Breast Reduction in Raleigh & Cary, NC

Many patients consider having breast reduction surgery under insurance. This is a possible scenario if a patient meets the indicated criteria. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we are out-of-network with all insurance companies.

Signs of needing a breast reduction can include dissatisfaction with large breast size, neck/back/shoulder pain, and a feeling of heaviness and/or droopiness of the breasts. Ultimately, this is a patient-driven decision based on their desired aesthetic goals.

With any surgery, there are risks and benefits to consider. Our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Coan, does everything possible to minimize risks before, during, and after surgery. Specifically, he abides by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons guidelines to ensure optimal safety standards. Common and uncommon complications can include swelling, bruising, bleeding, and sensation changes. Dr. Coan will discuss all considerations and questions at your consultation.

If the breast is considered to be fatty in nature, there is the possibility that weight gain could lead to an increase in breast size, even after a reduction

Contrary to common misconceptions, Dr. Coan does not remove the nipple during a breast reduction procedure. Instead, the nipple is maneuvered into the correct position to provide a youthful breast shape. In doing this, the nerve and blood supply are kept intact. While it is possible that some nerves may be affected during surgery and cause possible diminished nipple sensation, there are several nerves responsible for providing sensation to the nipple and breast. Both nipple hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity are possible outcomes of surgery.

We advise our patients to wear their compression bra for six weeks following surgery. After this time frame, patients may sleep without a bra. However, we do encourage patients to wear adequate support on a day-to-day basis.

Yes, a breast reduction can address both aesthetic and functional concerns by resulting in more symmetrical and proportional breasts. Secondarily, reducing breast size can relieve some back pain and discomfort. Patients may find exercise and other general daily activities are easier after breast reduction surgery.

After breast reduction surgery, we instruct patients to avoid exercise and other activities that could increase heart rate or blood pressure for 6 weeks after surgery. This includes no pushing, pulling, or lifting objects over 20 lbs. Patients should avoid baths or swimming until all incisions are healed. Additionally, we encourage patients to sleep in a reclined position for approximately 2 weeks to help reduce early postoperative swelling. We instruct patients to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks after surgery to minimize swelling, bruising and risk of complications. At 6 weeks after surgery, patients can resume all normal activity and exercise with no restrictions.

We do not recommend drinking alcohol in the immediate period after any surgery, including a breast reduction.

While breast size can affect an individual's weight to a degree, it is better said that weight can affect breast size. Breasts can be considered dense, comprised mainly of breast tissue, or they can be considered fatty. This is best determined by your board-certified plastic surgeon. With fatty breasts, weight fluctuations carry a greater impact on breast size. Dense breasts comprised mainly of breast tissue do not change much with weight fluctuations.

Weight fluctuations can result in changes in a patient's breast size. We encourage our patients to be within 10 pounds of their ideal weight prior to surgery so as to provide the most accurate assessment of their size and proportions.

Breast reduction surgery is a relatively safe procedure if the appropriate protocol is taken. We always recommend choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic procedure to ensure all safety measures are taken accordingly.

After a breast reduction, we recommend against any activity that will increase heart rate and/or blood pressure for 6 weeks after surgery, including exercise.

Dr. Coan utilizes two different surgical techniques with breast reduction procedures: vertical short scar and wise pattern. These techniques differ in the location and length of the incision used. Different techniques are utilized depending on the patients breast size, breast shape, breast tissue, and aesthetic goals.

Patients may find it helpful to review before and after photos of patients with similar starting points and body types. Ultimately, you are not alone in the process, and a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Coan will provide guidance and support with achieving your aesthetic goals.

The sutures used in breast reduction are completely absorbable and begin to dissolve about three months after surgery.

This can be patient-dependent, as every patient is different. Most commonly, peak swelling occurs around 3-5 days after surgery. Over the subsequent weeks, swelling will gradually decrease. At around 6 weeks after surgery, the majority of the swelling has resolved, and the overall breast volume will not change significantly. Final results are assessed three months after surgery.