Large breasts are often associated with the ideal female figure. But in many cases, bigger is not always better. Michigan Plastic Surgery™  offers effective surgical breast reduction procedures to restore patients’ quality of life and confidence in their bodies.

What is a Breast Reduction?

Women with naturally large breasts often live with a great deal of physical discomfort. Large breasts with excess breast tissue can become heavy and restrictive, causing shoulder and back pain, and even poor posture because of hunched shoulders. Skin irritation under large breasts can occur and deep indentations are often left by bra straps due to the weight of the breasts. Breast reduction surgery can be used to correct these problems, relieve pain, and improve the overall size, shape, and appearance of the breasts.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Women in Lansing who find that their body and quality of life are negatively affected by very large breasts can greatly benefit from a surgical reduction. Patients should be in good physical and mental health and be able to undergo and recover from the cosmetic surgery.

How is a Breast Reduction Performed in Lansing?

On the day of your breast reduction procedure, you will be administered anesthesia; you will be asleep during the procedure. Then, Dr. Colony will make incisions that will allow him to remove excess fat and remove excess breast tissue using techniques that will depend on the composition of your breasts. Dr. Colony often recommends liposuction on either side of the chest to create a natural chest profile and further improve contour. He will then reposition and reshape your breasts with the remaining breast tissue to your desired specifications, which will be discussed at length during your consultation. The placement of the incisions depends on your desired outcome and may be placed around the areolas, vertically underneath the areolas, or in the crease under your breasts. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures and dressed, and drains may be placed to aid with fluid buildup.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

Downtime following surgery will be required, and strenuous activity should be avoided for a minimum of 2 weeks. You may shower, but be sure to follow all post-operative directions to help ensure a safe recovery process. Patients will be instructed to wear a surgical bra to support their breast reduction results. Patients usually experience some discomfort, but this can be managed with pain medications from Dr. Colony in conjunction with Motrin or Aleve. You may need to take care of drains during this time, and you’ll also be expected to wear a compression garment to support your breasts and help the tissues adhere to the new contour. Your breast reduction scars will fade with time. After the initial swelling subsides, you’ll notice immediate results of a decrease in breast size.

FAQs

Can breasts grow back after a reduction?

While breast tissue doesn’t typically grow back after a reduction, if you gain a significant amount of weight, fatty tissue can increase the size of your breasts.

Can you drink alcohol after breast reduction?

You will want to wait 1-2 weeks after your breast reduction before you drink alcohol as it can negatively impact healing.

Does insurance pay for breast reduction?

If all criteria are met, and the procedure is deemed medically necessary, insurance may cover some of the costs associated with breast reduction surgery. For patients who don’t meet the criteria, it’s considered a cosmetic procedure, and therefore will not be covered by insurance.

How do you know when you need a breast reduction?

People who get breast reduction surgery usually have chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain due to the weight of their breasts, have skin irritation in the crease of the breasts, or have grooves on their shoulders from bra straps.

How is the recovery from breast reduction?

During the recovery process, you may feel fatigued and you will likely have some redness, swelling, and bruising in the treatment area. Get as much rest as possible. You will need to sleep on your back. Avoid all exercise and only do light activities your doctor approves. After a month or so, you will likely begin feeling more like yourself.

How long do stitches stay in after breast reduction?

If your surgeon uses stitches that need to be removed, they will remove them 7-10 days after surgery.

How long does it take for the swelling to go down after breast reduction?

It can take 6 weeks to a couple of months for swelling to go down completely after breast reduction surgery.

How many cup sizes can you go down with breast reduction?

You can typically go down 1-2 cup sizes with this procedure.

When can I wear a normal bra after breast reduction?

Your doctor will let you know when you can wear a normal bra again based on how quickly you’re recovering. It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months.

Does weight gain increase breast size?

It can. While gaining weight won’t increase the amount of breast tissue, it can increase the amount of fatty tissue in the breast and increase your breast size.

Do you lose feeling in your nipples after breast reduction?

Some people may experience a loss of nipple sensation right after breast reduction surgery. However, this sensation should return over time as you heal.

Do you lose weight after breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery may result in minimal weight loss, though it is not a weight loss procedure.

How long does it take to recover from a breast reduction?

It usually takes about 2-3 weeks before patients can return to their normal routine following breast reduction.

How much do breast reductions cost?

The cost of breast reduction surgery may vary based on many factors. Please contact our practice today for more information on pricing.

When can I sleep without a bra after breast reduction?

Your surgeon will let you know when you no longer need to wear a compression bra at night following breast reduction surgery. However, support should continue to be worn both day and night indefinitely to preserve your results.

Can breasts grow back after reduction?

The tissue and fat that is removed from the breasts during a breast reduction will not grow back. However, if you were to gain weight following your procedure new fat can accumulate in the breasts.

See All

Patient Results Gallery

View More Patient Results

Patient Testimonials

Dr. Colony did AMAZING work!!!! I could NOT be happier with my results. I am 6wks post op breast augmentation and I am completely 150% satisfied. I spent 2hrs asking questions in my consultation. He answered every single one of them. The procedure went perfectly and great CRNA and staffing. Great pre/post-op packet given before surgery. Am sooooo pleased with my results!! Couldn't be happier!! Would recommend to everyone, tell everyone about Dr. Colony!!

Was very cautious, and thought long and hard about whether I should or shouldn't. Awesome decision. Should have done it a long time ago. A great accomplishment that couldn't have been done without the help of Dr. Colony and his awesome team. If you're living a minute with any self-doubt or low self-esteem about a certain body part, put your Nikes on and JUST DO IT!

Dr. Colony is hands down the most gifted plastic surgeon around!

Read more testimonials

Scheduling A Consultation In The Lansing Area

If you are considering breast reduction, Dr. Colony is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in East Lansing with over 20 years of experience. He is dedicated to helping his patients look and feel their best. Because no two women and no two bodies are the same, Dr. Colony dedicates his practice to individualized treatment and surgical plans for each of his patients to help them achieve the look they desire.

If you are looking into breast reduction in East Lansing, call Michigan Plastic Surgery™ or click the button below to schedule your initial complimentary consultation today.

Request A Consultation