Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery breast augmentation calgary

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for Me?

Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery breast augmentation calgary

Are you ready to feel the weight lifted off your shoulders, literally? Breast reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that reduces the size and weight of your breasts and can help to alleviate physical issues caused by larger breasts. These common issues can include back, neck and shoulder pain, rashes, breathing problems and skeletal deformities.

At our Calgary Plastic Surgery Clinic, our Royal College-certified plastic surgeons perform reduction mammoplasty, often called breast reductions, to provide patients with relief from these symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

Benefits of Breast Reductions

  • Relief from body aches and pain – The excess weight caused by heavy breasts can cause strain on your back, shoulders and neck muscles.
  • Ability to live a more active lifestyle – Larger breasts can make everyday activities uncomfortable and tiring. Reducing your breast size can increase mobility when it comes to jogging and other exercises!
  • Reduction in rashes and infections – The fold beneath the breast can provide the perfect area for irritation and increases your risk of rashes and infections due to constant friction.
  • Better fitting clothing – Not all clothing is designed around large breasts, with many women struggling to find clothes that fit around larger breast sizes.
  • Improve your posture and symmetry – Breast reduction surgery not only helps with your posture by removing the excess weight caused by large breasts, but can also provide a breast size that is more proportional to the rest of your natural frame.

Breast Reduction Referrals from Your General Physician

As some breast reduction surgeries can be covered by Alberta Health Care, it is important that you speak directly with your General Physician. During your appointment, mention that you are considering breast reduction surgery to alleviate your issues. Your doctor should then refer you to a Calgary Plastic Surgeon that will be able to assess your concerns and ensure that you meet the specific criteria established by Alberta Health Services.

Get on Our Waitlist

Due to delays caused by COVID shutdowns and limitations, the current wait times for Breast Reduction consultations are around 12-18 months. For this reason, if you are considering breast reduction, it is best to talk to your physician sooner rather than later! Once your referral has been accepted, your chosen Calgary Plastic Surgeon’s office will reach out to you once we are able to book a consultation.

Procedure

Your breast reductions surgery will be performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between 2-3 hours. During your surgery, your surgeon will create an anchor-shaped incision that runs from the newly located nipple down to and around the crease beneath the breast. Your surgeon will remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin and then relocate your nipple and areola while reshaping the breast before closing the incisions with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery

As with any surgery, you will require some downtime to recover and adjust to your new breasts. This recovery period will differ for each individual, with most people being able to begin resuming normal activities after approximately two weeks. It is recommended that you refrain from any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for four to six weeks.

After surgery, most patients will be able to return home while being assisted by a friend or family member. However, in some cases your Calgary Plastic Surgeon may recommend that you stay overnight in the hospital. Surgical drainage tubes may be used for fluid removal for the first week or so, and a surgical bra is typically recommended to speed up the healing process, which should be worn for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Over time, your scars will fade and will also be hidden when wearing a bra, swimsuit or low-cut top.

If you are suffering from the uncomfortable effects of large breasts, breast reduction surgery can be a life-changing procedure for you! Begin your personal transformation and request a consultation online to meet privately with one of our Calgary Plastic Surgeons, or call our office at (403) 452-7953 to schedule an appointment.