Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction removes breast tissue, breast fat and skin to downsize the breast and bring the patient back into a natural proportion all the while lifting the nipple-areola complex onto a normal position. The total amount removed is less important than the overall proportions of the patient. The standard patterns used for this operation have been the keyhole pattern or the wise pattern which results in an upside down T shaped scar or an anchor shaped scar. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes two to three hours on average. Most patients can go home the same day. Recovery takes about three weeeks at which time one can be back to work and start exercising. The scars take about 18 to 24 months to fade . Since the glands are skin related, there is very little pain during recovery and patients feel as if they have had minor surgery, thanks to minimal blood loss. The change in lifestyle and attitude is tremendous. The patients often state they wish they had done the procedure earlier.

The breast reduction surgery is the 5th most popular procedure in the United States and is covered by insurance in most cases. The coverage has been correlated to the body surface area and the proportions fenale patients in recent years, which means more candidates are able to undergo the procedure and get it paid by their insurance company.

This is the breast reduction procedure, Dr. Karaca performs the most frequently since the development of nipple sparing techniques in 1979. The number of procedures he has done exceeds 1,400. It is the single most satisfying procedure for both the patient and the surgeon.

The well established method of the keyhole pattern applied to reduction surgery results in an inverted anchor shaped scar which in certain cases may cause very thick scarring , taking away from the excellent results, including shape and volume. All sizes respond well to this surgery. Recent technical advances allow us to get the same excellent results without the burden of a horizontal scar when the new and improved vertical closure method is applied ( review the section under vertical closure breast reduction). Dr. Karaca has adopted this new technique since spending some time with Dr. Elizabeth Findlay-Hall in Banff, Calgary in May of 2008.

Breasts that are too large can take a physical and emotional toll on your body. Dr. Karaca meets with patients who are unable to exercise comfortably and experience back, neck and shoulder pain because of their heavy chests. Breast reduction surgery, or mammaplasty, can help to make breasts more evenly proportioned with the body and can relieve physical discomfort or pain that they caused by removing tissue in order to change its size, shape and firmness.

The procedure results in improved size and shape of the breast as well as general appearance in relation to the patient's body frame. Many patients report a renewed sense of self-confidence after undergoing breast reduction surgery. Not only do they feel more active, they are able to wear new styles of clothing that were not an option to them prior to the procedure.

Breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age but should be conducted when weight and breast size have stabilized. If a patient intends to breast feed in the future they should discuss it with their surgeon. Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient will be asleep during the entire procedure. After the surgery, the patient's breasts will be wrapped in surgical dressing. Recovery varies between patients, however, after several weeks, the patient may be able to return to their normal routine including mild exercise.

Are you interested in breast reduction? Feel free to call us at our Birmingham, MI office to schedule an initial consultation on breast reduction surgery, inquire about cost, or other questions. You can also click on the GenBook icon on the right to easily schedule online right now. We'll be glad to have the opportunity to inform you.