Breast Reduction in Houston, TX
Well-known plastic and reconstructive surgeon specialist, Christopher Hankins, MD, offers breast reduction surgery (or reduction mammaplasty) for patients with excessively large breasts. Serving as medical director for Premier Plastic Surgery, Dr. Hankins and his qualified team of professionals serve the residents of Houston, Pearland, Lake Jackson and the surrounding areas of South Houston. He has performed large breast reductions and has obtained consistently good to excellent results and has many highly satisfied patients.
Many surgeons in the past have subscribed to the dogma that nipples can only be raised a finite distance during the course of the operation and as a result, perform nipple grafts as a result. The grafted nipples unfortunately have no sensation and may even lose pigmentation.
To date, we have found no such limit in the distance the nipples can be raised. Ironically, many patients with extremely large breast reductions have told us that their nipples become much more sensitive as a result of the procedure. This may occur as the tension on the sensory nerves to the nipple-areola complex is removed as a result of the reduction. Dr. Hankins plans to present the results of his work at an upcoming national meeting of his peers.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to remove excess fat, excess skin, and excess breast tissue and attain a more natural breast size and shape for your frame. Having disproportionately large breasts is a condition known as hypermastia. In addition to neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and difficulty finding clothes that fit, very large breasts can result in chronic skin irritation beneath the breasts. Many women with hypermastia are self-conscious about the size of their breasts.
Since overly large breasts make it difficult to be physically active, those requesting breast reduction tend to be heavier. After the breast reduction procedure, it is not uncommon for many of these patients to lose weight as physical activity becomes much easier.
A breast reduction will alleviate symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, back pain, and skin irritation under the breast. Dr. Hankins offers female breast reduction surgery as well as male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery).
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Women seem to be more pleased with the breast reduction procedure than most other cosmetic procedures. Of all the treatments offered by cosmetic surgeons, breast reduction surgery ranks extremely high in patient satisfaction. Some of the benefits of breast reduction include:
- Almost immediate pain relief
- Better posture
- Easier to be more active
- Better body proportions
- Easier to buy clothes and they fit better
- Improved sleep
- Overall better long-term health
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
If you’re a healthy adult concerned about the disproportionate size of your breasts, chances are that you’re a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. Most recipients of breast reduction surgery exhibited one or more of the following symptoms:
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain caused by heavy breasts
- Breasts too large for your body size
- Poor posture
- Constant skin rashes or yeast infections underneath the breast
- Grooves embedded in shoulders caused by weight of the bra straps
- Heavy breasts that droop
- Feeling self-conscious regarding breast size
About Breast Reduction Surgery
Dr. Hankins performs breast reduction surgery at a hospital or an accredited surgical center under general anesthesia. The surgical procedure involves removing a variable amount of breast tissue and glandular tissue in a Wise pattern. The nipple remains attached to its original blood and nerve supply and is repositioned above the level of the inframammary fold. Dr. Hankins sutures the nipple to its new position, and the remainder of the skin edges of the breasts are lifted and shaped. In large breast reduction surgeries, drains are commonly utilized. The resultant small scar is in the shape of an inverted “T.” After healing, only the vertical scar usually remains visible.
Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
After your breast reduction surgery, Dr. Hankin will apply a dressing or bandage to the incision site. You will also be required to wear a surgical bra to minimize swelling and support the breast as you heal. You may also experience some mild discomfort. The breast reduction scars from the surgical procedure usually appear slightly red for several weeks and begin to fade with maturation of the scar tissue.
How much does breast reduction cost? In most cases, this procedure is covered by insurance. For those women who are unfortunate enough to have insurance that does not cover this procedure, we will work with patients to make the procedure affordable so that they too can benefit from the procedure.
If you’re considering breast reduction surgery but still have questions, feel free to contact Premier Plastic Surgery and speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members. You can also set up a free, personal consultation to discuss your goals with Dr. Hankins to see if breast reduction surgery is right for you. Our offices are proud to serve residents in Houston, Pearland, Lake Jackson and the surrounding areas of South Houston.