Before & After Results
If you have heavy breasts, it can lead to physical discomfort and self-consciousness. The excessive weight puts pressure on the back and neck areas.
Getting a breast reduction surgery in Portland will allow fat to be removed and the breasts to be reshaped. Having smaller and better proportioned breasts will provide more comfortability and make it easier to have your clothes fit more organically. Dr. Bartholomew strives to deliver the best breast reduction surgery Portland has to offer.
A breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty is designed for women who want fat glandular tissue, and skin removed from the breasts to make them lighter and firmer. The procedure allows you to have your breasts more in proportion to the rest of your body.
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgery that removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a breast size that better matches a person's body. Dr. Sam Bartholomew uses modern techniques to shape the breasts while keeping their natural appearance. This procedure not only makes the breasts smaller but also improves their shape, symmetry, and position, resulting in a more balanced look.
This surgery uses advanced technology, and Dr. Bartholomew makes sure that any scars are as small as possible. Each procedure is customized to suit each person's unique body and needs, prioritizing safety, function, and how things look. Whether you want to ease discomfort or boost your confidence, breast reduction surgery can really make a difference in your life.
Breast reduction offers a wide range of physical and emotional benefits. Many women experience chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain due to overly large breasts, and breast reduction can alleviate this discomfort by reducing the physical strain on the body. This procedure can also improve posture and make everyday activities—like exercising and finding well-fitting clothing—more enjoyable.
Beyond physical improvements, breast reduction often has a profound impact on emotional well-being, improving self-esteem and confidence. Patients frequently report feeling more comfortable in their bodies and experiencing an enhanced quality of life after surgery.
Breast reduction surgery offers several advantages that many people appreciate:
Any woman with fully developed breasts and in good physical health is a good candidate. However, the surgery can be done at a younger age if a woman is experiencing severe pain from the large breasts.
Having very large, sagging breasts can restrict a woman’s ability to do certain activities. She suffers from physical discomfort in her everyday life. A candidate for breast reduction surgery in Portland understands what the procedure will provide as far as pain relief and does not intend to breastfeed in the future.
Breast reduction is a safe procedure but can result in some women experiencing a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts.
There are risks involved, as is the case in any surgery, with possible bleeding and infection. You may have a reaction to the anesthesia. There is the possibility of permanent scars, which can be covered by your bra. Smokers are susceptible to wider scars. There is a chance that small sores may develop around your nipples but those are treatable with antibiotic creams.
A breast reduction could result in mismatched breasts or uneven positioned nipples. And breastfeeding may not be an option moving forward as the procedure extracts milk ducts leading to the nipples.
During your initial consultation, you will have an opportunity to discuss what you hope to accomplish with a breast reduction procedure. Dr. Bartholomew will offer his advice based on your needs, your health and his years of experience as a surgeon. You will be able to talk about what size and shape you want for your breasts.
Dr. Bartholomew will measure your breasts and may request a mammogram. Going into the details of the surgery, he will discuss how he will deal with the size and shape of your breasts and the condition of your skin. These are all variables to contend with. There is also the issue of where to position your nipple and areola, which will be moved higher and even with the crease beneath your breasts.
One possible item to be discussed is the issue of blood transfusion. Dr. Bartholomew may request a unit of blood to be drawn in case a blood transfusion is necessary. Sometimes, a large amount of breast tissue may need to be removed and it will be best to use your own blood during the surgery.
The consultation is also the time to go over the cost as some insurance companies may pay for the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary. Finally, you will be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including what not to eat and drink and issues with medications. Plan to have a family member or a friend take you home after your surgery.
The most common procedure for a breast reduction in Portland is an anchor-shaped incision around the areola that goes down and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath your breasts.
Dr. Bartholomew will remove excess glandular fat tissue and skin and then shift your nipple and areola to their new position. He takes down the skin from both sides of your breasts and takes it around the areola to shape the new contour of your breast.
Sometimes, liposuction may be necessary to take excess fat away from the armpit area. With large breasts, the nipples and areolas need to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position.
With smaller, better proportioned breasts, you'll feel more comfortable and your clothes will fit better.
Heavy breasts can lead to physical discomfort, a variety of medical problems, shoulder indentations due to tight bra straps, and extreme self-consciousness.
Incisions outline the area of skin, breast tissue, and fat to be removed and the new position for the nipple.
Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions, giving the breast its new contour.
Scars around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast are permanent, but can be easily concealed by clothing.
The results of breast reduction surgery are both immediate and long-lasting. While you'll notice a reduction in breast size right after surgery, the final results typically take several months to fully settle as swelling subsides and tissues heal. In most cases, patients see their final breast shape and size within three to six months post-surgery.
Breast reduction results are designed to be permanent, but factors like significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging may cause some changes over time. Dr. Bartholomew's careful approach ensures your results are beautiful and can maintain functionality and durability for years to come.
Here's what you can expect after breast reduction surgery:
Dr. Bartholomew will provide personalized post-surgical care instructions to ensure optimal healing and lasting results.
As our Portland breast reduction surgery patients recover, they will experience some pain for a few days. This will be especially so when you cough and move around. Dr. Bartholomew can prescribe medications to deal with discomfort.
You will receive stitches around the areola and gauze dressings wrapped in an elastic bandage, which are taken away after a couple of days. You will also wear a surgical bra 24/7 for several weeks while you recover from swelling. After the bruising subsides, your stitches will be removed within three weeks.
Dr. Bartholomew will make every effort to hide your scars but keep in mind that they can remain permanent. The scars are lumpy and red for a few months and usually fade to thin white lines.
You may also apply a moisturizer if you find your skin is very dry after surgery. But do not apply anything near the sutures.
It is normal to feel pain in your breasts during your first menstruation after your surgery. Swelling often leads to loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin for up to six weeks. It can become permanent in some patients.
Dr. Bartholomew will advise to avoid strenuous activities for up to four weeks. Expect pain in your breasts on occasion for the first two weeks following your breast reduction in Portland.
You will likely be okay to return to work after a couple of weeks; you will know how you feel once you are recovering at home. Expect less stamina for several weeks and limit exercising until you feel up to it. Stretching and bending are encouraged, however. The key is to have only gentle contact with your breasts for six weeks.
The goal is to have your breast reduction surgery done as efficiently and comfortably as possible and a result that will give you a youthful appearance and a new sense of self-confidence. Without the physical pain of having large breasts, you will feel better, your clothes will fit better and your body will appear more proportioned.
The cost of breast reduction surgery varies because each procedure is fully customized to meet the unique needs of the patient. Factors that can influence the overall cost include the surgical techniques used, the amount of breast tissue to be removed, and whether the surgery is combined with other procedures, such as a breast lift. Dr. Bartholomew prioritizes transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of your costs during your consultation.
How painful is Breast Reduction surgery?
While some discomfort is normal during recovery, most patients report that the pain is manageable with prescribed medications and subsides significantly after the first few days.
Will insurance pay for Breast Reduction?
In many cases, breast reduction is covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary to relieve pain or other physical symptoms.
What is the minimum size for Breast Reduction?
There is no specific minimum size, as the procedure is tailored to your anatomy and goals. A consultation will help determine if breast reduction is right for you.
What qualifies a woman for Breast Reduction?
Women experiencing physical discomfort, pain, or emotional distress related to overly large breasts may qualify. Dr. Bartholomew evaluates each patient's health, anatomy, and goals to determine eligibility.
