Breast Reduction

Procedure Process
& Ideal Candidates

For women who suffer from large, pendulous breasts that are disproportionate to the rest of their body, a Breast Reduction is a solution that may be covered by your medical insurance. Women with large breasts may have symptoms of back, neck, and shoulder pain, headaches, breast pain (especially with exercise), and rashes along the folds of the breasts. Dense breast tissue may also make breast cancer surveillance procedures, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, difficult to interpret.

You may be a good candidate for a breast reduction if you experience the following: breast pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, upper back pain, intertrigo, poor posture, finger and hand numbness, shoulder notching from your bra strap, ptosis of the breasts, nipple discharge, fibrocystic breasts, breast masses, and a persistent rash beneath the breasts. Patients may consider a breast reduction if their breasts restrict them from activity such as exercising, participating in sports, or playing with their children.

What To Consider

Schedule Your Breast
Reduction Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Antimarino will walk you through a series of questions to determine your concerns, goals and expectations. Dr. Antimarino will discuss with you any medical conditions you may have or treatments you are going through, what medications you may be taking, and any previous surgeries. Be prepared to discuss outcomes of a breast reduction procedure and to have the doctor take photos for a more accurate evaluation.

Pre-Op Care

Depending upon a patient’s age and medical condition there may be preoperative laboratory testing required. This will need to be completed within 2-4 weeks of surgery and is typically covered by the patient’s insurance. Patients are asked to maintain their usual activity level and body weight from the time of consultation to their surgical date. Patients are required to stop smoking, vaping, and the use of nicotine patches, gum, and marijuana one month prior to surgery and a minimum of one month post-surgery. Patients are also required to stop using weight loss medications 2 weeks prior to their surgery. Surgery may be canceled if guidelines are not followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin.  The procedure also includes lifting the breast to a more natural anatomical position.

Good candidates typically experience physical discomfort such as back, neck, or shoulder pain due to large breasts. They may also have skin irritation or difficulty finding clothes that fit properly.

Benefits include relief from physical discomfort and pain, improved posture, ability to participate in physical activities more comfortably, and enhanced self-confidence.

Recovery time varies, but generally, patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising for a few weeks. It’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities and follow post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Antimarino.

Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, changes in breast or nipple sensation, and scarring. Dr. Antimarino will discuss these risks during your consultation. 

Breast reduction surgery may impact the ability to breastfeed, particularly if a significant amount of glandular tissue is removed. Nipple sensation can also be affected, but this varies among individuals.

Preparation includes discussing your expectations with your surgeon, undergoing a physical examination, reviewing pre and post operative instructions with your surgeon, and having any pre-op testing completed as required.

Testimonials

What Our Patients Are Saying

Surgery & Post-Op Care

A Breast Reduction is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia in an accredited outpatient surgical facility. This surgical procedure lasts approximately 3 hours.

 

Patients will be sent home with a dressing under a post operative bra. This will stay on until the first follow up visit with Dr. Antimarino. Sports bras will be worn for 5-6 weeks after surgery then any style of bra can be worn. Patients may return to work after 2 weeks and may resume exercising at approximately 3 weeks.

Before & After

Related Procedures

Our Locations

Monroeville

117 FOX PLAN ROAD, SUITE #300,
MONROEVILLE, PA 15146
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Mon – Thurs: 8 am – 4:30 pm,
Fri: 8 am – 4:00 pm
Shadyside

5301 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE A,
PITTSBURGH, PA 15232
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Mon – Thurs: 8 am – 4:30 pm,
Fri: 8 am – 4:00 pm