Breast Reduction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Knoxville, TN

Breast reduction is a procedure that helps alleviate discomfort by removing excess tissue and skin from the breasts. Also known as a reduction mammoplasty, this procedure can help eliminate the chronic pain and physical challenges that come with enlarged breasts while also enhancing one’s figure and proportions.

Dr. David Lo of Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Known for his personable approach, he believes each patient deserves integrity, honesty, and excellence, and he ensures that everyone who walks into his office experiences those values.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Lo, please call our office at (865) 357-2639 or contact us online.

About Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the overall size of the breasts. This procedure can help patients alleviate the pain, irritation, and embarrassment of overly large breasts while also leaving them with a more proportionate, desirable figure. This procedure has grown in popularity, experiencing a 54% increase in cases between 2019 and 2022, with another 7% increase in 2023 alone. (1, 2) Not only does this statistic show a growing demand for breast reduction, but it also reflects the advancements in safety, shortened recoveries, and patient satisfaction.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

There are many benefits to undergoing breast reduction at Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa, such as:

  • Pain Relief: Many patients experience immediate relief from chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain following their procedure.
  • Improved Proportions: Breast reduction can create a more proportional and balanced appearance in a patient’s overall figure.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Many women report greater ease in physical activities and daily tasks without the burden of excessive breast weight.
  • Improved Posture: Reducing breast size often leads to better spinal alignment and minimized hunching or slumping. (3)
  • Reduced Skin Irritation: Patients can alleviate irritation or rashes from chafing skin folds beneath the breasts.
  • Boosted Self-Esteem: Many individuals report enhanced confidence and improved self-esteem after achieving their body goals.

Breast Reduction Candidates

Breast reduction candidates are often those interested in reducing the discomfort of enlarged breasts. Women experiencing chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as limited mobility due to the size or weight of their chest, benefit greatly from this procedure. Additionally, those experiencing irritation or rashes from chafing breast tissue may find this procedure beneficial.

All candidates interested in breast reduction should be in good overall health, free from any underlying medical conditions that may impair healing. Patients should also hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure. Women interested in breast reduction should ideally no longer plan to have more children, as pregnancy can alter final results.

Personal Consultation

We ask that each patient attend a personal consultation at our office before scheduling their breast reduction procedure. This meeting is not only a chance for our team to get to know each patient more personally but also to find the best strategies and methods to help them achieve their ideal aesthetic. Dr. Lo will discuss the details of the procedure with each patient before learning more about their medical history, concerns, and desired results. Dr. Lo will also perform a medical examination to evaluate the condition of the breasts.

After collecting enough information, Dr. Lo will create each patient’s treatment plan, tailoring certain aspects to address their concerns and help them achieve their ideal chest. He will also provide preparation/recovery instructions and an all-inclusive quote.

To schedule your personal consultation, please call (865) 357-2639 or contact us online.

Preparation

Dr. Lo will provide each patient with a set of personalized preoperative instructions at their consultation to help them prepare for their breast reduction. These instructions may vary between patients depending on their established treatment plan. Logistically, patients will need to pre-arrange transportation home from their procedure, as well as arrange for any time away from work or social activities they will need. Many patients also find that it can be helpful to have assistance around the house.

Patients will also need to avoid using medications and supplements that contain blood-thinning properties. Additionally, the consumption of nicotine should cease several weeks before the procedure.

Procedure

Surgical Breast Reduction

Each surgical breast reduction begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure comfort. Dr. Lo will then create an incision at a predetermined site.

  • Vertical Incision: The vertical incision is primarily for more moderate reductions. The incision circles the perimeter of the areola, and then a second incision extends downward toward the lower breast crease. (3)
  • Inverted T Incision: Also referred to as the Wise Pattern or the anchor incision, this technique consists of three incisions. The first two incisions are placed similarly to the vertical incision, with one extending around the areola and the second incision extending downward. The third incision curves along the inframammary crease or lower breast fold. This technique is best for more extensive reductions. (4)

After making the incisions, Dr. Lo will remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. He will then close the incisions, and the patient will rest under the care of our team as the anesthesia wears off.

Recovery

Following the procedure, patients will need to take time away from work and other social commitments to focus on their recovery. It is common to experience soreness and mild swelling. Dr. Lo will also provide each patient with a supportive bra to help minimize swelling while also protecting and maintaining their new curves. Most patients can return to work within a week; however, physical exercise or strenuous tasks should be delayed for several weeks.

Dr. Lo will provide each patient with recovery instructions with further details at their consultation. We ask that each patient follow every instruction to ensure a smooth recovery and support optimal outcomes.

Results

Patients will be able to notice a significant difference immediately following their procedure, but the full effects of their breast reduction will become more apparent as any residual swelling subsides. Son, they will enjoy a more sculpted, desirable chest alongside a reduction in chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain. The results of a breast reduction are long-lasting; however, healthy lifestyle habits are necessary to preserve results, as weight fluctuations or pregnancy may alter them.

Corresponding Procedures

Many procedures can enhance the outcomes of breast reduction, one of the most popular being the mommy makeover. A mommy makeover is a combination of different surgical procedures that help postpartum women enhance multiple parts of their bodies at once. Mommy makeovers can include any of the following:

  • Tummy Tuck: Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck helps eliminate excess skin, fat, and tissue around the abdomen to help create a smoother, flatter torso. This procedure not only helps patients achieve a slimmer silhouette, but it also retightens and strengthens the abdominal muscles.
  • Liposuction: Liposuction removes stubborn deposits of fat. This procedure uses a piece of equipment called a cannula to gently suction fat, enhancing muscle definition and natural contours.
  • Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation enhances the shape, size, and fullness of the breasts through the use of artificial implants.
  • Breast Lift: A breast lift physically raises and repositions sagging or drooping breasts and nipples to create a more uplifted, youthful-looking figure.

Cost of Breast Reduction in Knoxville, Tennessee

The cost of each patient’s breast reduction will vary, as their procedure is unique to their concerns. Dr. Lo will provide an all-inclusive price quote at the consultation after he has established their customized treatment plan.

Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa also partners with multiple reputable lending companies to help qualifying patients finance the cost of their procedure.

Schedule a consultation today to explore the cost of your breast reduction. If you have any questions, please call our Knoxville office directly at (865) 357-2639.

FAQ

Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?

Women can breastfeed after a breast reduction; however, it is not recommended, as it can alter the results of the procedure. You should discuss any concerns or questions with Dr. Lo at your consultation.

What happens if I gain weight after my breast reduction?

Weight fluctuations can alter the results of breast reduction. Patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage long-term results.

Is age a factor in breast reduction?

There is no specific age limit for breast reduction surgery. As long as each individual is mature enough physically and mentally to understand the implications, they may be an appropriate candidate for breast reduction.

Will there be scarring after my breast reduction?

There will be some scarring following the procedure, but Dr. Lo will utilize surgical techniques to minimize this. Any scarring will gradually fade throughout recovery.

How long will my breast-reduction recovery last?

Recovery times will vary between patients, but most people can return within one week or two weeks, depending on the nature of their career.

References

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  3. Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
  4. Faulkner HR, Merceron T, Wang J, Losken A. Safe Reproducible Breast Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2023;11(9):e5245. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005245