Breast reduction is a life-enhancing procedure! This surgery can give you smaller, lighter and shapelier breasts, helping you feel free to enjoy activity with comfort and confidence.
INITIAL RECOVERY TIME: 10 DAYS
FINAL RESULTS: 6 MONTHS
Your Breast Reduction in Richmond
Not every woman likes having large breasts. The extra weight and volume can cause back, neck and shoulder pain, especially when exercising. Finding bras, swimsuits and other clothing that fit comfortably can seem next to impossible. Plus, it’s tiresome to endure unwanted attention for something that you cannot help. If you are in this situation, consider the benefits of breast reduction surgery.
By reducing breast size and weight, plus improving symmetry and shape, breast reduction surgery can help restore your comfort and self-confidence, giving you smaller breasts that are better proportioned to your body.
Before & After Patient Gallery
Is breast reduction right for me?
Breast reduction surgery enjoys a very high patient satisfaction rating, and for good reason. The procedure can immediately relieve or eliminate back, neck and shoulder pain caused by large breasts. Breast reduction can be a real confidence booster too—having breasts that are better proportioned to your body can help you find clothing that fits well and solve the problem of unwanted attention. Plus, you’ll get a breast lift at the same time.
- Your back, neck or shoulders ache from the weight of your breasts
- Chafing, shoulder grooves and rashes are something you constantly endure
- You have a hard time finding clothing you like that fits your chest
- Running, dancing, and other exercise is painful or embarrassing due to your breast size
- You’ve always wanted smaller breasts
- Your breasts are fully developed (typically by age 17 to 20)
Preparing for your breast reduction
The process begins at a personal consultation with Dr. Chen. As a board certified plastic surgeon with 12+ years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery, Dr. Chen understands how important it is for results to look natural with your body, and he takes to time to understand your goals for your breast reduction—not just pain relief, but an aesthetic improvement as well.
The two of you will discuss the procedure, recovery, and your expected results, and you will have the chance to review before and after photos of Dr. Chen’s previous breast reduction patients, so you can see how your results might look after surgery.
About Richmond breast reduction surgery
Dr. Chen typically uses the Wise pattern or “anchor” incision technique for breast reduction. This involves three incisions: one around the outer edge of the areola, one running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the crease under the breast, and a third along this crease. Resulting scars are easily concealed by a bra or swimsuit top.
Through these incisions, Dr. Chen removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin, often removing different amounts from each breast to achieve the best possible symmetry. He will also move the nipple/areola complex higher on the chest, so it faces forward instead of pointing downward, and reshape the breast into a rounder, firmer shape.
Recovering after breast reduction
You will go home after surgery wearing a surgical bra for support. Dr. Chen will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable during your early recovery. Post-op discomfort is at its highest during the first 2 to 3 days after surgery, and then begins to subside dramatically. While you will be able to get up and walk around the same evening as surgery, you will likely need assistance getting dressed and getting into and out of the shower for several days.
Patients are typically ready to return to a desk job within 7 to 10 days after breast reduction. Exercise can be gradually resumed after 3 to 4 weeks, but it’s important to follow Dr. Chen’s instructions and get his approval before resuming any strenuous activity.
When will my results be final?
You’ll notice an immediate improvement in your breast size and weight, but post-operative swelling will obscure your results somewhat at first. Most of this swelling will subside within 2 to 4 weeks. Don’t worry if one breast appears a good bit larger than the other at first—this is normal, as each breast may heal at a different rate. Typically, results will be close to their final form about 2 months after surgery, and continue to improve subtly for up to 6 months. To ensure your scars heal and fade nicely, follow post-op care instructions and do not smoke at least one month after your procedure.
We welcome you to contact our office with questions or to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Chen. Just give us a call or fill out the contact form below.