Heavy, sagging breasts are painful, uncomfortable, and difficult to manage. They may inhibit your enjoyment of everyday activities and sports while causing self-consciousness and decreasing your wardrobe options. In some cases, overly large, pendulous breasts may cause chafing, irritation, and pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. A Portland breast reduction surgery can sculpt a smaller, lighter chest that better fits your figure, restoring your peace of mind and overall quality of life. Dr. Lewis provides natural-looking, personalized results that are carefully tailored to your unique anatomy, wishes, and comfort levels.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a customized procedure that Dr. Lewis designs according to your physical needs and aesthetic goals. During breast reduction surgery, Dr. Lewis will remove glandular tissue, excess fat and skin. He will reshape the breasts into an aesthetically pleasing shape, giving them a pleasing balance and symmetry, and relocate the nipples higher on the breasts, giving them an attractive, upward tilt.
Breast reduction surgery is designed to resolve physical pain and discomfort in addition to enhancing the cosmetic appearance of the breasts. Because of this, the breast reduction procedure has been placed in the category of reconstructive surgery, as opposed to cosmetic surgery, by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Overly large breasts that are too large or heavy for your physique (usually disproportionate to your frame) can cause pain in the shoulders, neck and back. Physical concerns also include posture problems, skin chafing and irritation, and difficulty with exercise.
Breast reduction surgery resolves these physical issues and also provides a balanced, symmetrical and aesthetic breast shape and size. Your procedure with Dr. Lewis will reduce or eliminate the pain and irritation your large breasts are causing you--and provide a beautiful, cosmetic improvement and boost to your confidence.
The benefits of lighter + smaller breasts
- Less pain and discomfort
- A more proportionate physical appearance
- Firm and elevated breasts
- Increased clothing options
- Freedom to exercise comfortably
- Smaller nipples and areolas
Signs you may need a breast reduction
- Your breasts are too large when compared to the rest of your figure
- You suffer from back pain, neck pain and headaches
- You experience skin irritation and rashes in the chest area
- Your bra frequently leaves indents on your shoulders
- It’s difficult to find clothes that fit properly
- Exercise is challenging and uncomfortable
- You’re self-conscious about your breasts
- Your posture is affected by your breasts
Candidates for breast reduction
Breast reduction candidates are women who would like to reduce the size of breasts that are too large, heavy or pendulous for their frame. Women who have overly large breasts that they don’t feel are attractive, that weigh too much and make bra straps painful, or that stop them from exercising easily may be excellent candidates for breast reduction surgery. Women who are looking to reduce their breast size should meet the following requirements:
- Are generally in good health
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations about what this surgery can do for them
- Have back, neck and shoulder pain that is caused by the weight of the breasts
- Have shoulder indentations from bra straps digging into their skin
- Are experiencing skin irritation beneath their breast crease
- Feel that their breasts are too large for their frame
- Are limited in physical exercise and activities because of breasts that are overly large
Your breast reduction options
Liposuction
A breast reduction in Portland via liposuction is an appealing choice for many women. The benefits of this approach include:
- Shorter and less invasive procedure
- Very small and virtually imperceptible scars
- Minimal downtime
- Long-lasting results
However, liposuction for breast reduction is only appropriate for certain patients. The best candidates desire a slight to moderate adjustment in breast size, possess good skin elasticity and don’t suffer from excessive sagging. In addition, your large breasts should be due to excess fatty tissue, not glandular development.
Lollipop
The lollipop reduction involves an incision around the areola and a vertical cut that extends down the front of your breast. Through that opening, Dr. Lewis will remove fat, skin and tissue, while shaping smaller and lighter breasts. He can also lift your chest to a more youthful position during this procedure. The resulting scars can be easily hidden with a bra or bathing suit.
Anchor
To perform the anchor or “wise pattern” reduction, Dr. Lewis will make an incision around the areola, down the front of the breast and along the crease beneath the breast. This provides maximum access for reshaping the breast and removing tissue, so it’s ideal for Portland breast reduction patients who suffer from considerable sagging and asymmetry and desire a dramatic transformation.
BMRT
The “Boston modification of Robertson’s Technique” is a special breast reduction technique with an incision around the nipple and under the breast but avoids the vertical scar of the Lollipop and Anchor techniques. This type of breast reduction is ideal for patients with very droopy breasts.
The day of your surgery
When you arrive at Dr. Lewis’ office for arguably the best breast reduction Portland has available, he will begin by marking each breast according to your surgical plan. From there, general anesthesia will be administered. He will then perform your reduction operation.
Once your surgery is complete, Dr. Lewis will close your incisions with sutures and wrap your breasts in gauze. You will be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before you may return home to begin the healing process. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Your Recovery
Plan to take it easy for a week or two after surgery. Dr. Lewis will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort and soreness during this time. Most of our Portland breast reduction patients are able to return to sedentary work within one week, and exercise within four weeks.
Your Results
What will my new breasts look like?
When planning your surgery, Dr. Lewis will help you determine what size your breasts should be to relieve your pain and achieve your goals. It is important to understand that there is a limit to the amount of breast tissue that can be safely removed and Dr. Lewis therefore does not guarantee a final cup size. In general, you can expect to have lighter, firmer and more manageable breasts that fit your body better.
What will my scars look like?
You will have some scarring after a breast reduction in Portland surgery. However, they should fade to light lines within a year. Dr. Lewis will place them discreetly to ensure that they are well-hidden along your areola or within the breast crease. The most prominent scar is the vertical scar when required.
How will my nipples change?
Dr. Lewis will move your nipples and areolas to a higher position on the breast. If your areolas are stretched or overly large for your new breasts, he will also reduce them during surgery.
Will breast sensation change?
Immediately after your surgery, it’s normal to experience temporary numbness or extra sensitivity. For most women, their normal sensations return within a matter of months. However, some change may be permanent.
MEET YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON DR. MATTHEW LEWIS
Dr. Matthew Lewis is a talented Portland plastic surgeon, Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with a fresh, highly-advanced approach and outstanding expertise and results with his patients. With a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree in both biophysics and physiology from Georgetown University, in addition to his medical degree from OHSU, Dr. Lewis has a science-driven mind and an attention to detail and artistry that is unparalleled.
Beyond his background and aptitude for surgery, Dr. Lewis has an eye for artistry. He is passionate about plastic surgery, a specialty that allows him to blend his abilities, expertise and impeccably artistic skills to help his patients improve their quality of life and become their naturally best selves.
Dr. Lewis loves to be a part of achieving the aesthetic goals of his patients, and particularly enjoys getting to know each of his patients personally. He is honored to provide a caring, warm and professional approach, and he treats each patient as a respected individual whose needs are important. Dr. Lewis’ greatest reward as a surgeon is seeing his patients’ joy as their lives change forever after plastic surgery.
Schedule an appointment today >>
Dr. Lewis is known for providing arguably the best breast reduction Portland has to offer. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and begin planning for your surgery.
A Portland Plastic Surgeon
407 NW 17TH AVE, STE 2Portland, OR 97209
Matthew Lewis,MD
Discover your true beauty. At the office of Dr. Matthew Lewis, we take everything into consideration, including your comfort, discretion, and of course your outcome. Please call us to schedule an appointment.