Breast Reduction in St. Louis, MO

A reduction mammoplasty, or breast reduction, can be used to eliminate excess mammary tissue and fat from your breasts, giving your chest a more attractive and youthful shape. As one of our "happiest" surgeries, breast reduction surgery can be one of the best decisions a woman with large breasts makes. This procedure provides physical and emotional benefits as well as improved cosmetic appearance. 

Benefits of breast reduction include:

• Elimination of skin irritation in the inframammary crease
• Reduced neck, shoulder, and back pain
• A lifted breast with improved cosmetic appearance 
• Improved self-esteem
• Better fitting clothing

 When it comes to breast reduction, invasive plastic surgery is not the solution for everyone. Before scheduling your consultation, evaluate whether this surgery is suitable for your body.

Most patients who are considering this procedure are at or close to their ideal weight, have back, neck, and/or breast pain, or have recently lost an extreme amount of weight. Anyone who fulfills the following characteristics can safely consider this procedure as a solution to their overly large breasts:

• A history of backaches, neck aches, and poor posture as a result of supporting big breasts.
• Difficulty finding clothes that cover, support, and flatter your curves.
• Lack of self-confidence due to breasts that draw unwanted attention.
• No active diseases or pre-existing conditions that could complicate the surgery or recovery.
• Enlarged areolas due to stretched skin.
• The cessation of natural breast development.
• Mental and emotional stability to recover from surgery.
• Zero intention to breastfeed in the near future.

Patients may need to abstain from breast reduction surgery if they are experiencing one or more of the following:

• Currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed in the future.
• Unrealistic or unhealthy expectations.
• Undiagnosed lumps or masses.
• Severe obesity.
• A family history of clotting, heart, or circulatory disorders.
• Diabetes.

Yes! Once excess breast tissue is removed, there is excess skin that must be removed as well. The areola is reduced, and the nipple-areolar complex is lifted resulting in smaller, perkier breasts. Incisions are similar to that of a breast lift.

Breast reduction is often seen as a cosmetic procedure. I can be covered by medical insurance in particular situations. If you  believe your breast reduction is medically necessary, contact your insurance provider. They can further discuss the criteria required for coverage of the procedure. 

 A breast reduction procedure typically takes 3-4 hours and is performed right next door at the Seven Oaks Surgery Center, LLC. Patients receive general anesthesia by board-certified anesthesiologists so they can safely sleep through the entire operation.

At its core, breast reduction is the removal of fat and glandular tissue, the repositioning of the areola and nipples, and the tightening of skin around the chest to produce smaller, more proportional breasts.

The procedure is usually performed through three thin incisions: a circular incision made around the areola, a second that runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease of the breast, and a third that horizontally follows the breast’s natural curve. These incisions will give your plastic surgeon ample access to your breast tissue and allow him or her to reduce, adjust, and reposition your fat and skin. 

Areolas that have been stretched by pendulous breasts are then reshaped and repositioned higher. To maintain sensation in the nipples, your plastic surgeon will leave the underlying tissue untouched while adjusting your areolas. This method is designed to preserve the patient’s ability to breastfeed, though the results vary from subject to subject.

The final step in a reduction mammaplasty is closing the incisions with deep sutures that shape and support your new, smaller breasts. Internally, dissolvable sutures are used to close the skin and promote faster healing.