Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa
For many women, the weight and volume of overly large breasts can significantly detract from their physical comfort and overall quality of life.
Breast reduction surgery at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Kalispell, MT, offers a profound opportunity to alleviate these burdens. Our distinguished board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Michelle Spring and Dr. Michael Hromadka, are sought out by patients across the Northwest, including Whitefish, Missoula, Great Falls, and Helena, for their expertise in this transformative procedure. Breast reduction is a choice made to improve daily comfort, enhance participation in activities, and refine personal confidence, all delivered with compassionate, individualized care.
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Breast reduction, also medically known as reduction mammoplasty, is a specialized surgical procedure designed to decrease the size and weight of overly large breasts. The procedure also includes a breast lift, which elevates the nipple and areola position to a more aesthetically pleasing place on the breast. The breast reduction procedure involves the careful removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and redundant skin. For some patients with more minor volume concerns, liposuction alone may be a suitable option for reduction.
The primary purpose of reducing breast volume is two-fold: to alleviate back and shoulder pain often associated with disproportionately large breasts (such as chronic pain and skin irritation) and to create a breast size that harmonizes better with the patient's body proportions. Breast reduction surgery ultimately leads to enhanced comfort, greater freedom in physical activity, and a renewed sense of confidence. Our surgeons approach each case with an artistic eye and advanced surgical techniques, ensuring results that feel balanced and authentic.
Breast reduction surgery is like a breast lift because, in addition to removing excess fat and breast tissue, the surgeon excises stretched skin and elevates the breasts. The most common breast reduction technique involves making incisions in an inverted T or anchor pattern. The plastic surgeon makes an incision around the areola, which then extends down to the base of the breast. A horizontal incision is then made along the breast’s natural crease (inframammary fold).
After removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, your surgeon repositions the nipple areola complex so the results look natural and aesthetically pleasing. In some cases, the surgeon uses liposuction to remove fat from the area around the armpit. A patient’s nipples typically remain attached to blood vessels and nerves to preserve sensation. For women with very large or pendulous breasts, however, the surgeon may need to remove the nipple and areola and then graft it in a higher position. Your surgeon completes the procedure by suturing the incisions.
Breast reduction surgery addresses a range of physical and emotional challenges stemming from overly large breasts, profoundly improving a patient's quality of life. It provides relief for:
By resolving these concerns, breast reduction allows patients to embrace a more active, comfortable, and confident life.
Breast reduction surgery offers transformative advantages that extend far beyond physical change, significantly enhancing daily life.
Part of a breast reduction includes lifting the tissue and elevating the nipple and areola position. The areola diameter typically will also be reduced.
The most immediate and significant benefit experienced by many patients is the dramatic alleviation of chronic discomfort. The removal of excess breast tissue substantially reduces the strain on your neck, shoulders, and back, often leading to a remarkable reduction in pain and tension. This relief can free you from daily aches, improving your overall physical well-being.
With the burden of heavy breasts lifted, patients often discover a newfound freedom in movement. Activities that were once uncomfortable or difficult, such as exercising, running, or even simple tasks, become more accessible and enjoyable. Breast reduction allows you to engage more fully in an active lifestyle, perhaps even embracing the outdoor pursuits common to the Montana region with greater ease.
Breast reduction creates a more balanced and harmonious silhouette that feels natural to your body frame. This improved proportion not only enhances your aesthetic appearance but also revolutionizes clothing choices. You'll find it much easier to find bras and garments that fit comfortably and flatter your figure, expanding your wardrobe and boosting your confidence in your everyday style.
Living with breasts that cause discomfort or self-consciousness can impact your emotional well-being. A successful breast reduction can profoundly boost self-esteem, allowing your outer appearance to align with how you truly feel. This renewed confidence can empower you in social situations and enhance your overall perception of self, fostering a more positive body image.
Women who undergo breast reduction surgery are among the most highly satisfied plastic surgery patients because it can be a life-changing procedure. Good candidates for breast reduction surgery may:
Even though breast reduction surgery can be performed for adolescents, the breasts should be fully developed unless the overly large breasts are causing significant discomfort. It’s important that younger patients are mature enough emotionally to understand what the procedure involves and have realistic expectations about the results.
