Breast Reduction in Port Saint Lucie, FL

If you are living with overly large breasts, we encourage you at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS) to consider consulting with us about breast reduction surgery. Abnormally large breasts can cause social, functional, and physical setbacks that take their toll on your body and mind. In addition, uneven and very large breasts can create self-confidence issues and embarrassment, as well as joint pain, stretch marks, lower nipples, and more. Dr. William Vinyard is a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon in Port Saint Lucie, FL who treats women with large, uncomfortable breast through a surgical breast reduction. This aesthetic surgery at VIPS reduces excess breast tissue, fat, and redundant skin, to redefine and reshape the breasts to a smaller and healthier size. Breast reduction surgery also changes the size and location of the nipples/areolas so they are symmetrical with the new breast size. In most cases, a breast lift can also be performed to produce a tighter and younger-looking breast appearance after years of the heaviness has damaged the skin by stretching it.

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes and repositions fat, breast tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller and lighter while providing a cosmetic improvement. This procedure also provides physical relief for women who suffer from back, neck, and shoulder pain. It can also improve skin conditions underneath a heavy breast that may be chaffed or irritated by continuous sweat that collects below large breasts. Over time the constant pull of bra straps on the shoulders can cause neck and back pain. In addition, severe skin-on-skin contact of the breasts with the rib cage can cause irritation and even infection. Dr. Vinyard approaches breast reduction from a functional and cosmetic approach. The overall functional goal of breast reduction is to relieve tension on the neck, shoulders, and back plus decrease the skin-on-skin contact of the breast and the rib cage to decrease a rash-like irritation and possible infection. Dr. Vinyard’s aesthetic goal for breast reduction is to achieve a more youthful appearance to the breast by narrowing and elevating the breast on the chest wall and restoring the fullness in the upper part of the breast.

In a private consultation, we can discuss your goals for your breast reduction. Please allow 1– 1.5 hours for your breast reduction consultation with Dr. Vinyard. Consider this time to be dedicated to doing something for yourself and your health. Make your appointment at VIPS today.

If you are challenged with heavy and overly large breasts that create obstacles in your daily life, cosmetic breast reduction may be a good option to get the body you wish for. This surgery is helpful for women who experience frustration and worry or find it difficult to lead an active life because of the weight of their breasts. If you also deal with ongoing skin issues (as well as back or neck pain), this surgery can reduce these annoyances. It is important that you are at a normal weight, and find a trained surgeon like Dr. Vinyard who understands their desired outcome and has the aptitude to produce a pleasing and natural appearance.

Once you are here for a consultation to see if you qualify for a breast reduction, we will escort you to our consultation room. There you will have photos taken for documentation and surgical planning. Next, our nurse or patient care coordinator will take your detailed health history. Once she has conveyed this information to Dr. Vinyard, he will then begin your breast reduction consultation. This will consist of an analysis and conversation about your breast size and shape, a physical exam, and a detailed discussion of your options. Lastly, you will meet with the patient care coordinator who will explain your quote to you.

Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient process and is performed with general anesthesia. The timing of surgery (3 – 4 hours) is dependent upon many factors, including the complexity of the incision, the overall reduction technique, and finally, how much reduction is required. The nipple and areola repositioning is also a time-cost factor. For most patients, liposuction is incorporated for fat and tissue elimination to decrease the breast size. During the private consultation, all of these factors will be discussed with Dr. Vinyard. The potential for scarring is also scrupulously discussed as it is common to occur. However, surgical skill and advanced reduction techniques have led to a noticeable reduction in overall scarring. Depending on the intricacy of the reduction, either an anchor or a vertical incision will be incorporated. The breast tissue will be removed with liposuction, and the existing tissue and skin will be pulled tight and secured. Most likely, we will also be repositioning your nipple/areola complex into a higher position. A small, tube-like draining device will most likely be placed near the surgical site to reduce bleeding and swelling. Once your incisions are closed. We will put you in a compression bra and send you to recuperate in our recovery room. After Dr. Vinyard discharges you from the surgery, you will return to the convenience of your home after your breast reduction and be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

Within about a month, your lighter breasts will position themselves and settle as the post-op effects will dissipate.  You may see bruising for two weeks and swell for six weeks post-op. Most patients are ready to return to sedentary work in 1 – 2 weeks. You will need to continue to avoid repetitive motions and heavy lifting for three weeks after surgery as this can cause unwanted complications. You will be able to return to most of your activities six weeks following your breast reduction. Many of our VIPS breast reduction patients have remarked that they feel more weightless, lighter, and loving their results. After breast reduction surgery, you can buy the clothes you could not wear before and feel enthusiastic about your new appearance. Remember, it is still important to stay at a healthy weight so the results are not affected in a negative way.

You may feel lighter immediately after the surgery, however, it may take three months following your breast reduction to see your result from the surgical procedure (because of swelling). The type of approach that Dr. Vinyard uses helps to prolong your results but takes a few months to develop the shape of the breast. At first, you will appear very full on the upper portion of the breast and over the course of three months, the breasts will take on the rounded appearance to the lower part of the breast as they will continue to reshape over the course of a year and the scars will continue to improve over 18 months to two years.

How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
The cost of your breast reduction surgery will be discussed with Dr. Vinyard during your consultation. Once he has developed your treatment plan, it will be easier to estimate your costs, including anesthesia, fees for the surgical facility, and more. Breast reduction surgery often causes a significant improvement in a patient's life, so our team will help you find low-interest financing to make your treatment affordable. We will provide you a written quote regarding the costs involved with a cosmetic breast reduction. 

Are there financing options available for my breast reduction?
Yes. Our practice participates with CareCredit and Alphaeon although we do not directly finance any procedures. You may also want to research options through your bank of choice. We also accept all major credit cards including VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Will my nipples be moved?
In most cases, the nipples and areola will be shifted up to a higher position on the breast during the surgery. If an extensive amount of tissue and skin are being removed, your nipple-areola complex may need to be moved upward. This is actually a good thing, especially if you have been living with nipples that point downward. Dr. Vinyard will choose a technique like a lollipop incision so the nipple and areola can be moved higher on the breast. It is also possible to reduce the size of the areola for a more pleasing, symmetrical look without stretched out skin. All of these options will be discussed during your consultation before Dr. Vinyard helps you decide on the right plan to achieve your goals.

Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery may affect your ability to breastfeed. While some women may still be able to breastfeed after a reduction, some cannot. It is difficult to predict whether your surgery will cause you problems with breastfeeding. For this reason, Dr. Vinyard recommends that patients be done having children or be willing to not breastfeed future babies before having breast reduction surgery.

Can my breasts re-grow after surgery?
After reduction surgery, your breasts can get bigger or smaller with significant weight changes. This is why it's helpful to be at a healthy, stable weight before your surgery that's easy for you to maintain. During your consultation, Dr. Vinyard will talk to you about the best ways to prepare for your surgery and what you should do after to ensure you are happy with your results.

Can my breast reduction be combined with other procedures?
Commonly, patients will also require liposuction of the breast near the underarm to achieve a better contour to the overall appearance of the breast. Additional surgeries will be assessed individually during your consultation.

Dr. Vinyard has helped countless women reclaim their bustline for a more engaging life with surgical reduction of the breasts. During your first visit at VIPS, Dr. Vinyard will go over all of the options to reach your desired outcome and personalize a treatment plan to fit your needs. There is no need to continue living with the discomfort or lack of confidence that can sometimes accompany oversized breasts. Please call our practice in Port Saint Lucie, FL to understand more about this life-changing breast reduction surgery.