Alexandrina Saulis, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Hinsdale, IL 120 E. Ogden Avenue Suite #204
Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-920-9404

With female celebrities openly discussing the benefits of their breast reductions, more and more women are considering whether a breast breast reductionreduction might be right for them.

In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of breast reductions has risen by 157 percent between 1997 and 2013. So, what is involved in breast reduction and who might benefit? Read on to find out, and call Oak Brook, Elmhurst, and Hinsdale, IL, plastic surgeon, Dr. Alexandrina Saulis, if you are interested in the procedure.

What is involved in a breast reduction?

A breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep during the procedure. The “anchor-shaped incision” is located around the nipple areolar complex, (lifting it to a higher position), a vertical one located below the lifted nipple areolar complexes (narrowing the breast), and a transverse one located below the breast which resulting in the “breast lift” in a breast reduction removing the loose excess skin left after the breast gland had been reduced. After the procedure, steristrips will be placed on the anchor incisions. A drainage tube & grenade, as well as a local anesthesia infusion pain pump (On-Q pain pump), will be placed for 2-3 days after surgery to prevent fluid buildup and manage post-operative pain minimizing the need for narcotic medication use after surgery. Oral pain medications and antibiotics are prescribed to relieve any residual pain and prevent infection after surgery. A 23 hour overnight stay is recommended after surgery but not absolutely necessary. 

Breast reduction surgery can take anywhere from two to three hours with Dr. Saulis depending on the size of the breast being reduced. 

What is the recovery process like?

You will be sore for 2-3 days after surgery. The pain pump with local anesthesia will help minimize the pain you feel. You will also need to wear a loose-fitting support bra and protect your incision lines with gauze for 3-4 weeks after surgery. Additionally, you must avoid any rigorous or rapid upper extremity activities such as elliptical training, running or vacuuming for a minimum of two weeks after surgery. 

Who should consider a breast reduction?

Women who have large breasts may experience frequent or even daily pain in their upper back, neck, and shoulders. They may also experience rashes between or below their breasts. If this type of pain or skin rash is a normal part of your life then you may want to consider a breast reduction, which can improve everything from sleeping to exercising.