If you are a woman with overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can be a tremendously life-enhancing option. Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight -- from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems.

The expert physicicans at the state-of-the-art Duke Aesthetics Center in Durham, North Carolina, offer breast reduction services in a comfortable, private environment.

Having the procedure will give you far more than just smaller, firmer breasts. You'll also get significant relief from many physical and emotional discomforts, a new sense of freedom in your exercise and physical activity, and the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing styles.

Procedure Details

The specific method chosen for your breast reduction will be determined by your anatomy, your surgeon's preferences, and your desired results.

Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast.

The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. He or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.

Liposuction may be used to improve the contour, primarily on the sides of the breasts.

The surgery generally takes three to four hours, and it is an outpatient procedure.

Recovery

You will experience some temporary side effects, such as bruising, swelling, discomfort, and numbness.

You can return to work in two to three weeks, but more strenuous activity will have to wait four to six weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars takes several months to one year.

How Long Will the Results Last?

You can expect to maintain your new breast size, unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, or become pregnant.

Risks

There is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia.

The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. These scars may or may not fade in time. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.

Future breast-feeding may or may not be possible.

Some patients may experience a temporary or permanent loss of feeling in their nipples.

Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Erdmann, Detlev
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery
• Georgiade, Gregory S.
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery
• Hollenbeck, Scott T.
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery
• Levinson, Howard
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery
  • Pathology
• Zenn, Michael R.
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Aesthetic Center
  3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705