Breast Reduction
It’s About Fit
Why Choose MidAmerica Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for Breast Reduction?
Experience relief and renewed confidence with expert breast reduction surgery at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa. Our board-certified surgeon combines advanced techniques with compassionate care to help you achieve the desired comfort and proportions, so your breasts fit your lifestyle. Dr. Ryan Diederich is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a Southern Illinois native. He helps patients look and feel their best with his surgical skills and compassionate care.
Breast Reduction at a Glance
- Benefit: Alleviates back, neck, and shoulder pain while improving body proportions
- Procedure Time: Typically 2-3 hours
- Recovery: 1-2 weeks before returning to work, 4-6 weeks for full recovery
- Results: Immediate, with final results visible after the swelling subsides (3-6 months)
- Longevity: Results are long-lasting, but breasts may still change with weight fluctuations or aging
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Breast Reduction Before & Afters
Improve Your Quality of Life
What is breast reduction surgery?
At MidAmerica Plastic Surgery in Glen Carbon, Dr. Ryan Diederich performs breast reduction to give women from Maryville, Edwardsville, and the St. Louis area smaller, lighter breasts. This procedure removes excess breast tissue, glandular tissue, and skin and repositions the areola and nipple to create a more youthful appearance.
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Everything In Place
What is the breast reduction procedure like?
Before Breast Reduction Surgery
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation as needed.
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications, as recommended.
- Get a baseline mammogram.
- Stop smoking well in advance of your breast reduction surgery.
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding (If this is OK with your primary care physician. If you cannot stop taking these medications, please let us know).
- Get your pre- and post-surgery checklist.
- Pre-Op instructions will be provided before the procedure. Please read these thoroughly for additional information.
The Day of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction surgery is usually outpatient. You will come to the hospital in the morning and be able to leave after the procedure. You are not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Please arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital on surgery day. You will also need someone to stay with you at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right For Me?
Am I a candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Large breasts can cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Neck and back pain
- Skin irritation and infections
- Postural problems
- Breathing difficulties.
If you have large breasts that are causing discomfort, are uncomfortable with the size of your breasts, or would like your breasts to be smaller for cosmetic purposes, breast reduction may be the surgery for you.
A Personalized Procedure
What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
At MidAmerica Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, we've seen firsthand how breast reduction surgery can transform lives. Here are the key benefits our patients experience:
Physical Comfort and Health
- Pain Relief: Significant reduction in back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Improved Posture: Better spinal alignment and reduced muscle tension
- Enhanced Mobility: Easier participation in physical activities and exercise
- Skin Health: Reduction in rashes and irritation under the breasts
Aesthetic Improvements
- Proportionate Figure: Achieve a more balanced body contour
- Perkier Breast Appearance: Lifting and reshaping during the reduction process
- Broader Clothing Options: Easier to find well-fitting, comfortable clothes
Emotional Well-being
- Increased Self-Confidence: Feel more comfortable in your own skin
- Improved Body Image: Greater satisfaction with overall appearance
Lifestyle Enhancements
- Better Sleep: Increased comfort when lying down
- Easier Exercise: Reduced discomfort during physical activities
- Broader Wardrobe Choices: More freedom in clothing and swimwear selection
Long-Term Health Benefits
- Improved Breathing: Potential increase in lung capacity
- Better Posture: May prevent long-term spinal issues
- More Activity Options: Surgery often leads to increased physical activity due to reduced pain
We're committed to helping you achieve these benefits through personalized care and expert surgical techniques. Our goal is to reduce breast size and enhance your overall quality of life. Remember, every patient's experience is unique. During your consultation, we'll discuss how breast reduction surgery can specifically benefit you based on your individual needs and goals.
Breast Reduction Surgery Is a Good Option for You If:
- You are physically healthy.
- You have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes.
- You are nicotine-free for at least 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after the procedure.
- Your breasts are too large, and you would like them to be smaller.
- Your breasts limit some of your everyday activities.
- You have skin irritation/infections under your breasts.
- You are self-conscious about the size of your breasts.
After Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction Recovery
After the surgery is completed, dressings will be applied to the incisions, and a surgical bra will be placed. You will come to the office the day after your surgery for a follow-up, and we will remove the bandages for you. Recovery is patient-dependent, but you may be sore for a few weeks. You may also experience slight swelling and bruising. Post-Op Instructions will be provided before the procedure. Please keep these close throughout recovery.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heartbeats.
Your Journey Begins
Breast Reduction Results
Breast reduction surgery will make your breasts smaller, firmer, and lighter. Your new breast size should relieve discomfort caused by breast weight. Most patients experience relief from back and neck discomfort almost immediately after surgery! It may take six months to a year for your breasts to round out and take final shape. Over time, the shape of your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and gravity.
Now What?
Schedule Your Consultation to Learn More.
Dr. Ryan Diederich is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in a range of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery in Glen Carbon, IL. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon east of St. Louis, you can schedule a consultation online or call us at (618) 288-7855 to schedule an appointment.
For more information, see the American Society of Plastic Surgery topic “Breast Reduction.”
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ryan Diederich
Dr. Diederich is a Southern Illinois native realizing his dream of giving back to the community. He helps patients feel and look their best with his surgical skills and compassionate care.
Breast Reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
This is very patient-dependent. Certain surgical techniques can make this more or less likely depending on what each individual patient requires, and this will be discussed during your consultation. If breastfeeding is important to you, you may consider waiting until you are finished having children.
- Unfavorable scarring
- Infection
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Blood clots
- Poor wound healing
- Breast contour and shape irregularities
- Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling, and bruising
- Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
- Breast asymmetry
- Fluid accumulation
- Excessive firmness of the breast
- Potential inability to breastfeed
- Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other
- Potential, partial, or total loss of nipple and areola
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Pain, which may persist
- Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations, or injectable agents
- Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
- Possibility of revision surgery
