Laser Breast Reduction

Dr. Grant Stevens, Medical Director of Plastic Surgery Associates, has performed hundreds of breast reduction operations for women who share many similar experiences. He has observed a dramatic increase in the number of patients seeking breast reduction surgery. Although the procedure is not new, traditional reduction mammoplasty has had its drawbacks, including loss of nipple sensation, inability to breast feed, prolonged surgical time, blood loss that sometimes requires transfusion, and poor cosmetic results. Dr. Stevens has helped to refine the surgical techniques in order to minimize these concerns using laser. Women have breast reduction surgery for many reasons. Many complain of pain and soreness of the back, shoulders and neck, while others experience pain and indentations from bra straps. Women who are active in athletics often experience soreness from the constant weight shifting during their activities.

The psychological aspects of very large breasts are also compelling. Women understandably feel self-conscious when their breasts are the focal point of attention. Many women experience difficulty finding fashionable clothing. Some are forced to split sizes and may avoid wearing bathing suits and other clothing altogether. Overall, these experiences may have serious negative effects on a woman's self-esteem.

Dr. Stevens assures women considering laser breast reduction that sensation to the nipple is rarely lost and, in fact, often times increases once the heavy breast tissue is removed. In addition, since the nipples are not detached during laser breast reduction surgery, the overwhelming majority of patients are able to breast feed their children.

Laser breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The incisions are made horizontally and vertically, adhering to the natural contours and folds of the breast. The laser is then used to preserve the pedicle of breast tissue that supports the nipple. The entire breast is lifted along with the nipple that remains attached to the breast at all times. Excess tissue, fat and skin are removed from the sides of the breast. Once the breast is repositioned properly and the excess tissue removed, the incisions are closed with dissolving sutures placed beneath the skin. With this technique, there are no cross-hatches or stitch marks visible and no need for sutures to be removed. Most women experience minimal post surgical discomfort and generally a quick recovery period. Women frequently return to work in one week and resume full activities in 2-3 weeks.

Dr. Stevens not only reduces the size but also aesthetically sculpts the breast when performing the laser breast reduction. He is actually able to "sculpt" and lift the breast for optimum aesthetic appearance and balance within the overall structure of the patient's body contours. This "liposculpting" is done over the chest and armpit area. This cosmetic sculpting not only improves the appearance of the final breast reduction, but also minimizes the size of the incisions. While reduction mammoplasty is still performed primarily for medically indicated situations, more women are electing to have this surgery for cosmetic purposes.

Laser breast reduction, along with liposculpting of the breast, has resulted in decreased surgical time, minimized scarring, decreased blood loss, preservation of nipple sensation and a natural lifting of the breasts. With the addition of the laser and breast liposculpture, breast reduction surgery achieves the goals of relieving the pain and suffering while beautifying the natural form and contour of the breast.