Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta Georgia

Services/Breast/Short Scar Breast Reduction

Short Scar Breast Reduction in Atlanta, Georgia

Innovations in Breast Reduction: SPAIR and SBR

Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery frequently are seeking relief from physical symptoms caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. Breast reduction usually can solve these problems as well as improve the size and shape of your breasts. Following breast reduction, your breasts will be more proportionate to the rest of your body, and clothes will fit you better.

You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• breasts that are too large in proportion to your body frame
• heavy, pendulous breasts with nipples and areolae that point downward
• one breast is much larger than the other
• back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
• skin irritation beneath your breasts
• indentations in your shoulders from tight bra straps
• restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
• dissatisfaction or self-consciousness about the largeness of your breasts

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but Dr. Kavali usually recommends waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast reduction before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, you should discuss this with Dr. Kavali.

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size as well as anything else about your breasts that you would like to see improved. This will help Dr. Kavali to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

Dr. Kavali will examine your breasts, take measurements and photographs for your medical record. The size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolae will be carefully evaluated.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries including breast biopsies, and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

You should tell Dr. Kavali if you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, particularly if you have noticed that your breasts become smaller with weight loss.

Insurance coverage is sometimes available for breast reduction surgery. Many factors determine your eligibility, including the specific terms of your insurance policy and the amount of breast tissue to be removed. A letter of predetermination may be required by your insurance company prior to surgery. Dr. Kavali or a staff member in her office will discuss these matters with you.

How Breast Reduction is Performed: SPAIR or SBR

Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to reduce the size of your breasts. Dr. Kavali uses two primary methods for achieving your breast reduction goals, the SPAIR technique or SBR (“scarless” breast reduction).

SPAIR stands for short-scar peri-areolar inferior pedicle reduction. It involves only two incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast, creating what Dr. Kavali refers to as “lollipop scar”. There is no incision in the crease under the breast. This is a distinct advantage compared with more traditional methods, which leave you with a long scar beneath the entire breast.

The SPAIR technique leaves the nipple attached to its underlying tissue, so as to optimally protect sensation and the possibility of future breastfeeding, although neither outcome can ever be guaranteed by any reputable surgeon. This technique also uses internal sutures (that can’t be seen from the surface) to mold the breast into a more youthful shape. The breast is lifted and shaped with this technique.

Very rarely, if your breasts are extremely large, the nipples and areolas may need to be completely detached before they are shifted to a higher level. In such a case, you will need to have made the decision to sacrifice sensation and the possibility of breast-feeding in order to achieve your desired breast size.

SBR (“Scarless” breast reduction):

Quite simply, SBR is liposuction breast reduction. Just as we can use liposuction to remove unwanted fat from any other area of the body, we can also use it to reduce breast size.

The major benefit of this technique is the virtual absence of scars on the breasts. There is one tiny scar, about 1/4” long, in the crease under each breast. SBR is ideal for reducing breast size to alleviate back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. It’s also good for correcting some types of breast asymmetry. It does not reshape the breast, however. It does not “lift” the breast or the nipple; it simply gives you a smaller version of the breast you currently have. SBR is a good option for women who understand the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure.

In some cases, liposuction of the breast can be combined with the SPAIR technique to provide ideal size and shaping for the breast. Liposuction of other body areas can also be done at the same time, if desired.

Risks:

Fortunately, significant complications from breast reduction are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of women undergo successful breast reduction surgery, experience no major problems, and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and the risks.

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Kavali.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia.

Following reduction, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple height may vary slightly. If desired, minor adjustments can be made at a later time. Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts may occur rarely. Revision (secondary) surgery is sometimes helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly. In the unlikely event of injury to or loss of the nipple and areola, they usually can be satisfactorily reconstructed using skin grafts.

You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and instructions of Dr. Kavali, both before and after surgery.

The goal of Dr. Kavali and her entire staff is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

Preparing for surgery:

Depending on your age, or if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, Dr. Kavali may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast reduction, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination. Breast reduction surgery will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Dr. Kavali will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery is generally the same, regardless of which technique is chosen. Typically the greatest swelling occurs two days after surgery. You will be asked to wear a bra continuously for the first 3-4 weeks. With SBR, you may be comfortable continuing the bra support for up to 6 weeks. Most swelling will be gone in about 6 weeks, but final settling of the breasts won’t occur for up to 9-12 months, which is when you’ll have your final result.