Breast Reduction in Lyndhurst & Beachwood, OH
Large breasts can lead to physical discomfort and challenges that impact your daily life. Back pain, neck strain, and skin irritation are just a few of the issues many women experience due to the extra weight. Bra straps often dig into your shoulders, leaving indentations and making you more uncomfortable. They can even cause unwanted attention from other people.
Dr. Daniel Medalie offers breast reduction surgery to help you feel better. By reducing the size of your bosom, you’ll be able to live more comfortably and love how you look. We offer this and other breast procedures at our offices in Cleveland and Lyndhurst, Ohio.
Before
After
Before
After
How Breast Reduction Can Help You
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, removes extra fat, glandular tissue, and skin to give you smaller and firmer breasts. Dr. Medalie performs this procedure as an outpatient surgery, allowing you to recover at home. Many women find relief from discomfort and feel more confident after the surgery.
What Are the Steps of a Breast Reduction Procedure?
Breast reduction involves carefully removing excess tissue and reshaping your breasts to make them a more tolerable size.
The technique we use will depend on your individual condition, breast composition, desired size, and Dr. Medalia’s advice. Here’s what you can generally expect during the procedure:
Step 1: Anesthesia
We’ll make sure you’re comfortable by using intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Medalie typically recommends light general anesthesia so you can recover at home the same day. Dr. Medalie will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2: The Incision
Incision options include:
- A circular pattern around the areola
- A keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease
- An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern
Step 3: Removing Tissue and Repositioning
Once the incisions are made, Dr. Medalie carefully removes excess tissue and reshapes the breast. The nipple is repositioned to a higher location while staying attached to its nerve supply. If needed, he may reduce the size of the areola.
For extremely large breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be transplanted as a graft, but this is rare and not part of Dr. Medalie’s usual approach.
In some cases, the doctor may remove excess fat by using liposuction along with the excision techniques described above. If your breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, we may only need to use liposuction for breast reduction.
Step 4: Closing the Incisions
Dr. Medalie closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures placed under the skin. These stitches help support the newly shaped breast while your body heals. Over time, scars will fade and become less noticeable.
Step 5: See the Results
You’ll notice the results of your breast reduction immediately. Swelling will gradually subside, and incision lines will fade as you heal. The further you get in your recovery, the more you should like your results. Dr. Medalie works with you throughout the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome.
Preparing for Your Breast Reduction Surgery
During your consultation, Dr. Medalie will guide you through the steps to get ready for your breast reduction. These could include:
- Medical Evaluation: You may need lab tests or a medical clearance to confirm you’re healthy enough for surgery.
- Medications: Dr. Medalie will review your current medications and advise whether to adjust or stop any prior to surgery.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Smoking should be avoided for several weeks before and after surgery to support proper healing. Maintaining a stable weight is also recommended.
- Planning Ahead: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you for the first 24–48 hours. Set up a comfortable recovery area with essentials like pillows, snacks, and entertainment.
- What to Avoid: Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding risk.
Dr. Medalie will provide detailed pre-operative instructions to help you get ready for surgery.
Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
The recovery period after breast reduction is your opportunity to rest and adjust to the positive changes in your body. Here is what you can expect:
- Immediately After Surgery: You’ll wake up in a recovery area with your chest bandaged and wearing a supportive surgical bra. Most patients go home the same day.
- Managing Discomfort: Mild pain, swelling, and bruising are normal and can be managed with prescribed medications and rest.
- Physical Activity: Plan to take about one to two weeks off from work and avoid strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks. Light walking is encouraged to improve circulation.
- Incision Care: Follow Dr. Medalie’s instructions for cleaning and caring for your incision sites to support healing and minimize scarring.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Dr. Medalie will schedule follow-ups to monitor your progress.
