The primary reason women opt for breast reductions is the pain created by the weight of their breasts in necks, backs and shoulders.
“They may have permanent indentations in their shoulders from their bra straps,” Dr. Jeff Popp said. “And some women can’t exercise, which means as they gain more weight, the breasts get bigger and the cycle continues.”
Traditional breast reduction
Dr. Popp said traditional breast reduction involves an incision around the areola. Then a vertical incision from below the areola and nipple to the crease beneath the breast. The long final cut is in that crease.
“This is often called an anchor or a keyhole incision. The traditional method of breast reduction involves lots of cutting, sutures and drains,” he said.
The excess skin and breast tissue is cut out with a scalpel or similar device to reduce the volume. The breast is then reassembled by suturing and stapling it.
Scarless breast reduction
The other technique is scarless breast reduction. Although the procedure has been around for two decades, not many cosmetic surgeons do it. Dr. Popp said he thinks he’s the only one in this area committed to it.
The procedure reduces the breast with liposuction so there are no incisions. There are only three little puncture holes without stitches, staples, drains or major recovery time.
Traditional pros & cons
The biggest advantage of the traditional procedure is so you end up with a specific breast size.
“If you have a woman who is a FF cup, you can keep cutting till she’s down to an AA, if you want,” he said. “A secondary benefit is that you get more of a lift with this procedure so there’s more perkiness to the breasts afterward.”
The traditional procedure’s major disadvantage is infection is more likely. The wound could split open. You could have bleeding or scarring. There also are risks involved with complications from general anesthesia.
Scarless pros & cons
The primary advantage to the scarless breast reduction is in the procedure’s name … it’s scarless.
But you can’t always get the breasts as small as you want. The scarless procedure depends on tissue being easily sucked away to make the breast smaller.
This can be a major problem for younger patients, Dr. Popp said.
“An 18–year–old’s large breasts are very dense. She has a lot of breast tissue. Such tissue just doesn’t flow out as well with liposuction, so she might be a better candidate for the traditional cutting version,” he said.
“Whereas a woman who’s in her 40s, has had a couple kids and breast fed, has breast tissue that’s usually soft and willing to give itself up to the liposuction.”
Doctor chooses scarless
Dr. Popp only does the scarless procedure.
He said a number of insurance companies will pay for it. It’s one of those procedures that sometimes are considered non-cosmetic.
“If the pain, discomfort and various side effects from having large breasts interfere with bodily functions and daily activities, then it’s covered by insurance,” he said.
Set up your free consultation with Dr. Popp today, 402-391-4558.
