We invite you to view these videos to learn more about our breast surgery procedures and our comprehensive approach to treatment and follow-up care.Breast Reduction Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Breast reduction surgery can reduce pain and discomfort in the neck, back and shoulders for women who have disproportionately large breasts. The procedure can also enhance posture and increase self-confidence. Dr Benjamin Norris is an experienced cosmetic surgeon who offers several reduction techniques to help you achieve the results you desire. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about breast reduction surgery.
Will I lose any feeling in my breasts after breast reduction surgery?
Is breastfeeding possible after breast reduction surgery?
When will I be able to return to work?
Where are the scars located?
My breasts are actually saggy instead of large. Can breast reduction surgery help me?
Will my breasts return to their normal size after breast reduction surgery?
Does breast reduction surgery affect my risk for developing breast cancer?
When will I be able to start exercising again?
Are there any non-surgical alternatives for decreasing the size of my breasts?
Do men think breast reduction surgery is a turnoff?
Will I lose any feeling in my breasts after breast reduction surgery?
Dr Norris uses advanced techniques that concentrate on preserving the nerves in the breast. Because of this, you should not lose any feeling in your breasts. In fact, many women experience a heightened pleasurable sensation in the nipple area after breast reduction surgery.
Is breastfeeding possible after breast reduction surgery?
Yes. Because the ducts from the breast gland to the nipple are preserved during the procedure, it is possible to breastfeed after the operation. In fact, a major percent of patients are still able to breastfeed after surgery. The remaining five percent probably would not have been able to breastfeed whether or not they underwent the operation due to non-related factors.
When will I be able to return to work?
Most women are able to return to work approximately 10 days after their breast reduction procedure.
Where are the scars located?
Because Dr Norris uses advanced short-scar techniques, breast reduction scars are limited to around the areola and down to the crease in base of the breast, forming the shape of a lollipop. The scars may be red at first, but will fade to a pink colour over time. You can improve the appearance of the scars by wearing special tape over the incisions that helps with healing or by applying topical silicone gel sheeting.
My breasts are actually saggy instead of large. Can breast reduction surgery help me?
If your breasts are sagging, Dr Norris may recommend a breast lift procedure, with or without the use of implants, to enhance your appearance. With breast lift surgery, there is no need to remove breast tissue, and the incisions are usually smaller than those created for a breast reduction.
Will my breasts return to their normal size after breast reduction surgery?
While anything is possible, it is highly unlikely that your breasts will return to their normal, disproportionately large size after reduction surgery. This is because the operation involves permanently removing breast and fat tissue. If you were to gain a considerable amount of weight after surgery, your breasts should increase in proportion to your new body weight. However, your breasts will not be able to enlarge by themselves.
Does breast reduction surgery affect my risk for developing breast cancer?
No, the operation does not increase your risk for developing breast cancer. There is actually evidence to show that breast reduction surgery may reduce your risk of developing breast cancer because much of the glandular tissue that could become cancerous in the future is removed.
When will I be able to start exercising again?
You should be able to resume light activity, such as walking or jogging, approximately 10 days after your operation. However, it may take up to six weeks to comfortably return to vigorous exercise. Dr Norris recommends a gradual return to exercise, beginning with walking about two days after surgery.
Are there any non-surgical alternatives for decreasing the size of my breasts?
It is possible to use liposuction techniques to decrease the size of the breasts. However, this does not work as well as breast reduction surgery because the breasts are made of fairly tough tissue that is resistant to removal via liposuction.
Do men think breast reduction surgery is a turnoff?
The choice to undergo breast reduction surgery is ultimately your own. While there may be some men who believe that “bigger breasts are better”, the majority of men prefer what is considered an average size.