Breast Reduction
Greenwald Plastic Surgery
Breast Reduction Westchester County & NYC
Serving Patients in Putnam county, White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, & Mount Vernon
- What Breast Reduction Accomplishes
- Who Is a Suitable Breast Reduction Candidate?
- Incision Methods
- The Breast Reduction Procedure
- Recovering From Breast Reduction Surgery
- How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
- How can I determine what my ideal breast cup size is?
- Can breast tissue grow back after breast reduction?
- When is breast reduction medically necessary?
- Do I need a breast lift, too?
- Can I breastfeed after breast reduction?
- What are the potential side effects and risks associated with breast reduction surgery?
- When will I see my results?
- Can health insurance cover my breast reduction surgery?
What Breast Reduction Accomplishes
Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS, sees many patients who are bothered by the size of their overly enlarged breasts. Some of these women suffer from neck, shoulder and back pain caused by their extremely large breasts. Also, they often complain that their overly enlarged breasts make physical activities such as running difficult or even painful. In addition, many women with extremely large breasts feel self-conscious or downright embarrassed about their breasts. Fortunately, Dr. Greenwald performs breast reduction surgery to address the physical, aesthetic and emotional concerns associated with overly enlarged breasts. Take a look at our breast reduction reviews and testimonials page as well. Dr. Greenwald also has breast size reduction charts so you can choose from many different options.
Who Is a Suitable Breast Reduction Candidate?
Prospective breast reduction candidates in New York City must meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to establish if they are suitable candidates for the procedure. Only a well-trained and highly experienced surgeon such as Dr. Greenwald can correctly verify if someone is a suitable breast reduction candidate. Nonetheless, suitable candidates often include those who:
- Have overly enlarged breasts that affect everyday activities, including exercising
- Suffer from pain or discomfort caused by extremely large breasts
- Frequently find themselves hunching forward from the weight of their breasts
- Experience skin indentations or rashes on the shoulders, from their bra
- Are self-conscious about or unhappy with the size of their large breasts
- Would like smaller, more lifted breasts
- In general, have a positive self-image, but are concerned with the size of their large breasts
- Are in good overall physical and mental health
- Have realistic expectations for the results of breast reduction surgery, and are seeking aesthetic (and physical) improvement — not necessarily perfection
- Have made an independent choice to pursue breast reduction surgery
- Are not breastfeeding currently (It is best for women who are nursing to wait 12 weeks after they have ceased breastfeeding to undergo breast surgery, so their natural breast size can be determined.)
Video: “Amazing” Results from Dr. Greenwald
One of Dr. Greenwald’s patients describes how satisfied she was with her plastic surgery results and the care she received at his New York plastic surgery practice.
Incision Methods
Depending on the patient’s anatomical needs and aesthetic concerns, Dr. Greenwald will recommend one of two breast reduction surgical techniques. The technique chosen determines which incision method is used.
With the short scar breast reduction technique, the New York City breast surgeon makes a periareolar incision (around the perimeter of the areola: the darkly pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) as well as a vertical incision that extends from the bottom border of the areola down to the fold of the breast.
With the conventional breast reduction technique, Dr. Greenwald makes a periareolar incision; a vertical incision; and an inframammary incision, which extends horizontally, underneath the natural crease of the breast.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
The NYC breast surgeon performs breast reduction surgery on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia so the patient remains comfortable throughout surgery.
After he makes the needed incisions, Dr. Greenwald eliminates excess breast tissue and skin, mostly from the lower region of the breast. He moves the nipple to a higher position on the breast, taking care to keep the nipple attached to the underlying tissue to maintain nipple sensation. The Manhattan cosmetic surgeon usually needs to decrease the size of the areola as well, so it is in proportion to the smaller breast size. He makes sure that the breasts are symmetrical prior to using sutures to close the incisions. Lastly, he wraps the breasts in bandages as well as a surgical bra, which provides additional support to the area.
Recovering from Surgery
Before the day of surgery, breast reduction patients receive complete instructions about how to care for the breasts prior to and after the procedure. After breast reduction surgery with the board-certified New York City plastic surgeon:
- Most of Dr. Greenwald’s breast reduction patients are able to resume their usual routine within days of their surgical procedure.
- Many breast reduction patients need only a small amount of pain medication or none at all.
- Most individuals experience little to no bruising.
