As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Vagotis is an expert in various breast procedures.

 

If you're considering breast reduction in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you're in the right place to reduce your bust line and improve breast shape!

 

Below, you can see some of the patients that have had breast reductions by Dr. Vagotis.

 

It is a common surgical procedure to both reduce the bust size and improve its shape for women who suffer from heavy, burdensome breasts. Overly large, heavy breasts are the source of back and neck pain, limited clothing choices, as well as feelings of self conscientious. There is no need to suffer!

 

We are one of the premier Grand Rapids breast reduction procedure providers. Suppose you are in the area or are willing to travel. In that case, you'll want to call us and schedule a free in-person or virtual consultation to determine if you are suitable for breast reduction.

A close up of a woman's breasts undergoing breast reduction surgery.
drvagotis - Breast Reduction
drvagotis
drvagotis
drvagotis - Breast Reduction
drvagotis - Breast Reduction
drvagotis - Breast Reduction
drvagotis - Breast Reduction
drvagotis breast reduction
drvagotis - Breast Reduction

Too many women experience discomfort due to breast size. They may find it difficult to wear clothes that fit correctly or participate in activities such as swimming or other forms of exercise.

 

Some women choose cosmetic surgery to change their breasts' appearance. Others do it because they feel like their breasts are too big. For you, it may be both. Regardless of why you decide to have breast reduction surgery, there are many benefits to having this procedure.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

The first benefit is improved self-confidence. Women undergoing breast reduction surgery say they feel better about themselves. You may notice that you no longer worry about what others think about your appearance or worry that people are staring. You may also feel happier, less stressed, and more optimistic about life. Instead, you have more focus on your family and enjoying life.

 

A breast reduction can also help women feel better physically. Physical discomfort may include breast, back, neck, shoulder pain, headaches, and fatigue. By having a breast reduction, you may eliminate many of these problems.

 

Another advantage of breast reduction surgery is that it helps you achieve a healthier lifestyle. When you have larger breasts, it becomes harder to maintain a healthy weight. Having smaller breasts makes it easier to lose unwanted pounds. Also, you may find it easier to perform specific exercises. For example, you might find running and lifting weights easier, or your enjoyment of taking long walks improves. With a smaller breast size, you may also find sleeping more comfortable and more restful.

 

Finally, breast reduction surgery can improve your overall health and motivation. Combined with a diet moderate in protein, rich in healthy fats, and low in carbohydrates, it can do wonders for your energy and weight loss.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammaplasty)?

Breast reduction surgery is used to address the size of the breast area. This procedure reduces excess breast, skin, fatty, glandular tissue, and even muscle that makes up the breast area. 

 

After thoroughly reviewing your medical history, your surgeon will perform a breast reduction under general anesthesia, depending on the extent of your surgery. Incisions are closed with sutures, and special attention is given to making the inevitable scars as unobtrusive as possible. 

 

After surgery, most patients return home the same day or within 24 hours in an aftercare facility. Once home:

 

  • You wear compression garments for six weeks. 
  • Your doctor will provide a prescription for appropriate pain medication.
  • It is best to eat light meals for the first few days. 
  • You will begin to regain strength in your arms and shoulders over the next week. Your doctor will give you instructions about lifting and returning to everyday activities.
  • You will have swelling around the incisions. Generally, swelling goes away after three months. 

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for Me?

There are several types of reduction mammaplasty. The right plastic surgeon employs the proper surgical technique for your needs.

 

Before deciding to have a breast reduction, talk to your plastic surgeon about your options and the best way to proceed, given your goals. It's best to schedule a consultation to discuss all the options.

Common Questions

How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?

 

Breast reduction surgery usually lasts between three to four hours. But it depends on how much tissue needs to be removed and whether anything unexpected occurs during the procedure, like undiscovered scar tissue or an encapsulated implant.

 

Aesthetic contouring will add extra time. Patients with very large breasts often require more extensive surgery because of the amount of skin and muscle needed to address an aesthetically pleasing result. This type of surgery involves more steps, hence more time.

 

Also, if you add other procedures such as liposuction, a tummy tuck, or an arm lift, your surgery would be longer.

 

The average time for cosmetic surgery varies widely depending on the surgeon, their team, and the operation's facility.

 

Breast Reduction Scars

 

Scars are inevitable after having any tissue removed surgically. Breast reduction scars around the areola are typically circular and with a vertical line underneath, called the lollipop scar. You may also have a scar under your mammary crease. There is no way to avoid scaring, but a plastic surgeon always makes scars as unobtrusive as possible.

 

The scar size will depend on how much skin was taken off during the procedure and the number of incisions used. If you have small breasts, you may only see one round scar. However, you may see more extensive scars if you have larger breasts.

 

Genetics also plays an essential role in how well you heal and how prominent or insignificant your scars will be.

 

Does Breast Reduction Surgery Affect Sensation?

 

It can. Breast reduction surgery may cause numbness in the nipple area. This loss of sensation is because nerves may be cut during the procedure. Some patients experience numbness even after the operation, but sensation returns as they heal.

 

Numbness in the nipple area can occur postoperatively. Several factors can contribute to short and long-term numbness:

 

  • Nerve damage due to heavy scar tissue
  • Infection
  • Poor healing
  • Nerve injury

Keep in mind as incisions heal, the surrounding tissues are naturally irritated and inflamed. This irritation causes swelling and irritation of the nerves around the nipple. Some women report feeling tingling sensations and even pain in the nipple area while they heal. These symptoms usually go away within a few weeks.

 

Breast Reduction Cost: Does Health Insurance Cover Breast Reduction?

 

The cost of breast reduction varies based on where you live and what type of procedure you choose. Insurance companies often cover breast reductions if there is a medical cause. You have to meet specific criteria to qualify for coverage. Experienced plastic surgeons know what insurance companies need to know to approve the cost.

 

Contact our office and schedule a consultation for guidance if you are looking at paying for your surgery via insurance.

Breast Reduction Surgery - Conclusion

Many factors determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. The decision to undergo a breast reduction depends on multiple factors, including:

 

  • Age
  • Overall health, including your red blood cell count and being a non-smoker
  • The size of your breasts
  • Weight loss goals
  • High BMI (body mass index)
  • Your personal goals for your appearance 

Most women choose to have a breast reduction because they feel self-conscious about their large busts. Still, the physical and aesthetic benefits are vital. For example, correcting a drooping nipple, breast asymmetry, or scarring caused by previous breast augmentation or mastectomy are often part of the decision. 

 

If you are ready to talk with Dr. Vagotis, give us a call today at (616) 285-6400 or fill out our Contact form here.