What is a breast Reduction?

A breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty is the surgical correction of a large breast. Women with large (hypertrophic) breasts often experience pain to the neck, back and shoulders, bra strap Indentations and even rashes under the breast folds and seek correction because of these symptoms. In addition, women are often self-conscious about their breast size and after surgery, patients not only have a change in the quality of life but also a dramatic change in self-esteem.

Dr. Kayser is a Michigan Plastic Surgeon who is Board Certified in Plastic surgery. As a perfectionist, Dr. Kayser will take all measures necessary to ensure that your results are the best that he can offer. Please view the extensive gallery of before and after photographs of breast reduction patients. If you experience these problems, call Dr. Kayser to learn more about breast reduction surgery.

Who are good candidates for breast reduction surgery?

In general, the best candidates are women who are relatively close to their ideal body weight and are in good physical health. Concerns with excess weight can increase certain risks, but can also affect final breast size if a patient looses weight after surgery. Smoking, of course, or even a recent history of smoking, can significantly increase risk factors - especially wound problems and healing.

Can breast reduction improve breast sagging?

Yes. Breast reduction surgery not only deals with the size of the breast but also corrects the breast position and drooping.

What are the incisions used in a breast reduction?

There are various approaches to correcting the large breast but the essence to the reduction is reducing the excess tissue and repositioning the breast to a more appropriate level on the chest. Although the tradition approach involves an extended scar pattern called the "wise" or "keyhole" pattern, Dr. Kayser uses a short scar (lollipop) method (please read the article on the SPAIR technique), which reduces scarring significantly as compared to the older, more traditional approaches and also allows shaping of the breast so patients can have a fuller, more enhanced look! Breast reduction surgery also addresses the common concern of the large and irregular areola (dark skin around the nipple). In time, many patients have scars that blend and fade beautifully.

Will I loose sensation after breast reduction surgery?

This can be affected by many factors but if the nipple and areola are left attached to the breast mound, patients generally do not loose sensation. In addition, since the central component of the breast is preserved - including the milk ducts, women are usually able to breast feed after breast reduction surgery.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes about 3 - 4 hours and is performed as an outpatient so you can go home the same day, although overnight stays are available. The office of Dr. Kayser is strategically located at 20905 East 12 Mile Road, suite 300, which is directly across from the fully accredited St. John Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center just off the I-696 and I-94 loop in the Roseville and St. Clair Shores area - a suburban community northeast of the city of Detroit, Michigan.

What can I expect after surgery?

Most patients in my practice feel that a breast reduction was less traumatic than they expected and many patients stop taking their narcotic pain medication a day or two after surgery. The procedure is out-patient, which means you can go home the same day. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and sealed with glue on the outside so there are no sutures to remove and patients can shower the very next day. Patients wear a support garment for about 4-6 weeks, after which, there are no restrictions at all.

Follow up is very important and patients are encouraged to return to the office within the week, at six weeks, six months and a year. This allows Dr. Kayser to not only address any concerns that a patient may have but also make sure that both short and long term progress has been up to his high standards.

Will the procedure be covered by insurance?

In most circumstances, breast reduction is a covered benefit but this can vary according to each patient's plan. In some cases, a letter of pre-certification may be required to determine medical necessity.

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