Breast Reduction SF Bay Area

Before a breast reduction, an anesthesiologist will put you under general anesthesia. Surgery typically takes around 3-4 hours to complete, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Dr. Rankin first starts the procedure by making one of two incisions:

• Vertical Breast Reduction/ "Lollipop Lift": The shape of this incision is often called a lollipop because it circles the areola and goes vertically down the middle of the breast. This type of incision is more popular but is mainly suitable for those with smaller to moderate-sized breasts.
• Wise Pattern/ "Anchor Technique": The anchor technique is similar to the shape of a lollipop lift, except it extends under the breasts in the breast crease, making the traditional anchor shape. While an anchor incision may leave more scarring, this technique can be helpful for women with severely oversized breasts.

Dr. Rankin will remove the fat, excess skin, and glandular tissue with either incision, and will not detach the areola from the breast.

After your breast reduction, we will give you a surgical bra to wear for about one month. Generally, total recovery can take up to eight to twelve weeks. Dr. Rankin will use dissolvable sutures, meaning that the sutures do not require to be removed after your surgery. We will make follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing well.

Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure, and at NorCal Plastic Surgery, it's common for our patients to have their surgery on Friday and then return to work on Monday. We like to use a long-acting local anesthetic that will last for up to 3 days. Pain medications can lead to constipation and other undesirable side effects that can make your recovery feel uncomfortable.

After a month of wearing the surgical bra, Dr. Rankin can clear you to wear a sports bra for another two weeks to a month. Wearing traditional bras with an underwire can irritate the surgical sites and delay healing, so you avoid these types of bras until given instruction by your surgeon. You may resume some exercise within 2 weeks, and more intense activities a month to six weeks after your surgery.

It can take up to a year to see the final results of your breast reduction. During that time, your breasts will start to settle into a more natural shape.

Almost anyone who has larger breasts that irritate them both physically and emotionally can be a good candidate for breast reduction. Ideal candidates:

• Should not be smokers
• Are physically and mentally healthy overall
• Have realistic goals about breast reduction surgery
• Are bothered by their breasts size
• Have back pain from the weight of their breasts