The Minimal Incision Breast Reduction or Lift
By: Stephen J Ronan MD

Upper breast flattening and breast drooping are expected consequences of childbearing and aging. Some women find that their breasts are too large and cause them problems with neck pain, back pain, shoulder strap grooving, etc. They also find that clothes and braziers don’t fit properly. For others, the volume of breast tissue is deficient or appropriate but the breasts themselves droop. If this sounds like you, keep reading. There is a newer breast procedure, with minimized incisions, that offers correction of these problems.

This procedure, called the ‘modern’ vertical mammaplasty, lifts the breast, reduces the volume (if necessary), and improves shape. If you have back, neck and breast pain due to large breasts, it will most likely disappear after surgery. Another advantage of this procedure over the traditional breast lift or reduction is less scarring. Traditional breast procedures have scars around the areolus, vertically from the areolus the fold underneath the breast, and horizontally along the fold underneath the breast. The ‘modern’ vertical mammaplasty has a scar only around the areolus and vertically from the areolus to the fold. The horizontal scar in the fold is eliminated. This is fortunate as the horizontal scar is usually the worst of the three areas of scarring.

The ‘modern’ vertical mammaplasty is based on different concepts than the traditional breast lift or reduction. Traditional breast surgery changes the shape of the skin and adjusts the breast tissue to fit into the new envelope of skin. The result is much more incision and a flatter, wider breast in a tight skin envelope. The weakness of this approach is that the skin stretches and the drooping can recur. The newer procedure first reshapes the breast tissue into a narrower, projected, conical shape. Next, the skin is adjusted to the new, improved breast shape. The result is much less incision and more beautiful shape. In addition, the vertical mammaplasty breast procedure holds up better over time.

Breast reduction and lift procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you go home the same day as the surgery. Most people can return to work in about a week. Dissolving sutures placed under the skin help make the recovery period easier on you. Many people combine their breast reduction with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or facial rejuvenation. Some patients have lost enough breast tissue (or never thought they had enough in the first place!!) and combine augmentation with a lift.

Explore the possibility of sculpting a new you.

Dr. Ronan is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His specialty is aesthetic or cosmetic surgery. If you would like to discuss this or any other aesthetic procedure in detail, please call (925) 736-5757 for a complimentary consultation. Or, email Dr. Ronan at [email protected].