Breast Reduction Surgery in Tucson, AZ

Heavy breasts are the source of much pain and discomfort for many women. If your breasts are disproportionately sized for your frame, the added weight of large breasts can negatively impact your quality of life. Cumbersome breasts prevent many women from engaging in physical activities they enjoy, and overly large breasts can also negatively affect a woman’s confidence. Breast reduction surgery eliminates excess breast tissue to improve the size and shape of the breasts for a more proportioned bustline.

Do you have any of the breast conditions?

Have breasts that are too large compared to the rest of your body

Feel that your large breasts cause back, neck, and shoulder pain

Get deep grooves in your shoulders caused by support bras

Experience discomfort during exercise and other physical activities because of your breast size

Incisions

Your incision placement is determined by the size of your breasts. Women with significantly larger breasts may find that they require more extensive incisions to achieve the results they desire. Dr. Nelson will advise you during your consultation on which incision is best suited for your needs. Your incision options may include:

Anchor - the incision runs around the areola, down the breast tissue, and along the inframammary crease
Periareolar - the incision runs along the colored border of the areola
Vertical Short Scar - this scar goes around the newly shaped areola and has a tail down toward the base of the breast, so it looks like a "lollipop"

Nipple-Areola Correction

Women with larger breasts may find that the size or position of their nipple-areola complex doesn’t complement the appearance of their breasts. To improve the look of your breasts and to create naturally beautiful results, Dr. Nelson can correct the aesthetics of the nipple-areola complexes. Enlarged areolas can be reshaped and reduced to a smaller, more balanced size. In most modern breast reductions, the nipple-areola complex stays attached to pedicle tissue and is repositioned on the breast. The technique of preserving the nipple-areola complex blood supply helps ensure a healthy and natural-looking breast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recovery period following breast reduction surgery?

You will experience swelling and bruising following your breast reduction and should rest for several days. Most patients can return to work within two to three weeks depending on the physical demands of the job. Most resume their regular exercise routines after four or six weeks. Most major swelling should subside within six weeks.

What possible complications are associated with breast reduction surgery?

As with all surgeries, there is some risk of infection and hematoma. You may experience numbness of the breasts, but this is typically temporary. Breast sensitivity is common following numbness, but this will subside.

How should I prepare for my surgery?

It is important that you stop smoking for at least six weeks prior to your surgery. You shouldn’t take aspirin or other blood thinners for at least 10 days before your surgery. It’s also important that you stay hydrated before and after surgery.

How long will my breast reduction results last?

Breast reduction surgery is designed to provide a long-term improvement in your breasts. You may find that after your initial recovery, your breasts will continue to change for about nine months to a year. Weight loss or gains can affect the size and shape of your breasts over time.

Will I develop visible scarring?

Scars take 12 to 18 months to fully mature and stop changing. We suggest that patients start treatments to minimize the appearance of scars three or four weeks after surgery. This helps scarring fade over time.