Breast Reduction in St. Petersburg, FL

Excessively large breasts can create physical and social issues for women. Furthermore, extremely large breasts can lead to insecurity issues and overall embarrassment, as well as neck and back pain. Dr. John J. O'Brien Jr. is a plastic surgeon in St. Petersburg, FL who has helped countless women regain their confidence and enjoy the life they want through a cosmetic breast reduction. This plastic surgery at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery removes excess breast tissue and skin to recontour the breasts to a more proportionate size. It also reconstructs the size of the areolas and nipples and moves them so they appear normal with the new size. In most situations, a breast lift can be implemented to provide a more taut and healthier appearance.

If you suffer from large, heavy breasts that interfere with everyday life, a surgical breast reduction may be what you need to achieve the silhouette you want. Breast reduction is ideal for women who deal with stress and emotional anxiety or are not able to live a fulfilled and active life because of the heaviness of their breasts. If you also have consistent skin rashes or irritations (as well as back pain), breast reduction surgery can greatly diminish these medical conditions. It's crucial patients are at a stable weight, and choose a skillful surgeon like Dr. O'Brien who listens to their concerns and goals and has the training to create a normal and natural appearance.

Surgical breast reduction is an outpatient procedure and is conducted with the patient under general anesthesia. The time frame for the surgery depends on various factors, including the incision type, the general surgical technique, and finally, the amount of tissue removal needed. The areola and nipple area repositioning is another factor. Typically, liposuction is used for tissue and fat reduction to reduce the breasts size. At the time of the initial consult, all of these aspects are addressed with Dr. O'Brien. The issue surrounding scarring is also carefully examined and talked through as it is likely to occur. However, modern techniques have led to a significant decrease in the visibility of scarring. Based on the difficulty of the size and overall reduction, either an inverted-T or a straight line (vertical) incision will be made. Breast fat and tissue will then be removed, and the surrounding skin and tissue will be pulled and lifted.

Once surgery has been completed, our patients will be monitored closely in our quiet recovery room and then sent home to begin the healing process. A thin tube for draining is usually inserted near the incision area to assist with bleeding. A compression bra will be worn for a few days that will increase blood circulation to the breasts during the immediate recovery. In a month or so, the breasts will naturally fall into position and the post-surgery effects will go away. Most of our patients at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery say they feel less weighed down and more confident. Following surgical breast reduction, you can enjoy the clothes you so desire and feel excited with your new figure. Keep in mind it is important to maintain a healthy body weight so the outcomes are not compromised.

How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
Your cost for breast reduction surgery can be reviewed with Dr. O'Brien in your consultation. When he has created your treatment plan, it is easier to calculate your costs, including facility fees, anesthesia, and more. Reduction surgery usually leads to a dramatic improvement in all aspects of life, which is why our staff will help you find low-interest financing to make your treatment easy to afford.

Will my nipples be moved?
Usually, the nipples and areola will be moved up to a central position during breast reduction surgery. If a significant amount of tissue and skin needs to be removed, your nipple-areola area may be cut out and moved. Dr. O'Brien will select an incision technique so the nipple and areola are easy to move higher. It's also possible to perform an areola reduction using an areolatome, more commonly known as a "cookie cutter," to reduce the size of the areolas. Your options will be explained in your consultation before Dr. O'Brien helps you choose the best plan to meet your goals.

Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Reduction surgery can affect breastfeeding. Although some women can still breastfeed after a surgical reduction, other women cannot. It's difficult to know whether your breast reduction will interfere with breastfeeding. This is why Dr. O'Brien suggests that patients be done with breastfeeding before considering breast reduction surgery.

Can my breasts re-grow after surgery?
Following reduction surgery, your breasts may get smaller or bigger with dramatic weight changes. This is why it is better to be at a healthy weight prior to your surgery that you can easily maintain. In your consultation, Dr. O'Brien will discuss the best ways to prepare for your reduction and what you can do after to help make sure your results last.

Dr. O'Brien has helped so many women regain their body, mind, and spirit for a fuller life with cosmetic breast reduction. During the consultation at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. O'Brien will talk through all of the steps to attain your aesthetic desires and develop a customized surgical plan to fit your goals. There's no reason to continue simply accepting the lack of confidence or discomfort that can accompany large breasts. We welcome you to call our office in St. Petersburg, FL to discover more about this exceptional breast reduction procedure.