Breast Reduction Surgery - San Francisco
By Bay Area Surgeon Dr. Aycock

Breast Reduction Dramatically Improved My Life...
I used to be embarrassed and self conscious about my large breasts. Clothes never fit properly and I had constant neck and shoulder pain. After breast reduction surgery, my life has changed dramatically. I can now wear whatever I want - even bathing suits and button-down blouses. I have so much more confidence and no more pain. I would encourage anyone who's suffering from large breasts to get help. I wish I had done this years ago.
—Carol

Although many women complain about having small breasts, there are others who have the opposite problem: overly large breasts. As these women know, large breasts can cause neck and back pain, skin irritation under the breast crease, and even breathing problems. Additionally, bra straps can also create shoulder pain, and very large breasts can get in the way of physical activity. Large breasts can also cause women and teenage girls feel self-conscious about their bodies, and plastic surgery can help correct all of these problems.

During breast reduction surgery, Dr. Aycock removes excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat from the breasts, as well as reducing the size of the dark skin surrounding the nipple, known as the areola. The intent of breast reduction surgery is to create smaller, firmer, lighter, and more shapely breasts that are more proportionate to the rest of a woman's body.

In your initial consultation with Bay Area surgeon Dr. Aycock, it is important to discuss your expectations frankly, as every patient - and every physician, as well - has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.

Breast Reduction Procedure Information

Techniques vary, and Dr. Aycock will discuss possible incision locations with you. Breast skin will be removed from the incision area in order to tighten the skin. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. Sutures are most commonly placed around the areola and following the incision location.

Stitches follow the incision, and in some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the vertical part of the scar. Occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, Liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.

Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery

After surgery, you'll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.

You may feel some pain for the first couple of days - especially when you move around or cough - and some discomfort for a week or more. Dr. Aycock will prescribe oral medication to lessen the discomfort.

The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks.

Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks, and you should avoid strenuous activity for several weeks.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.

However, you'll need time to adjust to your new image - as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you'll be pleased with the results.

Please feel free to contact us online at any time to discuss breast reduction options. Or, visit our plastic surgery offices located in Walnut Creek, California (CA) and Greenbrae, California (CA). Our offices are conveniently located near the San Francisco Bay Area region.