BREAST SURGERY
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction removes breast tissue and skin to reduce size while reshaping the breasts. People may consider it because of breast weight, discomfort, limitations during activity or personal preferences. An individual assessment helps separate the concerns surgery may address from symptoms that need another explanation. Discuss your goals and treatment options with Dr. Bernard Salameh.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
When breast size affects daily life
Breast-related neck, shoulder or back discomfort, bra-strap grooves and irritation beneath the breast crease can prompt a consultation. Difficulty exercising or finding comfortable clothing may also matter. These experiences do not prove that breast size is the only cause. Discuss your symptoms and goals alongside medical conditions, smoking or vaping, and factors that could affect healing.
A reduction plan is individual
Planning considers breast composition, shape, desired change and the amount of skin and tissue involved. Surgery usually combines tissue removal with reshaping and nipple repositioning. Incisions vary with the operation; some plans also use liposuction. These are general possibilities, not a recommendation for a specific technique. Ask how the plan balances size, proportion, sensation and the blood supply to the nipple.
Compare goals before choosing surgery
A lift may be discussed when position is the main concern and substantial size reduction is not desired. Supportive clothing or other symptom management may be part of a conversation with your treating clinician, although they do not remove breast tissue. Surgery is a personal choice. An evaluation should clarify what matters most to you and what changes may remain outside the operation’s scope.
Risks to understand
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, anesthesia problems, poor wound healing, persistent pain, altered sensation, asymmetry and unfavorable scars. Loss of skin, fatty tissue or part or all of the nipple and areola can occur. Further surgery may be needed. Reduction may affect breastfeeding, and future pregnancy or weight changes can alter the result. These issues belong in the individual consent discussion.
Recovery and follow-up
Dressings and breast support are commonly used after reduction, and a drain may be part of the plan. Swelling and bruising can make early appearance different from the eventual result. Instructions should cover incision care, medicines, symptoms to report and follow-up. Discuss work, lifting, childcare, driving and exercise beforehand. Your operation and healing determine activity restrictions; an online schedule cannot provide personal clearance.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Questions about breast reduction
Have a question that is not here? Request a consultation to discuss it with your surgeon.
How much tissue would be removed?
That decision follows an examination and discussion of your goals. The amount must be considered alongside breast anatomy, tissue quality and the planned shape. A request for a particular change does not replace an individualized surgical assessment.
Does reduction also change breast position?
Reduction generally includes reshaping and lifting the remaining tissue, with nipple repositioning as appropriate. It differs from a lift alone because reducing breast volume is a central part of the operation.
Could it affect breastfeeding?
Yes. Breast reduction can reduce or prevent the ability to breastfeed. Discuss future pregnancy and breastfeeding goals before deciding on surgery so the implications of the proposed technique are part of your planning.
Are the incision marks permanent?
Yes. Incision lines are permanent, although they may become less noticeable with time. Their location depends on the technique. Ask to review the proposed pattern and how wound healing or additional surgery could affect scars.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Related procedures
PATIENT RESOURCES
Further reading
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Discuss your goals with our team
Request a consultation with Kassis Salameh Plastic Surgery in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We can discuss your questions and help you understand the next step toward an individual surgical evaluation.
Call 270-822-1769 · Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Kassis Salameh Plastic Surgery
A Plastic Surgery practice in Bowling Green, Kentucky, led by Dr. Salam Kassis and Dr. Bernard Salameh: two double board-certified surgeons. Dr. Kassis focuses on facial surgery, including deep plane facelift, rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery. Dr. Salameh focuses on lipedema, breast surgery and body contouring.
996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite C1
Bowling Green, KY
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
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