Breast Reduction in Portland

We're thrilled to guide you through your journey to a more comfortable, confident life with breast reduction surgery. This information is designed to offer insights into the procedure, preparing you for what lies ahead.

Who is a candidate?

Ideal candidates for breast reduction are those who experience physical discomfort, such as neck, back, or shoulder pain, or skin irritation beneath the breast crease due to overly large breasts. Others may seek relief from limitations in physical activities or self-consciousness related to their breast size. Suitable candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the surgery's outcome. A detailed consultation with us will determine if this procedure is right for you.

What are the results?

Breast reduction surgery aims to achieve breasts that are proportionate to your body size, alleviating the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. By reducing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin, the surgery can enhance your body image and improve your ability to participate in physical activities. Please note that, while significant, the results may not be completely symmetrical, although any natural asymmetry can be substantially improved.

What does the procedure involve?

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The specific technique can vary, but generally involves incisions around the areola and vertically down the breast, similar to a breast lift. Excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed, and the nipple is repositioned for a natural appearance. The procedure typically takes about two to four hours, depending on the degree of reduction.

What is the recovery?

Recovery from breast reduction surgery varies among individuals, but generally, you can expect to return to work within two weeks and resume most normal activities within several weeks. You'll likely experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with medication. We'll provide comprehensive post-operative instructions to aid your healing process.

What other options are there?

If you're primarily concerned with sagging or drooping breasts rather than size, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be a better option. This procedure removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. It's also possible to combine a breast lift with your reduction for an even more youthful breast profile.

Does insurance cover breast reduction?

In many cases, if the breast reduction is performed to relieve medical symptoms like chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, or skin issues due to large breasts, it may be covered by health insurance. However, each insurance carrier has its own criteria. We recommend contacting your insurance company for specific information. . Our office can assist you with this process. Often times, insurance companies require a specific weight be taken off each breast. We’ve created a breast reduction calculator to help you in your estimation process.

What are the risks?

Breast reduction surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks. These include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and anesthesia risks. There's also the potential for unsatisfactory aesthetic results, which may require additional surgery. It's crucial to discuss any concerns with your surgeon prior to your procedure.

As we navigate this journey together, we're here to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us and look forward to assisting you as you take this significant step towards greater physical comfort and confidence.