The recovery time you need after breast reduction surgery depends on how quickly your body usually heals, the extent of the procedure, and other factors. You may feel some pain for the first couple of days—especially when you move around or cough—and some discomfort for a week or more. You can manage your discomfort with prescription medication.
You should plan to take 1 to 2 weeks off from work and get as much rest as possible during that time. We’ll remove bandages 1 to 2 days after the surgery, but you’ll continue wearing a surgical bra for several more weeks. We provide detailed recovery instructions that help minimize discomfort and improve the healing process.
A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some crusting, is normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least a month after the procedure.
You will notice a reduction in breast size and a more uplifted appearance immediately after your procedure. While initial swelling will temporarily obscure the final contours, the relief from weight and strain is often felt right away.
As the swelling resolves over the weeks and months following your breast surgery, the true, refined shape of your breasts will gradually emerge. The results of breast reduction surgery are considered long-lasting. The excess breast tissue, fat, and skin removed during the procedure are permanently eliminated. While the natural aging process, future weight fluctuations, or hormonal changes can still impact your breasts’ appearance over time, the fundamental improvements in size, shape, and lift achieved by your breast reduction will endure for many years. The breast reduction procedure provides a lasting foundation for a more comfortable, proportionate, and confident silhouette.
Overly large breasts can cause physical discomfort, problems with clothing fit, and self-consciousness. Breast reduction surgery in Kalispell performed by Dr. Michelle Spring or Dr. Michael Hromadka can improve the quality of your life by relieving shoulder, neck, or back pain and enabling you to get more enjoyment out of life. Women travel to see our board-certified plastic surgeons from Whitefish and Great Falls, Montana; Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho; and throughout the Northwest for this life-changing procedure.
The combination of surgical skill and decades of experience sets Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka apart from other plastic surgeons not just in Kalispell, but throughout Montana and the Northwest. Assisted by Kristy Ehrmantraut, PA-C, their surgical physician assistant, Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka are known for their down-to-earth personalities and for spending the time to truly understand their patients’ goals.
Breast reduction may be covered by your health insurance carrier if it’s considered “medically necessary.” This typically requires documented chronic physical health issues. Even though the specific criteria to be eligible for coverage varies depending on the insurance company, breast reduction is often covered if the size of your breasts cause:
Many insurance carriers cover breast reduction surgery based on the amount of breast tissue that the surgeon removes to alleviate your health issues. It’s important to have your insurance company approve coverage for the procedure before your surgery.
Depending on your eligibility for coverage, you may be interested in exploring your financing options to get relief from the above symptoms sooner.
Breast reduction surgery results in scars. You can use different products to minimize the appearance of scars, which typically fade significantly about a year after the surgery. You can also expect to lose some feeling in your nipples and breasts temporarily. In some cases, the loss of sensation is permanent.
No, breast reduction often provides significant functional benefits by alleviating physical discomforts such as chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and posture issues, which can sometimes qualify it for insurance coverage.
The most common incision pattern is the inverted T or anchor incision, which involves an incision around the areola, a vertical line down to the breast crease, and a horizontal line along the crease. Other techniques may be used depending on the degree of reduction needed.
While many women can still breastfeed after breast reduction surgery, the procedure can sometimes affect the milk ducts and nipple sensitivity, potentially impacting the ability to breastfeed. It's important to discuss your future family planning during your consultation.
The amount of breast tissue removed is highly individualized, depending on your desired outcome, your anatomy, and any medical necessity (especially if pursuing insurance coverage). Our surgeons aim for a proportionate and comfortable breast size.
Yes, for many women, the significant weight reduction from overly large breasts can lead to improved posture, as the strain on the upper back and shoulders is relieved, allowing them to stand more upright and comfortably.
You will typically wear a surgical bra continuously for several weeks after your breast reduction surgery, as advised by your plastic surgeon. This helps to reduce swelling, provide support, and aid in the proper healing and shaping of your new contours.
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