in San Jose & Palo Alto, CA
A breast reduction, as its name implies, is a surgical procedure that removes skin, fat, and glandular tissue from the breasts to achieve a smaller desirable size and lighter weight. The nipple is typically repositioned upwards, making the breasts look perkier and more youthful, too. By decreasing the total breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts in a higher position that is more proportionate to the body, many physical conditions associated with large and heavy breasts are dramatically alleviated.
2-4 Hours
1-2 Weeks
1
Outpatient
A breast reduction is a relatively simple procedure in which fat and glandular tissue is removed from the breast until the desired size is reached. The skin is then tightened around the breast area, resulting in smaller, lighter breasts that are in healthier proportions to the rest of the body. If you have breast implants, this is a much simpler procedure where the doctor makes a small incision, removes your pre-existing implants and then tightens the skin around the breast. The entire process of a breast reduction usually takes between two and four hours.
Dr. Boudreault forms the surgical plan to best achieve your customized result, based on his thorough assessment of your current concerns, body type, and goals, which he takes the time to discuss with you prior to the surgery.
The surgery will be done under general anesthesia at our state-of-the-art AAAASF surgery center by Dr. Boudreault. During breast reduction Palo Alto & San Jose plastic surgeon Dr. Boudreault will remove the appropriate amount of excess fat and tissue, and reshape the breasts. This procedure can take two to five hours, depending on the complexity of the case, when performed as a stand-alone procedure. Some patients choose to combine this surgery with a supporting surgery, such as liposuction from the side of the upper torso or armpit area.
The downtime to consider when planning for your San Jose or Palo Alto breast reduction is one to two weeks after surgery. After the first week, you will come back for a follow-up visit to remove the sutures. For the first two weeks, you will wear a form-fitting surgical bra to raise and support the breasts while the incisions heal. After these two weeks, you’ll be able to transition to a sports bra or loose-fitting wireless bra. Bruising and swelling is normal, and you may feel sore and tight in the area for 2-3 weeks, but can gradually resume normal activities as you feel comfortable. It is important to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting until the 6-week mark. By 2-3 months, the majority of swelling has subsided and your newly shaped breasts will begin to feel soft and supple.
Patients have a breast reduction when they feel their large breasts are compromising their health, exercise ability, self-esteem, or quality of life. For medical reasons, a breast reduction can eliminate excess breast tissue that can lead to neck and back issues, posture problems, pain, and even skeletal deformities and breathing problems. For aesthetic reasons, a breast reduction can firm and tighten drooping breasts to look more youthful, fit better into clothing, and look in proportion with the rest of the body. An nipple and areola reduction is an extra “perk” to this procedure, if desired.
You will notice your now smaller breasts immediately after the procedure. If you previously suffered from physical discomfort caused by your breast size and weight, you may instantly feel relief, and this will continue to improve over time. Be aware that the shape of your breasts will continue to change and settle over the next several months. Do not be alarmed if your scars appear red and bumpy at first, as they will soften and fade over time. Scars do not reach full maturity until one year and generally fade significantly — ask San Jose & Palo Alto plastic surgeon Dr. Boudreault about his comprehensive scar treatment regimen to help speed up your healing process.
The average cost of a Breast Reduction in San Jose or Palo Alto is $15,000–$25,000. For a nipple (areola) reduction performed alone, the average cost starts at $6,000. These estimates include all fees, such as anesthesia and facility fees. If you would like to have your Palo Alto or San Jose breast reduction done as soon as possible but would like to pay it off over time in small monthly increments, we offer financing through Alphaeon and CareCredit. Many of our patients will choose to apply for credit cards with longer terms at 0% interest. Join our many happy patients in the Silicon Valley who reduced their breast size and now enjoy their better-suited set of breasts.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.