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Breast Reduction in Charleston, SC

Excessive breast volume can create a number of physical and emotional issues for women. Physically, breasts which are too large for one’s frame can cause back pain and poor posture. Emotionally, women may feel a loss of self-esteem due to their bust size. Issues brought about by excessively large breasts can be corrected through breast reduction surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse offers breast reduction for patients who live in Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

What Is Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction surgery is a procedure that can relieve physical and psychological symptoms caused by large, heavy breasts and can also improve your appearance. When weight and volume are reduced, breasts are reshaped, giving them a firmer, more youthful appearance. It is often covered by health insurance.

Breast reduction is a long lasting solution which decreases breast volume. It does not counteract sagging or prevent it. Through breast reduction, pain and pressure placed on the back and neck from heavy breasts are alleviated. Skin rashes and infections resolve, as well as deep grooves in the shoulders caused by bra straps supporting excessive breast tissue.

Breast Reduction Case 1

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How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in Charleston?

Breast reduction is an individualized procedure, unique to each patient. Costs will be discussed during your consultation. For your convenience, Port City Plastic Surgery accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards for payment. If you require assistance paying for your procedure, please consider our financing options available.

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What To Expect After Breast Reduction?

After the procedure, you will wear a special surgical bra over gauze dressings. Drainage tubes will be placed in both breasts to allow fluid to drain for the first one or two days. Dressings and drainage tubes will be removed after a couple of days, but there are no sutures that require removal. Discomfort from breast reduction subsides within five to seven days and can be managed with oral medication. Most women return to work within 10 days, but it is recommended that you avoid strenuous physical activities and overhead lifting for several weeks.

Will I Have Scars After Getting Breast Reduction?

Scars from breast reduction descend from the nipple, and, like the scars from a breast lift, are hidden by bras and swimsuits. Dr. Widenhouse takes great care to make incisions minor and thin to decrease the appearance of surgical scars.

When Will I See The Results?

You will experience immediate results from your breast reduction. Physical discomfort from large breasts will quickly be gone, and you will have an improved body image. You will look more proportioned and find that clothes fit better. Breast reduction surgery has one of our highest rates of patient satisfaction.

What Are Possible Complications Of Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction carries the risks of any major surgical procedure, as well as some specific to this type of surgery, including:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • IV sedation reactions
  • Scarring
  • Loss of sensation in the areola and nipple
  • Loss of nipple

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How Long Will The Results Of Breast Reduction Last?

The results of breast reduction surgery are considered to be long lasting. The breasts should remain at a consistent volume and shape as long as the weight does not fluctuate and the patient does not become pregnant. Pregnancy can affect the results of breast reduction. Aging and gravity will cause the breasts to sag and breast skin to loosen over the years.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

The goal of a breast reduction is to give you smaller, perkier, better-shaped breasts that are more in proportion with the rest of your body. Dr. Widenhouse removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to make them smaller, firmer, and above all, lighter.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery can help if your large breasts are contributing to:

  • Neck, shoulder, and back pain
  • Poor posture
  • Skin irritation and rashes under the breasts
  • Pain and irritation caused by bra straps
  • Difficulty finding well-fitting clothes
  • Inability to participate in many daily activities
  • Extreme self-consciousness

Some women suffer from poor self-esteem that began when their breasts developed at a very young age and attracted unwanted attention from their peers. Breast reduction surgery can help restore your self-confidence. Breast reduction reduces the size of your breasts, improves their shape, and brings your body into beautiful proportion.

What Do I Need To Do Before Breast Reduction?

Before your breast reduction, Dr. Widenhouse will give you directions which will help you prepare for the procedure. Certain medications may need to be stopped in the weeks before your surgery. Patients are advised to quit smoking cigarettes or using nicotine patches, gum, or e-cigarettes four weeks before surgery. Since you will be under IV sedation for the procedure, you’ll need to stop eating and drinking approximately eight hours before surgery.

What Should I Expect On The Day Of My Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is performed as an outpatient procedure, and the cost is often covered by insurance. General anesthesia is used. Every breast reduction surgery is unique to the patient, due to their own individual anatomy.
A three-part incision is made to perform the procedure. One incision is made around the areola extending to the crease below the breast, another extends horizontally between the breasts, and another is positioned under the breast. Fat, skin, and tissue are cut away to decrease breast volume. Liposuction may be used as part of the procedure to help shape the breasts and remove excess fat from adjacent areas like the chest, shoulders, or axillary folds. The areola may be reduced and is then positioned higher with the nipple.

How Long Does It Take To Perform Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction generally lasts between two and three hours. Since the procedure is done under IV sedation, you will be monitored and given time to awake at our facility before being discharged to go home.

Breast Reduction FAQs

Can you drink alcohol after breast reduction?

You will be on pain medication for a few days following your breast reduction. You should not drink alcohol while taking pain medication.

Does insurance pay for breast reduction?

Some insurance companies will cover a breast reduction if certain criteria are met. The required criteria vary from company to company. Following your consultation, we will submit your medical record to your insurance company and request an approval. The approval process can take 4-6 weeks. The patient is responsible for the copay/deductible pursuant to their insurance contract.

Does weight gain increase breast size?

For many women, weight gain does cause an increase in breast size. Conversely, breast volume tends to decrease with weight loss. Insurance companies often inquire about a patients weight change for the twelve month period prior to surgery.

How do you know when you need a breast reduction?

Most patients get a breast reduction to alleviate the physical symptoms caused by large, heavy, pendulous breasts. These symptoms include, neck, shoulder and back pain, rashes under the breasts, chronic skin irritation, and bra strap grooving.

Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, our team offers full body plastic surgery, emphasizing overall health and wellness to the residents of Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina. Contact Port City Plastic Surgery today!

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MEET DR. WIDENHOUSE Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Charleston, graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University and earned his medical degree from East Carolina University School of Medicine. Dr. Widenhouse specializes in breast enhancement, reduction, and reconstruction, body contouring, facial cosmetic surgery, laser surgery, and skin cancer treatment.

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LOCATION:

2683 Lake Park Drive
Charleston, SC 29406

LOCATION:

125 River Landing Drive
Suite 101
Daniel Island, SC 29492