Breast Reduction Denver & Breast Reduction Surgeon

Breast Reduction Surgery in Denver

Breast Reduction - When the problem is overly large, pendulous breasts, often causing back, neck, and shoulder pain, breast reduction ("Reduction Mammaplasty") is the treatment of choice. The enlarged breasts, as well as frequently over-sized areolas, can be sculpted and lifted to be both visually pleasing and more comfortable. There are several techniques for reduction. Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro each use a specialized technique. Dr. Capraro favors a technique called the SPAIR Technique developed by Dr. Dennis Hammond of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In some select cases, breast reduction by liposuction/LipoSelection® is possible.  This is usually in younger women with excessive breast tissue but with only early sagging.

Medical complaints of women with gigantomastia include:

Pain – Of the back, neck, shoulders, and breasts themselves Headaches – From neck strain secondary to the weight Stretching and thinning of the breast skin – Traction of gravity eventually stretches breast skin making it thin and fragile Numbness – Skin stretching can cause loss of skin sensitivity Grooving of shoulders – Where bra straps cut in from supporting the breasts; may cause permanent skin discoloration in the grooves Arthritic changes – Of the neck and upper back

Difficulty breathing – The weight of large breasts can be a lot of work for an older person with existing heart or lungs problems

Poor posture – Caused by the breast weight, with rounding of shoulders

Rashes, skin inflammation, & irritation beneath the breasts – Drooping breast skin resting against skin of upper abdomen creates perspiration, bacterial growth, irritation; worse during warm weather

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The Surgical Procedure- Over the many years since breast reduction surgery was first described, a variety of techniques have been used. Most often, the techniques begin with designing and drawing a "pattern" on the breasts before surgery begins. The nipple's new position is marked. When surgery begins, an "anchor-shaped or upside down T" incision that circles the areola, proceeds downward, and then along the fold beneath the breast is made. Surplus skin, fatty tissue, and excess glandular breast tissue are removed.

The operation is designed to preserve the blood supply of the nipple and areola on the newly reduced and shaped breast tissue. The skin is then brought back together with numerous fine stitches. The necessary amount of excess breast tissue and skin are removed, nipple/areolar position altered, the breast lifted, and the wounds then closed.

Sometimes, when the breasts are very large and stretched, where the distance the nipple must be moved is very great, the nipple is purposely removed and grafted to its new position. When this is done, nipple/areolar feeling and breast-feeding options are lost.

Liposuction is sometimes used to do some final shaping or remove breast tissue located under the armpits (so-called "axillary breast tissue"). Occasionally, where a limited amount of tissue needs removal, in a new surgical procedure, it may be possible to use liposuction alone to reduce the breast without skin removal. This is particularly interesting because of the limited scarring that results. Unfortunately, its applicability is limited.

Locations – This surgery may be performed as either an outpatient or in-patient. But many of Dr. Grossman's patients prefer to spend the night after surgery in our luxury suites in Denver.

Anesthesia – General anesthesia (complete sleep) is the usual choice. However, under occasional circumstances, a form of regional anesthesia called "thoracic epidural" may be used.

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Surgical Risks for Breast Reduction - All surgeries are associated with some risks. These relate to the potential for complications and untoward events during or after a surgical procedure. These can be thought of in 2 groups:

General Risks – Risks common to all surgeries and

Specific Risks – Those unique to a particular surgery, such as breast reduction.

General Risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Bruising

Specific Risks include:

• Damage to blood supply of skin &/or nipple complex
• Heavy scarring
• Altered sensitivity
• Inability to breastfeed
  
• Fat necrosis

Soft, supportive dressings have been applied after surgery. Drainage tubes are often inserted during surgery, attached to small reservoirs that are emptied several times a day. These are removed in the office after several days. The dressings are usually changed after several days, and sutures removed at 7-10 days. Except for the restriction of vigorous arm motion and lifting, you will be encouraged to be active, particularly plenty of walking. While some pain is expected following any surgery, it is not especially severe. You will receive adequate pain medication both in hospital and for home use. Feeling in the breast skin and nipple area will be reduced for at least a time after surgery. Some of this is temporary and fades over the weeks and months. But some loss of sensitivity may be permanent as well. Most patients can return to work after about 10 to 14 days.

But even then, the breasts will be sensitive. Sports and vigorous activities can be resumed in 3-4 weeks. Still, healing and "settling" of the new breasts as they assume their new shape is progressive over a period of months.

Breast reduction scars are in the pattern described earlier, the inverted-T or "anchor pattern." Their red color will fade gradually over a period of months. The scars may be lumpy as well. The staff will instruct you in methods to try to prevent scar thickening, widening, or stretching. Still, it requires patience to wait for the scars to eventually fade. Scarring is very much hereditary. Everyone scars differently and uniquely.

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