Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that helps women gain confidence and eliminate pain by reducing the size of their breasts and placing the nipple-areola complex in its proper location. These procedures can incorporate liposuction techniques, surgical excision, and breast lifts, but all serve to help women feel like their best selves and eliminate any mentally or physically negative feelings about their bodies.

Before and After Photos

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Complications of over-enlarged breasts may include back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems. The procedure can also help women feel more confident and less self-conscious about the size of their breasts. Drs. Daniel Murariu and Robert Peterson have gained a reputation for excellence and made Athena Clinic one of Hawaii’s most accomplished plastic surgery facilities. Dr. Murariu has written in major peer reviewed journals about breast reduction.

If the size of your breasts is causing you unnecessary mental or physical stress, then there are options available to correct this and live a healthier life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Murariu or Dr. Peterson today to take the first step toward reducing the size of your breasts. If you have any questions about the procedure, our practice, or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact our Honolulu office by calling (808) 944-8551.

About Breast Reduction

Breast growth typically emerges as a result of hormone changes, pregnancy, and weight gain. In teenagers, breasts can grow to a burdening size as a result of a condition called giant virginal hypertrophy. ⁽¹⁾ This can cause serious issues as the adolescent frame does not have the muscular build required to support enlarged breasts. Breasts will also grow during pregnancy in preparation for breastfeeding. Additionally, women in menopause can also experience breast enlargement as hormones shift. Left untreated, the most common issues caused by enlarged breasts are back, shoulder, and neck pain. This pain can be minimal at first and be resolved with stretching, but over time this will not be enough to correct the issue and eliminate pain.

Large breasts can also be a mental burden. Many women report feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about the size of their breasts and alter their clothing to hide their chest. Finding clothing that fits their breasts comfortably presents its own set of issues, too.

Benefits

Drs. Murariu and Peterson’s patients experience the following after breast reduction surgery:

Candidates

Patients who respond best to their procedure are those who:

Personal Consultation

If you want to reduce the size of your breasts, the first step in your treatment is to schedule a consultation at Athena Clinic. This meeting will be your opportunity to discuss your motivations behind wanting to reduce your breasts and the goals of your procedure. With this information, your surgeon will be able to create a treatment plan that meets your goals and ensures effective results.

At this consultation, your medical history and current health status will also be reviewed to minimize any complications or risks that can emerge during or after your procedure.

Preparation

Once you decide to proceed with breast reduction surgery, it is crucial to follow preoperative instructions precisely. These may include:

These measures can greatly contribute to a smooth procedure and a favorable recovery period.

Procedure

At Athena Clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii, breast reduction techniques vary on a patient-to-patient basis. In one of the most common techniques, our surgeons make an anchor-shaped incision around the areola. This incision extends downward, following the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. This technique utilizes either the inferior or superior-medial pedicles. ⁽²⁾ Because you will be lying on your back, accessing breast tissue from the underside of the breast gives our doctors the most accurate and clear access to the tissue that requires removal. Another common technique is the lollipop incision. This is utilized if the amount of skin needed to be removed is minimal. Your surgeon will be able to guide you to which type of technique based on your anatomy at the time of the consult.

Through the incision, your surgeon will remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and adjust the nipple to its new position. The breast is then reshaped and incisions are carefully sutured closed. Special precautions are taken during this process to minimize scarring. In certain cases, the vertical part of the scar can be eliminated. Stitches are usually dissolvable and do not need to be removed. The breast reduction procedure itself takes between two and four hours and is done under IV sedation.  A board certified anesthesiologist will provide medicines via veins for a painless and safe procedure.  At Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery we avoid general anesthesia to avoid many of the side effects: nausea/vomiting, quicker recovery, decreased risk of pulmonary or general issues, less risk of bleeding, less risk of blood clots in the legs that can travel to the lungs.

Recovery

Dr. Murariu is an early adopter of ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) protocol which helps eliminate the need for narcotics. ⁽¹⁾ After breast reduction surgery, an elastic bandage or surgical bra wraps the breasts to provide comfort and support while applying consistent pressure on the site to reduce swelling. Our surgeons remove the bandage within a few days while the surgical bra stays on until the bruising and swelling subsides. Patients may experience minor pain in the days following breast reduction surgery, although this subsides in seven to ten days.

Most women can return to work after two weeks, although the exact amount depends on each patient. Dr. Murariu or Dr. Peterson will write you prescriptions for medications that help with your recovery at your preoperative appointment. It will be important to take these non narcotic medicines regularly to assist in your recovery. We recommend that you avoid any kind of exercise, heavy lifting, and strenuous work for at least one month and simply rest and relax during the first few days after your procedure.

Out of Town Patients

For our out of town patients, either from the outer islands or out of state, we suggest planning to to be in Honolulu for at least 7-10 days before flying home. It is a great opportunity to recover in beautiful Honolulu!

Results

Once the swelling you experience after your procedure is eliminated, you will immediately notice smaller, reduced breasts that have a natural appearance. You will also feel your self-esteem and confidence grow as you can wear the clothes you want to without fear of your breasts hindering your appearance. Overall, you will feel like your happiest, most attractive self and see your quality of life improve after your breast reduction procedure.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Patients interested in breast reduction may also wish to consider a mommy makeover. The mommy makeover is a combination of aesthetic procedures designed to help women regain their pre-pregnancy bodies. These treatments address common concerns that arise after pregnancy and childbirth, such as sagging breasts, excess skin on the abdomen, and stubborn fat pockets that do not respond to diet and exercise. The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore the body to a more youthful and contoured appearance, giving mothers renewed confidence. They frequently involve breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and liposuction (lateral bra rolls or axillary fat).

Cost of Breast Reduction in Honolulu

Breast reductions vary in price for each patient and may be partially or fully covered by insurance. If you want to proceed with planning your breast reduction, please schedule a consultation with one of the expert surgeons at Athena Clinic. You will receive an accurate price quote once you have explained what you would like to accomplish. To learn more about this, reduction mammoplasty procedures, our Honolulu practice, or anything else, please call our office at (808) 944-8551.

FAQ

References

1. Parsa FD, Cheng J, Stephan B, et al. Bilateral Breast Reduction Without Opioid Analgesics: A Comparative Study. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2017;37(8):892-899. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjx038 
2. Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/