Breast Reduction Surgery

Very large, heavy breasts can negatively impact a woman’s physical and emotional well-being at any age. For women in search of how to reduce breast size, breast reduction surgery may be the answer.

What is a breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery involves reducing breast volume by removing glandular breast tissueand fat within the breast, reducing the amount of skin in the area and reducing the size of the areola if needed. Breast reduction surgery restores a more youthful shape to the breast and repositions the breast higher on the chest wall.A smaller, better supported, proportional, natural looking, beautiful aesthetic result is the hallmark of the breast reduction procedure performed by Dr. Barr.

Physical Benefits

Breast reduction patients often pursue breast reduction surgery in order to correct a number of physical issues including:

• Breast asymmetry
• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Skin chafing and discomfort in the breast fold
• Breasts that are disproportionately large relative to the shoulders, abdomen and hips

Enhanced Self-Confidence

In addition to the physical issues associated with having extremely large breasts, many women indicate they are self-conscious, receive unwarranted attention, or comments related to their bust size and therefore lack self-esteem and confidence because of them. They often have difficulty finding bras and clothing that fit properly due to the disproportionately large breast size relative to the rest of their body. They feel uncomfortable in social situations, and their emotional well-being suffers. Breast reduction surgery can help improve a woman’s self-image and boost their confidence tremendously.

Considerations for Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery can potentially be covered by OHIP for patients with all of the following criteria:

• Disproportionately large breast size
• Rashing or skin irritation under your breasts
• Indentation in your shoulders from bra straps (grooving)
• Neck and/or back pain

In terms of breast reduction weight requirements, your BMI must be below 29 prior to proceeding with surgery. Dr. Barr wants to ensure his patients achieve the best results from their surgery. Research has shown that a BMI over 29 can be associated with greater complications and risks post-operatively, including wound healing issues, infections, fat necrosis within the breasts, and a greater risk with general anesthetic.

Breast Reduction at Barr Plastic Surgery

Dr. Barr performs the “vertical reduction mammoplasty” for breast reduction. This procedure is completed through two incisions, one hidden around the border of the areola and the second extending vertically from the bottom of the areola toward the fold under your breast. Patients often refer to it as a “lolly pop incision”. Using this surgical technique, Dr. Barr can significantly reshape and reduce the size of the breasts, elevate the nipple and areola, and create better upper breast projection and volume. The final outcome isan attractive, well-supported breast appearance. To achieve the best aesthetic results with breast reduction surgery, Dr. Barr concurrently performs liposuction for his patients. He uses VASER (ultrasonic) liposculpture to remove the fullness on the lateral chest to make the breasts narrow and better projected. The VASER is also used to remove additional fat from the breasts. Combined with the breast reduction surgery, he creates a beautiful, more rounded, lifted breast appearance.This combination procedure reduces the breast size further than can be done with the breast reduction surgery alone and also reduces the amount of tissue in the side of the breast (so breasts are not as wide) and into the lateral chest area (side bra strap region) so bras, tops and swimsuits will fit better following surgery. To view our patients’ breast reduction results, please visit our gallery. https://barrplasticsurgery.com/breast-reduction-ba/ We also provide procedures: Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Asymmetry Correction Inverted Nipple Repair Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barr.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does breast reduction cost?

For patients that meet the criteria for a breast reduction, Dr. Barr’s office will apply to OHIP for coverage of the breast reduction. If approved by OHIP, a significant amount of the cost of this combined procedure is covered by OHIP. Only the liposuction portion of the procedure is not covered by OHIP, and the cost varies depending on the type of liposuction required and areas to be addressed. An accurate quotation will be provided during consultation.

How long is a breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery takes between 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours to perform, depending on the extent of the reduction and liposuction being completed.

What are the risks of breast reduction?

As with any surgery, there are very low risks associated with breast reduction surgery. While complications are rare, Dr. Barr will discuss these in detail with you during your consultation.