Reduction Mammaplasty, more commonly known as breast reduction, is a procedure designed to remove excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from a patient in order to achieve smaller and more proportional breasts.
 
Breast reduction is performed for several reasons including the alleviation of back, neck and shoulder pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps and irritation beneath the breast crease because of excess rubbing. Disproportionately large or sagging breasts can also interfere with a patient’s self-image.  The emotional anxiety and self-consciousness often associated with large, sagging breasts is as significant to many women as the physical discomfort and pain.

Breast reduction is a highly individualized procedure and the decision to have this surgery is a personal one.  This procedure can be done at any age; however Dr. Beals recommends that it be done after breasts are fully developed.
 
The effects of reduction mammaplasty will be long-lasting and the new shape, lift and size of your breasts will allow you to perform many activities that were not comfortable to you prior to your breast reduction surgery.  Having the procedure will give you more than just smaller, firmer breasts; you will also get significant relief from many physical and emotional discomforts, a new sense of freedom in your lifestyle and exercise routines and the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing.
 
Patients who benefit most from Reduction Mammaplasty are those who:

• Experience back, neck and/or shoulder pain directly associated with the size of their breasts
• Suffer from self-conscious issues because of their breast appearance
• Have breasts that hang low, have stretched skin or nipples which fall below the breast crease when  unsupported
• Consider their breasts too large or disproportional to their body
• Believe their breasts interfere with routine and physical activities
• Are well-adjusted and physically healthy
• Have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure

On average, breast reduction surgery takes between 3-5 hours and is usually performed at The Paradise Valley Outpatient Surgical Center located on the same campus as Dr. Beals’ Paradise Valley, Arizona office.  Pain after surgery is relatively minimal but some swelling and bruising is likely to occur; this should subside within 3-4 days.  You should plan on at least one week to rest and recover after surgery and should avoid heavy lifting for up to two weeks.  Additional details of the surgical procedure, post-operative plan and recovery time will be discussed by Dr. Beals with each individual patient prior to the surgery date.
 
While usually considered a cosmetic procedure, some insurance companies will cover reduction mammaplasty when performed to relieve medical symptoms.  Many insurance companies will define breast reduction surgery as a reconstructive need based on the amount of tissue and skin removed.  We recommend that you consult with your insurance provider about their guidelines and restrictions for coverage with this procedure.

Dr. Beals and his staff want to make sure that you feel comfortable and well-educated about this procedure as well as its final outcome.  Each patient has individual objectives and these are taken into account by Dr. Beals and his staff.  Our goal is to assure that your needs are met before, during and after any surgical procedure.
 
For more information on reduction mammaplasty, please contact our office to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Beals.