Breast Reduction
For many women, breast reduction is not just a cosmetic procedure. Because of their excessive weight, very large breasts can cause a wide range of health concerns, including back and neck pain, indentations from bra straps in the shoulders, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and even breathing problems. Large breasts can also attract unwanted, inappropriate attention that can lead to self-consciousness.
At The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry, we offer breast reductions for women in the Sacramento area who would prefer a smaller or more proportionate breast size. We’ve performed over 1600 breast reduction procedures since our doors have opened. We invite you to see why so many women have selected us for their breast enhancement procedures.
*ACTUAL PATIENT
Why Choose Us
- Our board-certified plastic surgeons perform a high volume of cosmetic procedures every year. They are well-known in the Sacramento area for their professional experience and surgical skill.
- We’re proud to have been serving plastic surgery patients in our community since 2006. Most of our staff members have been with us over 5 years, and we have worked with the same team of anesthesiologists since 2006.
- Our results speak for themselves, as does the fact that so many of our former patients continue coming back to us to help them feel and look their best.
- Our surgeons understand that the decision to undergo breast reduction is a significant one, and we’re invested in helping you to make the right choice to best suit your needs.
Best Candidates for Breast Reduction
For some women, extra large breasts are part of the burden of being overweight. Yet, those who successfully drop the excess pounds are sometimes dismayed to find out their breasts didn’t shrink quite as much as the rest of their body. A post-weight loss breast reduction may offer a solution for these women.
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that removes fat, tissue and skin to:
- Make breasts lighter, smaller, and more proportional to the rest of the body
- Reduce the size of enlarged areolas (the darker skin encircling the nipple)
- Eliminate the physical and emotional discomfort associated with large breasts
The best candidates for breast reduction surgery should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the procedure and results. Candidates typically have breasts that they feel are too large for their body type and/or have persistent pain due to the weight of their breasts.
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Breast Reduction Incision Techniques
Breast reduction surgery can be performed using several surgical techniques. The technique that your surgeon recommends for your procedure will depend on breast size, degree of reduction, skin elasticity and desired shape. At your consultation, your surgeon will explain each technique in more detail, as well as explain which one may be best suited for you.
- Anchor (Inverted-T) Incision. This technique involves incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease and along the inframammary fold. It allows for the greatest amount of tissue removal and reshaping, making it ideal for patients with significant breast volume or sagging.
- Vertical (Lollipop) Incision. Incisions are made around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. This approach is commonly used for moderate reductions and offers effective reshaping with less scarring than the anchor technique.
- Periareolar (Donut) Incision. This technique uses a single incision around the edge of the areola. It is best suited for minor reductions or reshaping and results in minimal visible scarring, though it offers more limited lifting and reduction.
Your Breast Reduction Consult
You’ll have a consultation at The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry prior to your breast reduction procedure. During your visit, your surgeon will carefully review your needs and expectations. The consultation is an opportunity to specify your goals for treatment, as well as discuss any other procedures you may have along with your breast reduction, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction.
During your consult, you’ll be given detailed instructions for before and after your surgery. By the end of this visit, you should have a clear understanding of your surgical plan, what to expect throughout recovery and how your procedure will be tailored to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.
Preparing for Your Breast Reduction
Before your procedure, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your breast reduction surgery. However, here are some things you can do now to help you prepare for a smoother recovery and promote better results.
- Stop smoking for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery
- Stop taking medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your surgery
- Enlist a trusted friend or family to help around the house for at least the first few days after surgery
- Set up your recovery space
- Prepare and freeze a few meals ahead of time
The Procedure
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of reduction and the techniques used. During the procedure, excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed to create a smaller, more proportionate breast shape.
In some cases, liposuction may be used to address excess fat in the underarm or side-breast area to improve contour and overall balance. Incision placement and surgical technique are customized for each patient and depend on your specific needs and goals.
Breast reduction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you can expect to return home the same day, following a recovery period at our facility. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where will the incisions be for my breast reduction?Your incisions will be specific to your needs. Some patients require very little skin and tissue removal, while others require more significant changes. However, incisions are typically made around the areolas and on vertically down the breast crease.
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How much does a breast reduction cost in Sacramento?The cost of your breast reduction at our Sacramento office will depend on the surgical techniques used, your specific needs and goals and whether you choose to combine any other procedures. For this reason, we can give you a personalized cost estimate at the time of your consultation.
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Does insurance cover the cost of breast reduction surgery?Some insurance plans may cover all or part of breast reduction surgery if it is deemed medically necessary. Coverage typically requires documentation of medical symptoms, and approval varies by provider and plan.
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What size breasts qualify for breast reduction?There is no specific breast size that automatically qualifies for breast reduction. Candidacy is based on symptoms, physical discomfort and how breast size affects your daily life rather than cup size alone.
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Will a breast reduction affect nipple sensation?If your nipple is resized or repositioned as part of the breast reduction, you may experience some numbness in that area. Once the nerves heal, the sensation should return, though, there is a chance you will continue to have some residual numbness. Our surgeons take every possible measure to support the best possible recovery and outcomes.
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Will I still be able to breastfeed after a breast reduction?Many women are able to breastfeed after breast reduction, although it cannot be guaranteed. The ability to breastfeed depends on the surgical technique used and how much tissue is removed. If this is important to you, let your surgeon know during your consultation so that it can be incorporated into your surgical plan.
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How painful is breast reduction surgery?Most women experience moderate discomfort during the first few days after surgery, which is typically well managed with pain medication and improves steadily as healing progresses.
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How long do breast reduction results last?Breast reduction results are long-lasting, though natural aging, weight changes and pregnancy can affect breast size and shape over time.
Breast Reduction Recovery
After surgery, you will most likely have some swelling and bruising around the incision site. Your surgeon will use supportive bandages to help reduce the swelling and discomfort as much as possible and encourage healing. After these are removed, you will be required to wear an approved supportive bra to help promote proper healing.
Most discomfort can be managed with oral pain medications. Although your individual experience may vary, recovery from breast reduction usually requires 7 to 10 days with a gradual return to activities over the following 4 to 6 weeks.
Breast Reduction Results
You’ll notice an immediate change in breast size and weight following surgery, though swelling in the early weeks can temporarily obscure your results. As your body heals and swelling subsides, your breasts will gradually settle into their new shape and position.
Final results typically become more apparent over the next 3 to 6 months. Depending on your goals, your breasts should appear smaller, perkier and better proportioned to your frame, with areolas positioned higher for a more youthful look. Many patients also experience significant relief from back, neck and shoulder discomfort as the excess weight is removed, improving comfort and overall quality of life.
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Our surgeons are dedicated to creating beautiful, natural results so you can look and feel your very best.
