INTRODUCTION TO MICHIGAN BREAST REDUCTION
Traverse City plastic surgeon Dr. F. Matthew Smith routinely performs breast reduction procedures, called reduction mammoplasty, to recontour and reshape breasts that are out of proportion to a woman’s body. Many women suffer from overly large breasts, which can cause shoulder, neck, and back pain.

A breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that improves the size and appearance of your breasts. The breast reduction procedure eliminates excess breast tissue, elevates your remaining skin and breast tissue, and reshapes your remaining breast.   At the same time, it relocates your nipple and areola (the pigmented skin surrounding your nipple) to a higher position. If your areolas have stretched over time, they can also be reduced in size. For women who wish to have a breast reduction procedure with a tummy tuck, please see our Mommy Makeover page.

As with all reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, it is important for Dr. Smith to carefully evaluate the anatomy of your breasts, your body frame, and the general condition of your skin and muscle tone.  In addition, his understanding of your goals and concerns help in his recommendation of breast reduction surgery.  This is accomplished during your private consultation with Dr. Smith at his Traverse City plastic surgery office, or his plastic surgery office in Gaylord.

APPROPRIATE CANDIDATES FOR A BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE
A breast reduction can be performed on healthy women who suffer from the discomfort of very large breasts. Depending on your health insurance coverage, most breast reduction procedures are covered, particularly if you have a history of neck, back and/or shoulder pain and/or problems with rashes underneath your breasts.

HOW A BREAST REDUCTION IS PERFORMED
Dr. Smith performs his cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including breast reduction, in the accredited surgery suite at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, the Ambulatory Surgery Center in Traverse City, or Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord.  A breast reduction procedure is typically scheduled for 2-3 hours. General anesthesia is always used because Dr. Smith wants to ensure a well-controlled and safe surgical experience that is comfortable for his patient.

Once anesthesia has been induced, Dr. Smith will make an incision in the breast area, based upon the previous discussion at your consultation. He will remove excess breast tissue and skin and internally lift the breast tissue to create an improved, firmer texture. Many patients consider this a reshaping of the skin brassiere.  Your incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures, eliminating the need to remove any stitches.  A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled for 10 to 14 days after the surgery. You will be placed in a supportive garment which will be worn for a period of time 24 hours a day following your procedure.

Within a day or two after surgery, you should be up and around. It’s normal to experience bruising and swelling from breast reduction surgery. Discomfort is generally well-controlled with Tylenol or a mild prescription pain medication.  You may find that sleeping in a chair for the first few nights will prevent rolling over in your sleep onto your still-tender breasts. It’s likely that Dr. Smith will have placed drains in the incisions, which will be removed at one of your post-operative visits in his Traverse City plastic surgery office.

It’s wise to listen to your body and respect the fact that you are healing, as everyone heals at a different rate. Within the first week you can expect that your recovery will follow this general progression: you will be permitted to shower within 24-48 hours, you will have a follow-up visit, you may return to non-strenuous work and sexual relations may be resumed.