Your Skilled Seattle Breast Reduction Cosmetic Surgeon

Living with uncomfortably enormous breasts is not only cumbersome but a hindrance. Not only do suffers of enormous breasts endure years of neck and shoulder pain, but activities such as exercising, cleaning, and even walking can be difficult. Oversized breasts can also garner unwanted attention and stares. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with oversized breasts. Thanks to medical advances and accomplished cosmetic surgeons, Northwest Face & Body offers the best breast reduction in Bellevue and Kirkland.

Overly large and dangling breasts may result in a number of problems.  At Northwest Face & Body, we are committed to helping individuals with oversized breasts, live more productive lives, with highly successful and efficient breast reduction surgery. Dr. Ludwig Allegra, MD has performed a vast number of breast reduction surgeries that offer patients, a new lease on life.

Understanding Large Breasts

Generally, excessive breast tissue is the result of two major factors: genetics and hormones. Genetics can cause an individual to develop extreme amounts of breast tissue. The second major cause is hormonally mediated from pregnancies. Although it is normal to have an element of enlargement with lactation, many women develop breasts that are excessively large and potentially hinder daily activities after pregnancy and childbirth. Northwest Face & Body provides complete and comprehensive breast reduction procedures for individuals suffering from oversized and disproportioned breasts. Our team of doctors and medical professionals understand the difficulties enormous breasts pose and will work diligently to provide relief with an effective and efficient breast reduction procedure.

If you suffer from overly large breasts, then you have a thorough understanding of the emotional as well as the physical burden that accompanies this circumstance. Northwest Face & Body will work to provide care, compassion, and dedication for people afflicted with this condition. As a renowned medical facility, we work to assure your well being with our breast reduction surgery. We have helped countless Seattle-area residents regain their health while helping to restore confidence. We can also help you!

What Exactly Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty is a procedure that removes excess fat, tissue, and skin from a person’s breasts. If you have large breasts, breast reduction surgery may be a viable option for you. Reduction mammoplasty can also help individuals achieve a breast size that is workable, comfortable, and more proportionate to their frame and body.

Depending upon the patient, breast reduction procedures may entail the removal of excess fat, tissue, and skin, through liposuction. This is also commonly paired with several excision techniques. In some cases, patients with oversized breasts may have excessive amounts of fatty tissue. If this is the case, then liposuction alone may provide a good result. Based on your particular case, Dr. Allegra will decide the best techniques to use.

Issues Breast Reduction Procedures Resolves

The two major problems individuals with large breasts encounter are the size of the breasts and their position on the body.  Excessive breast tissue may not be bothersome to some individuals; however, the position of the excessive tissue can cause pain and discomfort to individuals. Additionally, breast reduction surgery can help to resolve a number of problems that plague individuals with large breasts. Some of the problems reduction mammoplasty addresses include:

• Nerve pain
• Restricted activity
• Neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Ill-fitting clothes and garments
• Rashes and other skin conditions under the breasts
• Lack of self-esteem attributed to having oversized breasts and more.

Breast Reduction Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested in breast reduction & would like a consultation. What can I expect?

Now that you have decided upon breast reduction, we would love to meet with you for a consultation. During this time, you will have an opportunity to discuss your goals and desires, regarding your breast reduction surgery. Dr. Allegra will sit with you and hear how your breasts are difficult as well as the problems you face. Afterward, digital images of your breasts will be taken.

Dr. Allegra will then measure your breasts and provide specific details about your reduction mammoplasty. He will share the techniques and procedures that he proposes to make your breasts smaller and better sized for your body. If you have pictures or other supplemental materials you would like to bring, please bring them! Your consultation is a time for you to share all information with our team, as we share all details of your procedure with you. The more we know, the more successful breast reduction we can provide.

How can I successfully prepare for my breast reduction surgery?

Before your breast reduction procedure, it is important that you prepare.  The first aspect of your preparation will be to make arrangements at work. You will need time away from your job and now is the time to let affected colleagues and associates know. Secondly, you may wish to give your home a thorough cleaning, as you will not be able to immediately tend to household chores after your surgery. You may also find it beneficial to transform your home into one that will help you recover. For example, you may place plates and cups normally stored high in your cabinet on a table or a lower area of the home. You may also need to place pillows and blankets on a bed or a corner of your couch for easier access. Also, place comfortable clothing within arm’s reach.

Consider having a table or a basket that can house bandages and other medical supplies, as you will need access to medications and clean medical supplies. A basket of supplies on your nightstand or on your bathroom counter may be beneficial. Finally, you will need assistance. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member for support, at least for a few weeks, post-surgery. Someone must be able to drive you home and escort you into your house after your surgery. You may also need help with meal preparations and other household duties, as you will be temporarily unable to perform them.

What will my breast reduction procedure entail?

Dr. Allegra will perform your breast reduction on an outpatient basis in our Kirkland, WA Medicare and AAAHC accredited facility. Your anesthesia will be provided by our skilled anesthesiologists. Your procedure may take between two and five hours to complete. Breast reduction procedures combine both medical knowledge and a degree of artistry. Given such, Dr. Allegra takes his time in creating breasts that are not only smaller in size, but aesthetically pleasing and healthy. After your breast reduction surgery is complete, your breasts will be bandaged and stitches will be created, at the point of incision. You will then have an opportunity to rest in one of our resting suites right after your procedure. Generally, most individuals feel well enough to go home approximately one hour later.

