Breast Reduction Techniques
Women who have breasts that are too large for their frame face a number of challenges. Large breasts can put major strain on your lower back, neck, and shoulders. It can also be challenging to find clothing that fits right. That’s why many women consider breast reduction at our Champaign, IL cosmetic surgery center. Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) removes excess tissue for a firmer, perkier bustline, alleviating body pain and improving contour aesthetics.
When performing breast reduction, Dr. Stuart Baker of The Center for Cosmetic Medicine has different surgical techniques to choose from. Let’s go over some of the most common incision methods and surgical approaches for breast reduction surgery.
Traditional Anchor Incision Method
The anchor incision method refers to the most traditional form of breast reduction surgery. This technique involves three incisions:
- A circular incision around the areola
- A lateral incision along the underside of the breast where it meets the chest
- A vertical incision along the lower portion of the breast to connect the previous two incisions
This anchor-shaped incision allows a plastic surgeon to remove excess skin and tissue, adjust the overall shape of the breast, and reduce drooping and sagging in the process. Scarring from this surgical technique can be concealed by most undergarments, tops, and bathing suits; the scarring will also fade with time.
Vertical Incision Method
For patients who require a less extensive breast reduction procedure, the vertical incision method may be considered. In this type of breast reduction, only two incisions are required:
- A circular incision around the areola
- A vertical incision from the bottom of the areolar incision down along the lower curvature of the breast
This incision method is also known as the lollipop technique or keyhole incision technique. The necessary adjustments and removal of breast tissue can be achieved through these sets of incisions.
Combining Breast Reduction with Breast Lift
Both the breast reduction and the breast lift share similar incision methods. If a woman would like to reduce the size and shape of their breasts while also achieving perkier and firmer breasts, surgeons may combine breast reduction and breast lift into a single surgery. This helps improve aesthetics in a dramatic fashion while also relieving back, neck, and shoulder pain in the process.
Liposuction for Breast Reduction
For some patients, breast reduction really means removing some fat around the upper chest and torso in addition to have their breast size surgically reduced. In these cases, liposuction may be used around the breasts in order to enhance the results achieved through the breast reduction procedure.
Liposuction cannot be used alone or exclusively on the breasts for reduction. Only a certain amount of fat can be safely removed from the body in a single session, and there is more tissue than fat that needs to be excised during a reduction procedure. Yet liposuction can supplement and enhance the results of a traditional breast reduction surgery.
Contact Dr. Stuart Baker
To learn more about breast reduction surgery and how it can help you have a better proportioned frame, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon. We at The Center for Cosmetic Medicine are here to help. You can reach our office in Decatur by phone at (217) 877-9000, our Champaign office at (217) 378-8000, and our Monticello office at (217) 877-9439.
