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Alabama Breast Reduction
Comfort & Confidence
Hedden and Gunn Plastic Surgery
205-980-1744

Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction model

During Breast Reduction surgery procedures, excess skin, fat and tissue is removed to reduce the breast volume. The breasts are then lifted and reshaped to give them a tighter, shapelier appearance. Depending on the procedure, the areola may also be reduced in size. Breast Reduction can be performed as a cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery procedure.

Breast Reduction Consultations

At your consultation appointment for Breast Reduction at our Greystone Cosmetic Center location in Birmingham, Alabama, we will carefully examine your breasts, review your medical history and thoroughly discuss your physical symptoms and your aesthetic goals.

Breast Reduction model

First you will meet Dr. William Hedden, Dr. Stephen Gunn or Dr. Joshua Halka, who will assess the condition of your breasts and skin. Your surgeon will take measurements and note the size, shape and amount of sagging. Preoperative photos may be taken to assist us in the planning, execution and follow-up of your procedure.

Together we will explore your goals for Breast Reduction and discuss the possibilities based on our years of experience with Breast Reduction and other breast surgeries.

Breast Reduction with Dr. Hedden, Dr. Gunn and Dr. Halka in Birmingham is aimed at taking the weight off of your shoulders with a smaller, more convenient breast size. If you are suffering from pain and discomfort or are self-conscious about breasts that are too heavy and out of proportion to the rest of your body, please contact our Alabama plastic surgeons today to schedule your consultation.

Breast Reduction Surgical Techniques

Breast Reduction surgery is performed using one of three main types of incisions before being lifted and reshaped:

Areola Incision
Areola Incision
Keyhole Incision
Keyhole Incision
Anchor Shaped Incision
Anchor Shaped Incision

After the incision is made, excess skin, fat and glandular tissue are removed by your surgeon at Hedden & Gunn. The areolas are repositioned to a higher position and may be reduced in size, although they remain connected to the underlying nerves and blood supply. The breasts are then lifted, shaped and the incisions are closed.

Breast Reduction is performed using general anesthesia to put you to sleep throughout the procedure. The length of the surgery varies depending on the technique that is used, but usually lasts from 2 to 4 hours.

Birmingham, Alabama Outpatient Surgery Suite

Breast Reduction and other breast surgeries, including breast augmentation and breast lift, are performed at our Outpatient Surgery Suite at Greystone Cosmetic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Staffed with our caring team of professionals and featuring the best available surgical and monitoring equipment, our fully accredited facility is designed to ensure your total safety, care, comfort and privacy.

Risks & Possible Complications

To ensure that you are informed about every aspect of the procedure, we will discuss the risks associated with Breast Reduction at your consultation. The risks and possible complications of Breast Reduction surgery include:

Breast Reduction Recovery

You will receive specific postoperative instructions on how care for yourself after Breast Reduction surgery. These instructions cover important topics such as how to care for your breasts, your medications and when you will able to resume physical activities. Carefully follow all of your instructions to minimize the possibility of any complications during your post-op recovery period.

Breast Reduction model

You may experience some pain, swelling and bruising following the procedure. These symptoms usually peak about 36 hours after surgery. Any pain that you feel usually fades quickly and is managed with medication as you heal. If you experience any unusual symptoms such as severe pain or bleeding, you should immediately call the office.

Your bandages and any surgical drains (thin tubes that drain excess blood and fluids) may be removed after a day or two. You will wear a sports bra for about a month to keep swelling to a minimum and provide support during the healing process. Patients should sleep on their back after surgery and avoid any heavy lifting or major exertions for a month or more.

You may have some degree of numbness in the nipple and areola following Breast Reduction. Changes in sensation are usually temporary, but can be permanent in some cases.

The scars left by the incision lines will appear red and swollen at first. Eventually, they will diminish to thin lines that are covered by your bra or swimsuit. Dr. Hedden, Dr. Gunn or Dr. Halka will do everything possible to minimize the appearance of scars.

Breast Reduction Results

After surgery, swelling and bruising will dissipate within a few weeks. Your breasts may take 6 months or more to settle into their new shape.

Free from excessively large and heavy breasts, the majority of Breast Reduction patients are very pleased with their results. Patient satisfaction with Breast Reduction is among the highest of any plastic surgery procedure, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

By making your breasts smaller and lighter, Breast Reduction relieves musculoskeletal pain in the shoulders, neck and back. Your new breast size should lessen physical limitations and improve your ability to enjoy exercise and outdoor activities.

Breasts that are tighter and more firm can do wonders for women who were once self-conscious about their large breasts. With a shapelier bustline and a better proportioned figure, Breast Reduction can give your self-confidence a boost.