Dr. Buinewicz, a triple board-certified plastic, and reconstructive surgeon has over 23 years of experience in performing breast reductions. Dr. Buinewicz is a leader in breast corrective and breast reduction surgery. Buinewicz Plastic Surgery is located in Doylestown, PA and Flemington, NJ, and serves the men and women who live in Hunterdon County, NJ and Bucks County, PA.
What is a Breast Reduction?
Excessively large breasts can be more than a mere cosmetic concern. They can cause back and neck pain and pressure, as well as bra strap grooves in the shoulders, chronic rashes, or infections. Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that reduces the size of the breasts to reshape them into a more youthful, firm appearance. It is considered to be a permanent solution, but hormonal changes, gravity, weight changes and the aging process can lead to increases or decreases in breast volume and shape. Dr. Buinewicz offers breast reduction procedures to those with abnormally large breasts who wish to enhance their appearance. A breast reduction can help restore self-esteem to those who have lost it due to feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about the appearance of one or more of their breasts.
What Can Breast Reduction Accomplish?
- Can address back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Allows your breasts to be in better proportion to your frame
- Increases breast firmness
- Improves the fit of clothing
- Enhances self-confidence
Are You A Candidate For Breast Reduction?
You might be a candidate for breast reduction surgery if you feel that your breasts are disproportionately larger for your body frame. Problems with posture, skeletal deformities, back and neck pain, skin irritations, and breathing problems can commonly result from large breasts. The best candidates for a breast reduction are those who:
- Have back, neck, or shoulder pain due to the size of the breasts
- Have breasts that are too large for their frame
- Have asymmetry in the breasts
- Have downward-pointing nipples
- Are self-conscious or unsatisfied about the appearance of large breasts
Before & After Photo Gallery
Why Choose Dr. Buinewicz?
Triple Board-Certified
Experience is one of the utmost qualities to consider when seeking a surgeon. Dr. Brian Buinewicz is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, demonstrating expertise in all aspects of cosmetic & reconstructive surgery. Known for his work with Breast Implant Illness and explant procedures, he takes the time to ensure each patient receives the highest quality care. With more than 25 years of plastic surgery experience, he has performed hundreds of surgical procedures and is passionate about furthering education in the fields of abdominoplasty and breast augmentation. Read more about Dr. Buinewicz's experience or explore patient reviews.
If you live in Hunterdon County, NJ, or Bucks County, PA, and are considering surgery, know that the team at Buinewicz Plastic Surgery—with offices in Doylestown, PA, and Flemington, NJ—is ready to help. Please contact us today to speak with Dr. Buinewicz about your next cosmetic procedure
Questions For Your Consult
Can a Breast Reduction Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes, a breast reduction can be combined with a variety of procedures. Most often, however, patients choose to combine their breast reduction with other body contouring procedures. The breast reduction procedure will reduce the size of the breasts, and address sagging or stretched skin.
How Long After a Breast Reduction Consultation Is the Surgery?
Generally, the time between your consultation and your breast reduction surgery will be somewhere between 1 and 6 weeks. The exact time between the two will depend on a few factors. One major factor is our practice availability, as Dr. Buinewicz performs your entire procedure. Additionally, some patients may need a few weeks to fully prepare for surgery, which may include discontinuing the use of certain vitamins, drugs and medications that can negatively interfere with treatment.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance under certain circumstances. However, coverage policies can vary between insurance companies and plans, so it's important to consult with your insurance provider directly to understand your specific coverage details. In most cases, the broad requirement is that the breast reduction procedure must be considered a medical necessity. This means that the surgery must be deemed necessary to alleviate physical symptoms and functional limitations caused by large breasts, such as chronic pain, shoulder grooving, or difficulty performing daily activities.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?
The average cost of breast reduction surgery varies from one community to the other with some small variations. Factors, such as the facility where the breast reduction will be performed, type of anesthesia and other issues, come to bear on the final cost of the breast surgery. Hunterdon County and Bucks County breast reductions vary in price range according to these factors. Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa makes breast surgery procedures available and affordable for everyone. Our office provides a wide array of payment options, including easy financing. We also accept cash, major credit cards and personal checks for breast reductions and other procedures.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery Like?
