Breast Reduction

Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso – Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is sought after by women with very large breasts who may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight of their breast tissue. A breast reduction mammaplasty can help solve back and neck pain, skin irritation, and skeletal deformities caused by the weight of large breasts. 

In addition to medical challenges, daily hassles such as bra straps may also leave indentations in women’s shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman, or teenage girl, feel extremely self-conscious. Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women.

Breast Reduction / Mammaplasty

The reduction mammaplasty procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. Breast reduction surgery also reduces the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to achieve lighter, smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion to the rest of the body. 

Dr. Jabor and Dr. Reynolds have performed this procedure on many women who desire a reduction of breast tissue while contouring the breasts to a naturally full shape. Dr. Jabor and Dr. Reynolds are available to answer your questions and concerns regarding reduction mammaplastys, and are available to discuss your needs during a breast reduction surgery consultation. To schedule your appointment, call one of our medical associates at Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso at 915-543-5600.

Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery can be life-changing for women who struggle with the physical and emotional burden of overly large breasts, but not every woman in this category will necessarily qualify for this procedure. Determining your candidacy for breast reduction requires a holistic evaluation of your overall health, breast size and related concerns, and your goals and expectations.

Understanding Your Medical Eligibility

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that carries risks and aftercare requirements similar to those of other surgeries. As such, the ideal breast reduction candidate is in good overall health and is committed to taking the time and care needed for a proper recovery. The ideal candidate should be at or near their ideal weight at the time of surgery and should be confident in their ability to maintain that weight in the long term. If you smoke, you will need to quit several weeks before and after your procedure, as smoking significantly compromises the healing process. Our surgeons will discuss any other questions or concerns you have in a one-on-one consultation.

Signs You May Benefit from a Breast Reduction Procedure

If you have persistent back, neck or shoulder pain due to your breast size, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction. Many women with large breasts also suffer from skin irritation or rashes beneath the breasts, as well as painful grooves that are worn into the shoulders from the strain of wearing a bra. Beyond the physical side, many women feel self-conscious about their large breasts or are frustrated with how much they limit activity.

Your Breast Reduction Experience at Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Centers of El Paso

When you choose Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Centers of El Paso for your breast reduction, you’re selecting a team of highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons who prioritize your safety, comfort and satisfaction throughout every step of your journey. Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto bring extensive experience and specialized training to each procedure, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.

Consultation and Planning

Every successful procedure begins with a thorough consultation and clear collaboration between patient and provider. In this initial appointment, your surgeon will take the time to listen to your concerns, needs and questions. They will examine the breast area and take size, skin quality, shape and other key factors into account. They will then explain the breast reduction procedure to you in detail, including the techniques they will use and the outcomes you can expect. 

Treatment

On the day of your surgery, you’ll arrive at our state-of-the-art surgical facility, where our team will ensure you feel comfortable and prepared. Breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately two to four hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Throughout the procedure, your surgeon will carefully remove excess breast tissue, fat and skin while reshaping your breasts to create a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing contour.

After the excess tissue has been removed, your surgeon will reposition your nipple and areola to a higher, more natural position on the breast. In most cases, the nipple remains attached to its blood supply and nerves, which helps preserve sensation and the potential for breastfeeding. However, in cases of extremely large breasts, the nipple may need to be completely removed and repositioned as a graft.

Once your breasts have been reshaped and resized, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and apply surgical dressings. You may also have small drainage tubes placed temporarily to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling during the initial healing phase.

Aftercare and Recovery Guidance

The recovery period following breast reduction is a critical time for healing and achieving optimal results. Immediately after surgery, you’ll spend some time in our recovery area where our nursing staff will monitor you closely as you wake from anesthesia. Most patients are able to return home the same day, though you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.

Early Recovery and Follow-Ups

During the first few days after surgery, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising in the breast area. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort, and you’ll be instructed to wear a surgical support bra to provide compression and support as you heal. This special bra helps minimize swelling and supports your newly shaped breasts during the healing process.

Follow-up appointments with your surgeon are an essential part of your recovery process. During these visits, your surgeon will monitor your healing progress, remove any drainage tubes or sutures and address any questions or concerns you may have. These appointments are also an opportunity for your surgeon to assess your results and ensure that your breasts are healing properly and settling into their new shape.

Results Timeline

As you heal, you’ll notice that your breasts will gradually settle into their final position and shape. Initial swelling typically subsides within a few weeks, but it can take several months for your breasts to fully settle and for incision lines to fade. While you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your breast size and shape immediately after surgery, your final results will continue to refine over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will insurance cover my breast reduction surgery?

In many cases, breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance if it’s deemed medically necessary to relieve physical symptoms such as chronic pain, skin irritation or other health issues caused by overly large breasts. However, coverage varies significantly between insurance providers and individual policies. Our team at Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Centers of El Paso can help you navigate the insurance approval process and provide the necessary documentation to support your claim.

How much breast tissue will be removed during my procedure?

The amount of tissue removed during breast reduction varies greatly from patient to patient and depends on your starting breast size, desired outcome and overall body proportions. During your consultation, your surgeon will work with you to determine the ideal breast size that will provide relief from your symptoms while creating a balanced, proportionate appearance that complements your frame.

Will I be able to breastfeed after breast reduction?

Many women are able to breastfeed successfully after breast reduction, though the procedure can sometimes affect milk production or the ability to nurse. The likelihood of maintaining breastfeeding ability depends on the surgical technique used and the amount of tissue removed. If breastfeeding is important to you, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation so they can plan your procedure accordingly.

How long will my breast reduction results last?

Breast reduction results are generally long-lasting, and most patients maintain their new breast size permanently. However, factors such as pregnancy, significant weight gain or loss, aging and gravity can affect your breast shape and size over time. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras can help preserve your results for many years.

What will my scars look like after breast reduction?

Breast reduction involves incisions that will result in permanent scars. However, these scars typically fade significantly over time and can usually be concealed by clothing or a bra. Your surgeon will place incisions strategically to minimize visible scarring and will provide guidance on scar care to promote optimal healing. Most patients find that the improvement in their quality of life and appearance far outweighs any concerns about scarring.