By following these guidelines, patients set the foundation for a smooth procedure and healing process.
There are a number of different techniques that can be utilized to complete the process, and finding the method of approach that is right for you will be one of the first things discussed with your surgeon. Depending on the current size and shape of your breasts, one reduction technique may be better than the other and we will spend as much time discussing your options with you as is necessary to ensure that you feel informed and comfortable with your decision.
For many of our female patients, knowing what the steps of the surgery entail provides comfort to those considering the process. We will gladly discuss the details of the procedures with you at length, and we have also provided some general information below that can be reviewed prior to meeting with a surgeon from our office. As mentioned above, breast reduction surgery involves removing excessive fat, skin and glandular tissue from a woman's breast.
This is most often accomplished by making incisions on the breast and then surgically making the removals. It is sometimes possible to use liposuction in addition to the excisions that will be made. Generally, you can expect the following:
Breast reduction recovery typically requires around two weeks of downtime, though some patients may return to light activities sooner. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common and can be managed with prescribed medications. You’ll need to wear a snug surgical bra to help reduce swelling and protect the area while you’re healing.
Avoid intensive activities and heavy lifting for four to six weeks, but taking light walks is encouraged to promote circulation. As healing progresses, incision lines will fade, and your breasts will settle into their new place, revealing lasting results that improve both comfort and confidence.
You will immediately be able to see the results of your breast reduction in San Francisco. At first, you will experience pain, bruising and swelling, but these symptoms will go down over time and completely diminish in the weeks and months following your surgery. Incision line scars will fade as well, leaving you with a satisfactory new breast size and image.
It is essential that you seek out a qualified and experienced San Francisco cosmetic surgeon if you are considering this procedure.
At Pacific Plastic Surgery Group, we understand that breast reduction allows patients to reclaim their comfort and quality of life. Our board-certified surgeons bring extensive experience in performing breast reduction procedures that prioritize both health and beautiful results. We focus on offering compassionate guidance all the way from your initial consultation through your last post-op appointment. By combining advanced surgical techniques with a dedication to safety and artistry, our team helps women throughout San Francisco achieve relief from physical discomfort and enjoy renewed confidence in their bodies.
The complexity of the surgery, the amount of tissue removed, and whether it is combined with other treatments all contribute to the cost of breast reduction surgery. In some cases, health insurance may cover your breast reduction procedure if it is considered medically necessary due to chronic pain or other health concerns. During your consultation, our team will provide a detailed estimate and review your options for insurance coverage or financing to make the procedure more accessible.
In many cases, yes. If breast reduction is considered medically necessary to relieve chronic pain or other symptoms, insurance may cover all or part of the procedure. Our team can help with the documentation required for insurance approval.
Some women may still be able to breastfeed after breast reduction, depending on the surgical technique and how much tissue is removed. However, there is a possibility that breastfeeding ability may be reduced. This will be discussed in detail during your first appointment.
The surgery typically takes an average of three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional contouring is performed.
Most people can return to desk work or light activities within one to two weeks, but full recovery—including exercise and heavy lifting—may take four to six weeks. Swelling will continue to improve over several months, revealing the final results.
