Am I a Candidate for a Breast Reduction?
You are probably a good candidate for a breast reduction procedure, if one or more of the following situations apply to you:
- You have a long history of shoulder, neck, or back pain not related to other degenerative diseases and persisting despite physical therapy
- Recurrent rashes /eczema in the area of your breast fold
- Your nipples are pointing downwards, below the breast fold
- The majority of your breast volume is below your breast fold
- One breast is much larger than the other one
- You are self-conscious about the large size of your breasts
A breast reduction will lift and reduce excess glandular tissue, breast fat, and excess skin to achieve a breast size and shape that is in proportion with your body, alleviating discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
Different Breast Reduction Techniques
There are different breast reduction techniques similar to the breast lifting techniques , like the inverted T shape techniques, multiple vertical scar methods, and circumareolar techniques. Although each of these surgical techniques have their indication, Dr Bianca Knoll prefers a vertical breast reduction technique (modified superior pedicle, or superiomedial pedicle breast reduction technique after Elizabeth Hall-Findlay) that will result in a natural, beautiful, round shaped breast mound.
It is the goal of Dr Bianca Knoll to conduct the most effective, with the least amount of scaring, breast reduction technique, that is also safe and leads to the desired improvements in breast size and shape. Dr Knoll aims to limit the visibility of scars as much as possible. Although the incisions will be closed tediously and precise, the incisions still might be noticeable depending on the individual healing. In some patients, unsatisfactory scar formations require further treatments or revisions.
What to Expect During a Breast Reduction
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 3-4 hours. Most of Dr Bianca Knoll’s breast reduction techniques require no drains, and are performed safely in an ambulatory setting or with one overnight stay in the clinic. Depending on your general health, and your personal comfort, an overnight stay in the clinic might be preferred. After your breast reduction you will have some swelling and bruising, which gradually subsides within the following weeks. During that time Dr Knoll and her team will see you regularly in her Frankfurt office to accompany you during the wound healing process. Although most patients do not describe their post-operative course as very painful, you will be limited in your physical activities during your immediate post-operative period to ensure adequate wound healing. The success of a breast reduction procedure is clearly dependent on the meticulous planning, a patient’s realistic expectations and compliance, aesthetic sense of your surgeon, and skilled surgical performance of your surgery.
Dr Knoll and her team will be happy to provide you with further information about your breast reduction procedure and answer your questions during your consultation in our office.
Breast Reduction Recovery
The procedure is not described by our patients as very painful. Most of our patients describe more a burning or pulling sensation afterwards. Many patients immediately feel the relief of the removed weight off of their shoulders. During your post-operative recovery you will wear a support bra for about 6 weeks, and you will see Dr Knoll in her Frankfurt office regularly for dressing changes and check ups. Drains to collect wound fluid or blood are found to be unnecessary and are only very rarely used. Initially the breasts will be swollen and bruised.The amount of bruising and swelling may vary from patient to patient, but Dr Knoll’s office will provide you with helpful pre and post-operative care information to allow you an optimal recovery. Dr Bianca Knoll and her staff will have your best interest at heart, and will do everything they can do to have your surgery go well, and your recovery proceed smoothly, safely and with the least amount of discomfort possible.
We are happy to provide you with further information about your surgery and answer your questions during your consultation in Dr Bianca Knoll’s office.
