Dr. Rowley has spent well over two decades providing hundreds of breast reduction procedures.
The procedure is often a tremendous source for relief for many patients.
As of April 1st, 2021, our office will no longer be processing insurance for breast reductions on the patient’s behalf. We apologize for any inconvenience. Note that if you call before April 1st, we will still process as we have previously. We will happily discuss this with you in your appointment if you have further questions.
Patients seek this procedure when the breasts are very heavy and cause back, neck and/or shoulder pain, grooves in their shoulders, rash or irritation in the crease of the breasts, and neurologic symptoms—including numbness and tingling in the hands and arms. Issues can also be exacerbated if the breasts are asymmetric. Insurance will often cover this procedure if we can document the symptoms related to the size of the patient’s breasts.
This procedure generally takes approximately two hours under general anesthetic in the office operating suite or a surgicenter. Most patients are typically off work for 10-14 days, but may require up to three weeks, with six weeks before a return to full activity. Nicotine restrictions also apply to this procedure.
A breast reduction may be done as a combined procedure (such as a “Mommy Makeover”) with a breast lift (mastopexy), as well as liposuction.
A breast reduction always includes a breast lift where the nipple is repositioned to a higher, more normal position. Tissue is left around the nipple to preserve blood supply and usually preserve most sensation, but the diameter of the areola is often decreased. The patient usually ends up with a scar around the nipple-areolar complex, a vertical scar and a scar in the crease of the breasts. The patient awakes in a soft dressing, and a surgical bra. Patients are usually allowed to shower the day following surgery and discomfort generally is limited to a tight, engorged feeling. Sutures are absorbable, and we rarely place drain tubes. The recovery time for a breast reduction often depends upon the size of the breasts.
Overall, breast reduction patients are some of the happiest patients I treat postoperatively. I can honestly not recall a case where the patient did not have almost immediate relief of symptoms related to the size of the breasts. Of course there are scars, but as I tell most of my patients, the only people that will see those scars are those who see you naked. The risk factors are very minimal and patient satisfaction is very high. It’s very rewarding to see the relief patients enjoy.
Below you may find untouched before and after photos of several patients who have granted permission to show them here.
While we protect the identities of our patients, please be advised that by their nature these photos are of a sensitive nature.
