Breast Reduction

Women (and occasionally teens) choose breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, to decrease the size of extremely large, heavy breasts. Breast reduction surgery can help improve the appearance of the breasts and alleviate back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as increase a woman’s self-confidence and variety of clothing options.

About Breast Reduction Surgery

The breast reduction procedure involves the surgical removal of excess breast tissue, fat and skin to decrease the overall size of the breasts and improve their shape. Because chest muscles are not affected by breast reduction surgery, the procedure is relatively minor and does not result in significant pain or discomfort.

Breast reduction incisions are usually located around each areola, vertically down the bottom of the breasts and/or along each breast fold. The size and number of incisions needed depends on the amount of breast tissue, fat and skin that must be removed during breast reduction surgery.

Before Breast Reduction

During your consultation with Dr. Cho about your breast reduction in Houston, he will talk with you about your cosmetic goals to determine whether breast reduction surgery is right for you. He will also talk with you about procedure details and provide notes to your insurance company, in the event that you are seeking coverage for all or part of your breast reduction procedure.

Several weeks before surgery, Dr. Cho will give you pre- and post-operative instructions to help you prepare. Pre-operative instructions will include some restrictions, such as avoiding alcohol, tobacco products and certain supplements and medications that can thin the blood at least 1-2 weeks.

A thorough examination of your medical history will also be performed, and Dr. Cho will assess your current health condition to ensure breast reduction surgery is safe for you.

breast reduction houston

The most common techniques in breast reduction involve a keyhole or anchor shaped incision, which allows Dr. Cho to remove tissue, reduce breast size and create a more youthful breast position.

After Breast Reduction in Houston

Although breast reduction surgery typically does not require general anesthesia, patients will still need to have a ride home and a little help for at least 24-48 hours after surgery. Patients are encouraged to begin walking and gently moving around within 24 hours after breast reduction and to wear loose-fitting clothing and surgical garments as directed.

Follow post-operative instructions, attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Cho and avoid exposing incision sites to the sun so that breast reduction scars do not darken.

Within one week, most patients are back to work and their normal daily routines, however strenuous physical exercise and sexual activity may need to be avoided for 2-3 weeks. At your follow-up appointments, Dr. Cho will assess your healing progress and tell you when which activities may safely be resumed.