Breast Reduction in Fort Worth

Who is a Candidate for this Procedure?

Breast reduction surgery has a very high success and satisfaction rate and is appropriate for healthy women of all ages, provided their breasts are fully developed. Our local breast reduction surgeon, Dr. Steele, also recommends that you are at or close to your ideal body weight in order to decrease the risk of complications from this procedure. While woman planning future pregnancies are not excluded, consideration should be given to the possibility of decreased ability to breast feed and the breast changes a future pregnancy may cause. Breast reduction surgery will improve the following symptoms associated with large breasts:

• Neck, back, and shoulder pain
• Rashes and irritation of the skin under the breast
• Deep shoulder grooving due to bra straps
• Large areolas
• Poor posture
• Sagging, stretched out skin, and breast asymmetry

Benefits of Breast Reduction

Because a breast reduction includes a breast lift, your breasts will not only be smaller and more proportional, but also perkier and shapelier. Other benefits of our breast reduction surgery in Fort Worth include:

• Improving or eliminating pain and other physical discomfort
• Increased exercise ability
• Better bra and clothing choices
• Improved self-confidence and body image

During/After Surgery

During your private consultation with your breast reduction surgeon, Dr. Steele, he will review your concerns and discuss the improvements you desire. He will review the risks and benefits of the procedure and give you an opportunity to ask questions without being rushed. Since many women choose breast reduction surgery for medical reasons, the procedure may be covered by your insurance. Dr. Steele and his staff will assist you with determining whether or not your insurance plan will cover the procedure.

Breast reduction is usually performed with general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The typical surgery time ranges from 2-4 hours. In some cases, a woman may decide to include breast reduction surgery as part of a mommy makeover or in combination with a tummy tuck. With longer surgeries, an overnight stay may be required.

During the procedure, excess skin, fat, and breast tissue is excised. The tissues are rearranged to form smaller, shapelier breasts that are positioned higher on the chest wall. The areolas are also reduced and repositioned with the nipples onto the center of the breast. While a breast reduction procedure results in fine scars, most women are so pleased with symptom relief that the scar is of minor concern.

Most women are left with an inverted “T” scar (anchor) due to the large amount of skin removed. In smaller breast reductions, a lollipop scar (vertical) may be an option.

Recovering from Breast Reduction

Most women can return to a non-strenuous job after 3-5 days. In some cases, a drain tube may be inserted to reduce fluid accumulation and swelling. This is typically removed at the first postop visit (within one week). You will be directed on the appropriate bra to purchase postoperatively. It is important to avoid exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. Some women will experience temporary nipple numbness due to swelling that may takes months to return. It is rare to have permanent nipple/areola sensation changes.