Breast Reduction Surgery - Tucson, AZ

Breast Reduction Surgery in Tucson, AZ

It is incredibly frustrating when a part of your body is causing injury and stress on the rest of it. 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.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction in Tucson, AZ?

After your breast reduction surgery in Tucson, AZ, you can enjoy:

Having a more manageable breast size

Being able to improve your posture without a heavy weight on your chest

No longer experiencing pain from heavy breasts

Finding clothes, bras, and swimsuits that fit your chest better

Feeling confident in the appearance of your breasts

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

You may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery if you:

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

What Are My Breast Reduction Options?

Incisions
Nipple-Areola Correction

Incision Placement

The size of your breasts determines your incision placement. Women with significantly larger breasts may find that they require more extensive incisions to achieve the results they desire. During your consultation, Dr. Nelson will advise you on which incision best suits 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. Preserving the nipple-areola complex blood supply helps ensure a healthy and natural-looking breast.

How Is Breast Reduction Performed?

You’ll have a chance to review your treatment plan again with Dr. Nelson on the day of your procedure before the surgery begins. Your breast reduction will be performed under anesthesia so that you won’t feel pain during the procedure. After anesthesia is administered, Dr. Nelson will create incisions on the breasts (anchor, periareolar, or vertical short scar, depending on which one you’ve selected). Next, Dr. Nelson will remove excess breast tissue and reposition the remaining tissue. The nipple and areola may be repositioned at this time as well. Once the breasts have been sufficiently adjusted, the incisions will be closed.

What Is Breast Reduction Recovery Like?

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 job's physical demands. Most resume their regular exercise routines after four or six weeks. Most major swelling should subside within six weeks.

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, which is why it is highly recommended to maintain a stable weight to extend the longevity of your results.

Why Choose Dr. Jeffrey Nelson for Your Breast Reduction?

Choosing to get a breast reduction is a very personal decision that can cause great relief both physically and emotionally. Dr. Nelson understands this is a big decision for many women, and he wants to help his patients feel comfortable and confident in their skin. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Nelson has the expertise to help you safely reach your breast reduction goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 in 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.

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.

Can you breastfeed after a breast reduction?

It is possible to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery. However, the procedure may affect if you’re able to produce milk. Additionally, if you do breastfeed after breast reduction, there is a chance that your breasts will sag, which may necessitate a breast lift to correct.

Can you drink alcohol after a breast reduction?

You should avoid drinking alcohol after breast reduction surgery, as it can hinder the healing process and is dangerous to mix with pain relief medications. It is typically recommended to avoid drinking alcohol for at least two weeks after your breast reduction and once you are off your prescription pain medications.

Will insurance cover breast reduction?

Breast reduction is usually eligible for insurance coverage as long as the procedure is deemed medically necessary by the insurance company. To get insurance coverage, you typically have to prove to your insurance provider that the weight of your breasts is causing you physical pain.

How much does it cost to get a breast reduction in Tucson, AZ?

Your breast reduction cost in Tucson, AZ, will depend on your surgeon’s expertise, anesthesia fees, surgical facility costs, compression bras for recovery, and pain relief medications post-surgery. Some women need to get medical tests prior to their breast reduction procedure, so you may have to factor these costs in as well.