What Happens During Breast Reduction Surgery?
Most breast reductions are carried out under general anesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep throughout your procedure. Pain blocks are performed by an anesthesiologist to minimize postoperative discomfort. A breast reduction procedure is most often performed with a three-part incision. One is placed under the breast, one is placed around the areola to the crease under the breast, while another will be horizontal and under the breast crease. These are collectively referred to as an “anchor” incision due to the shape they make. Through these incisions, excess fat, skin, and tissue are removed, and the areola and nipple will be moved higher. The areola size will be reduced, when necessary. At the end of the procedure, Dr. Buinewicz stitches the incisions shut and applies a compression garment or wrap.
What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?
The most common risks associated with breast reduction surgery include changes in sensation, asymmetry and wound healing issues. Together, however, these complications occur in less than 1% of breast reduction procedures. Furthermore, Dr. Buinewicz’s focus and expertise on breast surgery techniques help to minimize the risks associated with breast reduction surgery. As with any major surgery, there will always be risks involved - but under the care of a qualified and experienced surgeon, any significant complications become extremely unlikely.
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What is Breast Reduction Recovery Like?
How Long is Breast Reduction Recovery?
The breast reduction recovery process is complex, as it requires an initial period of downtime, followed by some restrictions and mild symptoms, after which point patients can finally resume their normal lifestyles. For most patients, the breast reduction recovery timeline looks like this:
In the first few days of recovery, patients will need to rest as much as possible with very limited activity. Patients can expect bruising, swelling and discomfort during this time that can be managed with medications and other recovery techniques. Three days after your breast reduction surgery, your dressings will be removed, and you can begin showering again. If surgical drains were placed within the incisions, then those tubes will be removed after four to five days. At that time, patients can resume non-strenuous work and light activities.
Week 2
At the beginning of your second week of recovery, you may resume non-vigorous activities like work and light walking. You may still experience some swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate pain. You should continue to avoid any heavy lifting or activities that strain your chest muscles. It's important to avoid sleeping on your stomach to prevent any added stress to the breasts.
Weeks 3-6
During this time, patients will notice that sensation begins to return to their nipples and areolas. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort should noticeably diminish during this time. This is a sign that the recovery process is almost complete. During this stage, you can discontinue the use of your support bra and return to wearing a normal bra. You may also resume mild exercise and normal activities.
Months 3 and Beyond
Once a few months have passed, your breasts should begin settling into a more natural contour, and your incisions will begin fading. Around this time, you should also notice that your neck, back, and shoulder pain has greatly diminished. Scars, however, can take up to one year to fully mature and flatten.
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Breastfeed After a Breast Reduction?
Women should delay their breast reduction surgery until they believe they will no longer have more children, as the breast reduction results can be affected by changes to the breasts. In some cases, a breast reduction can interfere with a woman’s ability to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is a priority for you, it is something that you should discuss with Dr. Buinewicz prior to your breast reduction surgery.
When Can I Wear a Regular Bra After Breast Reduction?
The timing for transitioning from a surgical bra or compression garment to a regular bra after a breast reduction can vary depending on Dr. Buinewicz’s recommendations and your individual healing process. Typically, after the initial healing period, which is around 4 to 6 weeks, Dr. Buinewicz may allow you to switch to a regular bra. When transitioning to a regular bra, it's generally recommended to choose a supportive bra with no underwire to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the incision sites. Soft, non-padded bras with wide straps and good support can be a comfortable choice during the early stages of recovery.
What Results Can I Expect From a Breast Reduction?
Although breast reduction results are basically permanent, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and aging may again alter the size and shape of your breasts later in life. Dr. Buinewicz will illustrate your potential results during your breast reduction consultation. After discussing your treatment goals and identifying the appropriate surgical techniques, you and Dr. Buinewicz can explore potential outcomes through before and after photos of previous patients.
For more on planning your breast reduction or to get started with the consultation process, contact us today. Dr. Buinewicz of Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa specializes in breast surgery with extensive experience across other types of plastic surgery. We welcome patients from Hunterdon County, NJ, and Bucks County, PA.