Breast Reduction
Meet Andrew Nelson Kornstein, MD, FACS
Dr. Andrew Kornstein a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon, boasts a career spanning 25 years. He is dedicated to enhancing lives through aesthetic surgery by achieving patient goals with a visionary approach so that they can feel young and youthful. His attention to detail and superior training sets him apart from others, allowing him to achieve long-lasting natural results for years to come.
While a good part of the female population is attempting to get larger breasts, others wish for their breasts to look smaller. Whether it’s due to aesthetic reasons or discomfort caused by a large chest, breast reduction surgery can help decrease one’s cup size. At Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa, Dr. Andrew Kornstein can reduce your breast size to the perfect cup, improving your overall quality of life.
Candidates
The best candidates for breast reduction surgery are typically those who have large breasts, which brings them significant discomfort. For instance, if you have chronic back or shoulder pain affecting the quality of your life, you may want to consider this procedure. Nerve issues caused by poor posture could also make you a good candidate, as this could solve potential tingling or numbness in your arms.
Any person can be a candidate for breast reduction surgery, no matter if they are men or women. For instance, women who are feeling uncomfortable due to the size of their breasts, physical or emotional, can opt for surgery. Men with gynecomastia can also get this procedure, giving their chest a much flatter appearance. Transgender individuals could also decide to opt for the surgery when going through their sex reassignment from female to male.
You might want to postpone this procedure if your breasts are still in their growth stage. While young adults and teenagers can still have the surgery, there’s a good chance you could need a second one as the breasts grow. The surgery can also affect your ability to breastfeed, so if you are planning to get pregnant, you may want to wait until after. Lastly, if you are trying to lose weight, you should consider the procedure after, as this can also impact your breast size.
How It Works
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that aims to decrease the size of one’s breasts, improving their shape while fixing the position of the areola. During the procedure, Dr. Kornstein will reduce excess tissue, fat, and skin, creating a smoother and smaller appearance.
The surgery begins with the patients being administered a lighter version of general anesthesia. This increases your comfort and safety during the procedure, reducing potential pain. The incision type is often chosen based on the current size of the breasts and how much tissue needs to be removed.
Dr. Kornstein also uses a method where the upper part of the breast is filled without actually increasing the size. It provides an augmentation-like effect that gives the breasts a more natural shape while improving longevity. All of this is done through a short “lollipop” scar.
Recovery
After the breast reduction surgery, you might expect to take a couple of days off from work and go through some downtime. You should consider staying home for at least one week, as you will likely feel tired. Dr. Kornstein will prescribe some oral painkillers to help you handle the pain as the anesthesia wears off.
In the first few weeks after the breast reduction surgery, Dr. Kornstein might recommend that you wear a surgical bra to keep the swelling down. You could still feel sore and uncomfortable, so you may have to avoid physical exercise for about one month. Avoid lifting heavy objects, whether they are during exercise or chores around the house.
Full recovery is usually completed within three to six months, although it sometimes takes longer for some people. Most patients are able to follow their daily routine starting from the fourth week, but it’s recommended that you take it easy. Make sure to hydrate yourself and get the proper nourishment so the surgery site can heal properly.
Results
Results from breast reduction surgery are permanent as long as you follow a healthy lifestyle. Most of them will be evident after about six months of recovery. Since there will be a fair amount of swelling during the initial healing stages, you might not notice any effects right away. The chest compression garment can also prevent you from enjoying the results.
The breasts will gradually settle into the intended shape after a couple of months, looking firmer. Once the swelling goes down, they should have a more natural contour and cause less discomfort. One thing to remember is that breast reduction does not stop natural aging or changes due to pregnancy, which means follow-up appointments may be necessary.