Breast Reduction
If you are considering breast reduction in Chicago, you will be happy to know that Dr. Robert Walton has many years’ experience in breast procedures, including breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lift, and microsurgery for breast reconstruction. Many consider him the preeminent breast surgeon in the state.
Breast reduction is a fairly common procedure; with approximately 100,000 breast reductions performed each year in the US. You may also hear breast reduction referred to as a mammaplasty. It is considered a safe procedure that results in more youthful, comfortably smaller breasts.
Who is a good candidate for Chicago breast reduction?
In general, any woman who is physically and emotionally healthy and who has realistic expectations is a good candidate for breast reduction. If your breasts seem too large for your body size, if the weight of them creates aching shoulders, back and neck, and/or result in painful bra-strap indentations in your shoulders, breast reduction may be the right choice for you.
If you have a family history of breast cancer or are over the age of 35, Dr. Walton requests that you obtain a mammogram before your procedure to insure that there are no pre-existing breast problems. Naturally, any abnormalities detected on the mammogram must be addressed before the procedure.
How is breast reduction performed?
Breast reduction procedures are performed under general anesthesia at St. Joseph Hospital on Commonwealth Avenue in St. Joseph’s JCAHO-accredited surgery suite by highly trained and experienced board-certified anesthesiologists. Although each woman is unique, breast reduction procedures generally take about 2-3 hours and are performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to bring a friend or family member with you to drive you home following your procedure.
Once the anesthesia has been induced, an incision is placed around the areola and down the breast to the fold under the breast. The shape of the incision will be determined by your breast size and your particular inclinations. Common shapes include the “lollipop,” “anchor” or “inverted-T” incisions. The excess breast tissue is carefully removed to create a natural, even appearance, after which the nipple and areola are repositioned. The excess skin is removed and the breasts are lifted to create a “perkier,” more youthful appearance.
You will leave the operating suite with a compressive breast garment, which is worn 24 hours a day until instructed otherwise by Dr. Walton at your postoperative visit in his Chicago plastic surgery office. He may also place a small drain in each breast, which is usually removed the day after surgery.
In some cases, liposuction can be used as an adjunct to the breast reduction procedure to smooth fullness and irregularities of the chest wall following breast shaping. This will be discussed in advance at your consultation appointment with Dr. Walton in his Chicago plastic surgery office.
Recovery from breast reduction in Chicago
During the immediate postoperative period of about a week, you will benefit from ice packs and prescribed analgesics for discomfort. Don’t worry if the breasts seem larger than you desired, as there may be some swelling, which will disappear in about 30 days. Please be aware that some patients have long-term lack of nipple sensation, though most find sensation returning in about 1-3 months.
You’ll feel back to normal in about a week and the incisions will be fully healed in approximately six weeks.
Dr. Walton’s patients are delighted with the results of their breast reduction procedures, finding that, at last, they no longer experience neck, shoulder, and back discomfort from their large breasts. They find that clothes shopping is a much more pleasurable experience as well!
Next steps
The next step to achieving your cosmetic goal for breast reduction is to call our office for a consultation. This one-on-one time allows you to investigate all the available options for breast reduction and to get to know Dr. Walton. You will never feel pressured to choose surgery, and we recommend that you bring a family member or trusted friend with you to be sure you ask all the questions you wish. Your consultation fee is applied to any surgery plan.
For an appointment, please call Chicago Plastic Surgery, LLC office at 312-337-7795, or contact Dr. Walton by filling out our online form. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your breast reduction transformation here in Chicago.