- Some individuals notice changes in breast sensation, which are usually temporary but, rarely, can be permanent. These changes in sensation may include pain, discomfort, soreness, a tingling feeling or numbness. Changes in nipple sensation do not typically occur with this procedure, but if they do, they are normally temporary.
- Patients are permitted to resume their fitness routine three weeks following surgery.
- It is advised that patients sleep in a sports bra for three months.
Recovery Chart
| Preoperative | Patient’s preoperative testing and mammogram (if needed) is reviewed. Patient will have filled prescriptions for pain medications, antibiotics and muscle relaxants. Meet with Dr. Greenwald, our anesthesiologist and nurses. |
| Day of Surgery | Breast reduction takes between 90 - 120 minutes. Patient receives an intravenous antibiotic prior to beginning procedure. |
| Recovery Room | Approximately 1 hour - you must be sent home with a responsible adult who should plan on spending the night with you. |
| After Surgery | Patients are sent home sent home in a surgical bra. With breast reduction surgery, drains are often placed and should be emptied as instructed. |
| Postoperative Visit #1 | Usually with in 24-48 hours after surgery. Drains are removed and dressings replaced. You can shower after this visit. |
| Postoperative Visit #2 | Usuall 7 days after surgery. Incisions are checked and sutures are trimmed. Most of the sutures are dissolvable. |
| Postoperative Visit #3 | Typically 18-21 days after surgery. Incisions are checked. Silicone scar therapy is begun. Able to return to gym. Typically underwire bra during day and soft supportive bra at night. |
| Postoperative Visit #4 | Patient’s are typically seen 3-4 months after surgery and then yearly. |
How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
The three primary costs of breast reduction surgery in New York City include: the plastic surgeon’s fee, the cost of the anesthesiologist’s services and the operating facility fee. The total cost of breast reduction surgery varies based on the complexity of the procedure as well as the patient’s anatomical needs and cosmetic objectives.
How can I determine what my ideal breast cup size is?
Your ideal breast size is dependent on several things, including your personal preference, height, body frame, anatomy and lifestyle. For example, if you are petite with thin skin or little body fat, a smaller or moderate breast size may be best. Women who lead an active lifestyle may feel most comfortable with a small to moderate breast size instead of large breasts that can make exercise and moving more difficult. Ultimately, only you can decide what your ideal breast size is. Dr. Greenwald will use his expertise in order to make his recommendations and help you choose the breast size that you are most happy with.
Can breast tissue grow back after breast reduction?
Breast tissue can grow back following breast reduction. This can occur as a result of weight fluctuations during and after pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding and the normal aging process. The best way to maintain you breast reduction results is by following a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy and stable weight.
When is breast reduction medically necessary?
Breast reduction is considered to be medically necessary when the patient experiences medical conditions as a result of her overly large breasts, including back/neck/shoulder pain or skin infections.
Do I need a breast lift, too?
Patients who have breast reduction surgery also have their breasts lifted! The nipple is relocated to a higher, more aesthetic position on the chest wall after the excess, hanging breast tissue is removed.
Can I breastfeed after breast reduction?
It is possible to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery. It is important to keep in mind that breastfeeding and pregnancy will alter the size and shape of the breast whether you had breast reduction surgery or not.
What are the potential side effects and risks associated with breast reduction surgery?
Side effects of breast reduction include swelling, bruising, soreness and tenderness after the procedure. These side effects are only temporary and should dissipate a few weeks after the procedure. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, skin discoloration, asymmetry and unfavorable scarring. Prior to your procedure, Dr. Greenwald will go over these side effects and risks in detail with you.
When will I see my results?
Although you will notice a change in the size of your breasts immediately after your procedure, it may take up to a year for your final results to become visible. Your results will initially be obscured by swelling, which will dissipate over time. Dr. Greenwald can provide you with a more accurate recovery timeline during your consultation.
Can health insurance cover my breast reduction surgery?
Some insurance plans may pay for the procedure if you are pursuing it for medical reasons rather than cosmetic reasons. Contact your insurance provider to learn about your plan and benefits.
Dr. Greenwald is the plastic surgeon women throughout NYC, Westchester County and Fairfield County, including Greenwich and Stamford, CT, trust for beautiful and natural-looking breast results. To arrange a private consultation, or to learn more about breast reduction surgery, contact the practice of Dr. Greenwald by calling (914) 421-0113.