You should begin to feel more comfortable within a few weeks, and the results of your breast reduction will continue to improve as swelling subsides. Full recovery typically takes several months, but Dr. Medalie will support you throughout the process.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
If you’ve been struggling with discomfort or self-consciousness due to large breasts, this surgery can provide relief. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduced Pain: Many patients notice immediate relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by excess breast weight.
- Improved Posture: Without the strain of heavy breasts, you may find it easier to stand and sit with better alignment.
- Easier Movement: Activities like exercising or finding clothes that fit comfortably often become much simpler after surgery.
- More Confidence: Many patients feel more at ease with their appearance after breast reduction.
Long-Term Results
After breast reduction surgery, you’ll enjoy long-term relief from the discomfort caused by your previous larger breasts.
To maintain your results, follow Dr. Medalie’s guidance during your recovery and in the years to come. While your breast size may naturally change with significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy, the improvements from your surgery are designed to last.
Why Choose Dr. Daniel Medalie?
Dr. Daniel Medalie has built a reputation as one of the most skilled plastic surgeons in the country. With over two decades of experience in Cleveland and numerous accolades, including being named one of America’s Best Doctors by Best Doctors, Inc. for 15 consecutive years, Dr. Medalie combines technical expertise with an artistic eye. He has been consistently recognized by his peers and patients, earning awards like the People’s Choice Award for over a decade and being named a Top Doctor by US News and Cleveland Magazine.
In addition to his impressive credentials, Dr. Medalie’s approach is rooted in compassion and precision. As a Harvard graduate with extensive training in both medicine and art, he brings a unique perspective to every procedure. Whether guiding patients through reconstructive or aesthetic surgery, Dr. Medalie is an excellent choice for individuals seeking breast reduction in Cleveland, Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
You might be a good candidate for breast reduction if large breasts are causing physical discomfort, skin irritation, or difficulty with daily activities. You may also want this procedure if:
- Your breasts feel out of proportion to the rest of your body.
- You experience deep grooves in your shoulders from bra straps.
- You feel self-conscious or struggle to find clothing that fits properly.
- You’re healthy and have realistic expectations for the procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Medalie will discuss your concerns and medical history to determine whether breast reduction is the right choice for you.
Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Insurance coverage for breast reduction often depends on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary. If your large breasts cause significant physical discomfort or medical issues, your insurance provider may cover part or all of the costs. Dr. Medalie’s office can assist you in navigating the insurance process, and we also offer financing options.
How Can I Minimize Scarring After Breast Reduction?
Dr. Medalie uses advanced techniques to ensure scars are as discreet as possible. To further minimize scarring, follow his post-operative care instructions, avoid sun exposure, and use recommended scar treatments. Over time, most scars fade significantly and become less noticeable. They will be permanent scars, but you can usually easily conceal them under a swimsuit or bra.
Can Breast Reduction Surgery Affect My Ability to Breastfeed in the Future?
Breastfeeding ability can vary after breast reduction surgery. While many women can breastfeed successfully, some may experience difficulty depending on the amount of tissue removed and the surgical technique used. Dr. Medalie will discuss your concerns and explain what to expect based on your goals and anatomy.
How Long Does the Breast Reduction Procedure Typically Take?
Breast reduction surgery usually takes about two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of tissue being removed. Dr. Medalie will provide a more accurate timeline during your consultation.
What Are the Potential Risks and Complications of Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is generally safe, but it can come with potential risks. Dr. Medalie takes every precaution to prioritize your safety.
- Scarring: While incision lines are permanent, they typically fade over time and are discreet under clothing.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensitivity.
- Healing Issues: Rarely, delayed wound healing or minor skin loss can occur.
- Asymmetry: Slight differences between breasts may occur, but this is rare.
- Infection or Bleeding: These risks are uncommon but possible.
Dr. Medalie will discuss these risks with you during your consultation and outline steps to ensure a smooth recovery.
Feel More Comfortable in Your Own Skin
Breast reduction can bring relief from discomfort and help you feel more confident. Call 216-393-9924 to schedule your consultation so we can discuss your next steps.