What incisions will be made?

Your breast reduction procedure in our Seattle-area facility will involve external incisions with ultimately a tighter “skin envelope” created.  This will help to fit the smaller breast volume and to provide support. The most common technique we utilize incorporates a “Weiss pattern”, also known as an anchor style incision. This involves an incision created around the nipple, which allows for the breasts to be lifted and repositioned.  We also create a vertical incision under the nipple that joins an incision located in the crease of the breast (inframammary fold). The length of the incision in the fold is affected by the degree of reduction. With normal healing, the incisions are generally faint and aesthetically quite acceptable. Typically, Dr. Allegra will make incisions that will not be easily seen. As a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, he combines his skill set with artistry to create incisions that will not affect the appearance of your breast. Many patients can wear bras and swimwear without any incisions or scars being visible. Your breast reduction procedure will be unbeknownst to people unless you choose to tell them!

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks. The risks of breast reduction include the initial rare possibility of a hematoma (excess bleeding) or infection. There is also the potential of interruption of the blood and nerve supply to the nipple. This could potentially result in loss of tissue or a decrease in sensation. Your incisions may cause scarring or even changes to your pigment. For many African American patients, there is a chance that raised scarring or keloids may develop. Fortunately, there are a host of creams, lotions, and supplements that can be used to promote healthy skin where incisions were made.  At Northwest Face & Body, we strive to create the best symmetry and shape possible, regardless of a person’s ethnic makeup. We also strive to make incisions that will be very inconspicuous.

What is recovery like after a breast reduction procedure?

Once your breast reduction surgery is complete, you must take time to rest, recover, and heal. Generally, many patients take off one to two weeks from work, to recover. Dr. Allegra will instruct you on follow-up appointments for the removal of your bandages and stitches. Application of scar sheets, creams, and lotions will be imperative to diminish the appearance of scars. You will also have to wear a compression garment or a specialized bra, ensuring your newly constructed breasts stay protected under your clothing.

When can I resume daily activities and work after my breast reduction surgery?

Depending upon your health and recovery, Dr. Allegra will evaluate you, and give you details of when you can return to work and exercise. Generally, patients must allow a few weeks to a month or two, to resume physical activity. Many individuals are able to return to their daily activities within several days following surgery. For some patients, sexual activity and exercise should be limited for two weeks following breast reduction surgery.

Who are good candidates for breast reduction surgery?

You may be an ideal candidate for reduction mammoplasty if you:

• Do not smoke
• Have issues with confidence
• Are in overall optimum health
• Have tremendous back, neck, head, and shoulder pain
• Feel that your breasts are simply too large for your frame
• Have problems exercising or performing household chores
• Are committed to the procedure as well as recovery efforts
• Succumb to groves and indentions in your shoulders, due to bra straps

I think I may have a child in the near future. Can I still have a breast reduction?

For women who are anticipating becoming pregnant or having children in the near future, it is important to note that pregnancy and/or breastfeeding can significantly change breast tissue. Dr. Allegra can discuss a specific regimen with you, regarding your desire to become pregnant and have children.

If I lose or gain a large amount of weight, will this affect my breast size?

Changes in weight can affect the size of your breasts. For example, if you have breast reduction surgery and you gain a significant amount of weight, there is a chance that your breasts will increase in size. Dr. Allegra recommends maintaining a healthy weight, regardless of your decision to have a breast reduction. He will discuss with you in detail, how weight fluctuations affect the shape of your breasts.

Are the results of my breast reduction permanent?

The results of your reduction mammoplasty are permanent unless you gain weight, or become pregnant. For many patients after a breast reduction, they find it easier to exercise and participate in an array of physical programs and activities. In fact, many patients are surprised at the amount of weight they lose after their breast reduction procedure, due to their ability to exercise with greater intensity as well as ease!

I’m a man and I have large breasts. Is reduction a viable option for me?

Male breast reduction is an effective treatment for suffers from a condition called gynecomastia, or oversized male breasts. Similar to that of a woman, male breast reduction is a reconstructive surgery that removes excess tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts of males. The result is a firmer and more streamlined chest.

How old do I have to be to have a breast reduction?

Generally, it is ideal for an individual to have a breast reduction, once physical growth has ceased. This usually takes place in an individual, around 17 years. Dr. Allegra will evaluate your case and make recommendations that ensure overall health, regarding your desire for reduction mammoplasty.

Why have my breast reduction procedure at Northwest Face & Body?

At Northwest Face & Body, we understand that you have options for your breast reduction; we would welcome the opportunity to assist in creating smaller and more proportionate breasts for you. Dr. Allegra and his team of medical professionals will provide you with unparalleled care, understanding, and compassion with your breast reduction. Using the most innovative tools and techniques, you can be assured of a breast reduction surgery that will exceed your expectations. Your safety and wellness will never be compromised. Furthermore, we will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your satisfaction and happiness.

Contact Northwest Face & Body Today!

Seattle-area residents need not suffer anymore, with enormous breasts. At Northwest Face & Body, we offer breast reduction procedures that are efficient and effective, without ever compromising your health or wellness. As a state-of-the-art facility, we utilize the most ground-breaking technology and systems to help you live a more productive and fulfilling life. So, contact us today by dialing 425-576-1700. You can also connect with us online through our Price Simulator™ app, contact form, or chat. We look forward to serving you!