Breast Reduction in Overland Park

Kansas City Plastic Surgeon serving Overland Park, Leawood & Nearby Areas of Kansas & Missouri

Whether you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts or you regularly experience neck, back, and shoulder pain, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Levi Young offers multiple options to help you look good and feel good. Women who are dissatisfied with large breasts opt for breast reduction surgery.

Learn about the aesthetic and lifestyle benefits of breast reduction by calling 913-341-2188 today. Schedule Your initial consultation.

What Should I Expect from the Consultation?

The first step in having this surgery, of course, is the initial consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss your condition as well as any other medical conditions and medicines that might affect the surgery. We will discuss what size you would ideally like to be and make a determination of how much breast tissue will need to be removed. If you have not had a baseline mammogram, you should do so if you are older than 35 years of age.

How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

There are several techniques available for breast reduction. The method used depends upon the size of your breasts and the amount of reduction to be performed. The surgery is performed with you under general anesthesia. You will go home the same day.

For large reductions, we usually use a technique that leaves a scar around the areola, then down to the breast crease and extends horizontally in the breast crease. This technique allows the removal of a large amount of breast tissue and skin safely. The breast will be firmer with a nice shape and the nipples in a more youthful position. The nipples are left attached to the breast tissue beneath them and most patients do not lose sensation. The size of the areolas can also be reduced. The ability to breastfeed is also usually preserved.

Smaller reductions can be performed without the horizontal incision beneath the breast. The only scars are around the areola and the vertical scar down to the breast crease.

The majority of patients have no complications. The most common is delayed healing of an incision and this rarely occurs unless a patient smokes. It is very important to not smoke at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery.

 

What Can I Do to Prepare for Surgery?

  • Do not smoke for two weeks before and after your surgery
  • Avoid medications that can cause bleeding (aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Nuprin, etc) for about 10 days before the surgery.
  • Arrange for help or special care following surgery.

Recovery

Day of Surgery

After surgery, you will spend approximately 1 hour in the recovery room. Bring a pillow to place between you and the seat belt for comfort. A friend or family member will need to drive you home. A surgical bra will be in place Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated to decrease swelling. Ice packs 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off may be helpful. Keep a cloth between you and the ice pack. You may notice drainage on your garment.

Day 1 After Surgery

Housework such as laundry and vacuuming is restricted for 2 weeks. No lifting over 10 lbs (which is approximately a gallon of milk). Take pain medication and stool softeners as needed for the next 2-3 days.

Day 2-7 After Surgery

Shower on day 2. Leave sterile strips on. It is very important to keep the incision clean and dry. A zip-up sports bra may be worn while laundering surgical bra. A bra is worn 24/7 for the next 4 weeks. Drainage may be noticed at the “T junction” of the incision for a couple of days. Pain and swelling can be more on one side than the other. You will need to make a 1 week follow-up appointment. Most people resume work after 5-7 days.

After 1st Week

Pain and swelling continue to improve. Cardio exercise may resume without arm involvement. Do not wear an underwire bra.

After 1 Month

After this visit, you will have no restrictions after 6 weeks.

A great review for Kansas City plastic surgeon Dr. Levi Young

Infographic: Benefits of Breast Reduction

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

If you are emotionally or physically uncomfortable with your overly large breasts, you may be the ideal breast reduction candidate. The procedure is used to bring the bust into complementary alignment with surrounding features and is best for women who are:

  • Nonsmokers
  • In generally good health
  • Prepared for a surgical procedure
  • Able to take time to recover
  • Willing to follow all of the instructions provided by our office

Do you suspect you are a good candidate for breast reduction? Call us to schedule an appointment and find out.

How Small Can You Go With a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is used to create contours that look and feel more natural. To accomplish this, the size of the breasts can be reduced as much as you’d like during the procedure, providing enough of the breast mound is left in place to ensure natural-looking results.

Will the Scaring Be Noticeable?

Scarring is inevitable following breast reduction surgery. Depending on where your incisions were placed, some scars may be hidden in the dark skin of the areola or along the crease where the breast and chest meet. Scars on the breast mound will fade with time, but may always be slightly noticeable.

You can reduce the risk of highly visible scars by keeping your incisions clean and dry, wearing your compression garment, avoiding blood thinners, and following all of our post-operative care instructions.

Is Breast Reduction Painful?

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will not feel anything during your procedure.

During the first few weeks of recovery, your breasts may be tender, sore, swollen, and bruised. These things can be handled through medication use, wearing a compression garment, taking time to rest, and keeping incisions clean and dry.

Pain following breast surgery is temporary and should not be extreme.

Can I Combine a Breast Reduction With Other Procedures?

Breast reduction is commonly combined with various contouring and lift techniques following significant weight loss or during the mommy makeover procedure. Possible combinations include liposuction, tummy tuck, and lower body lift.

During your initial consultation, we will carefully assess your areas of concern, discuss all possible treatment options, and guide you toward the most effective solutions for your body.

How Can I Maintain My Results for the Future?

Breast reduction surgery permanently removes fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. There is nothing that will need to be done to maintain your results following your procedure.

General breast health can be maintained through proper support (bras, etc.) and leading a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a consistent weight and getting plenty of exercise can help to guard against fluctuations in breast size. Just be sure to support the breasts when engaging in physically demanding activities.