Breast Reduction (Anchor Pattern Incision)

About Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is a commonly referred to as reduction mammoplasty. Breast reduction is an elective cosmetic surgery procedure to reduce the size and bulk of a woman’s breasts. Most breast reduction surgery techniques involve components of breast mastopexy (or breast lift) to elevate and firm the remaining tissue. The result is a significant reduction in the size of the breasts combined with a more pleasing, youthful breast shape. There are several different breast reduction procedures, each with their own risks and benefits. Plastic Surgeon Dr. Robyn Watts is an expert breast reduction surgeon who will choose from a variety of techniques depending on each patient’s physical characteristics and objectives.

About the Anchor Pattern Reduction Technique

The traditional anchor pattern breast reduction technique has many advantages for women with extremely large breasts, however it is also the most invasive type of breast reduction surgery.

Advantages

• May be best for women with extremely large breasts
• The anchor shaped incision also allows surgeons to remove more tissue than other methods resulting in maximum breast reduction
• The breast looks relatively smooth (without wrinkles and bumps) within a month of surgery

Disadvantages

• Results in more scarring that vertical scar technique
• If the nipple is completely detached from blood vessels and milk ducts during surgery, there is an increased rink for loss of breast feeding ability or nipple sensation

Incisions

The placement of skin incision and scar patterns that Dr. Watts uses in breast lift surgery depend on a number of variables including the amount of excess skin, elasticity, and degree of elevation required. In the traditional breast reduction surgery technique, incisions are made horizontally under the breast in the crease and extend vertically up to and around the nipple, creating an anchor pattern. Though this method uses the most extensive incisions of any breast reduction technique used today, the resulting scars can often be hidden by bathing suits and even low cut tops. Visit this website’s Knowledge Base to find out about special considerations for breast lift surgery.

Breast Surgery Options

Every woman’s breasts are different. There is no one right approach, and only through a consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Robyn Watts can your needs and objectives be properly assessed. There are several different types of breast surgery that may be appropriate for you:

Breast Implants

Breast augmentation surgery involves the placement of saline or silicone filled implants behind the breast to increase the size and the shape.

Breast Mastopexy (Lift)

Breast lift surgery can be accomplished using different scar patterns, depending on each patient. Short scar approaches may be appropriate for women with small to medium breast with moderate to severe breast ptosis, while the donut incision approach may be more ideal for women with mild to moderate ptosis.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery may be more appropriate for women whose breasts are very large. The short scar vertical technique may be appropriate for women whose breast are droopy, while the anchor pattern approach can reduce sag and droopiness on the lower half of the breast and create rounder, perkier breasts. Most women are good candidates for this procedure, although women with smaller, saggy breasts will be the ideal candidates.

Are You a Good Candidate

Women who are healthy and have realistic expectations of the surgery may be good candidates.

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complications
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if you are bothered by any of the following physical features:

• Very large breasts that droop and sag

General Health

You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your family physician can safely recommend that you stop taking them for two weeks
• You are not pregnant of breastfeeding

Recovery

Following breast mastopexy or breast reduction, it is expected that you will experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising which can last from two to three weeks. You can moderate the pain experienced during the first week of surgery with oral pain medication, after which time it is typically not necessary. Prior to your surgery, your patient care team will provide detailed pre and pre surgery instructions to ensure that you are properly prepared for the surgery and the recovery period. You will be advised not so sleep on your stomach for three weeks following surgery, and to wear a surgical bra for the first week or so. The surgical bra will be replaced by a sports bra which you will be encouraged to wear at all times for several weeks. It is common to experience some loss of feeling in the nipples, which is caused by swelling. This numbness usually subsides along with the swelling over the next six to eight weights weeks, although sometimes it is permanent. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people take one to two weeks off work

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, three to four weeks after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, four to six weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Bikini Ready

• You will experience swelling and brusing for up to two weeks following surgery
• Your incisions fill fade over time, but will never completely go away – however the benefits of breast lift surgery outweigh the scarring for the majority of people
• You will feel comfortable in a bikini roughly four weeks after surgery, although your scars will still be red and raised at this time

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Watts will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of breast reduction surgery, while not expected, include:

• General anesthesia (blood clots)
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Scarring
• Asymmetry
• Decreased nipple sensation
• Delayed healing
• Bruising
• Pain (underarms from liposuction)

Combination Breast Shaping Procedures

Vancouver breast mamoplexy surgery is often combined with liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. This combination is particularly popular with mothers who are frustrated by the body changes that occurred as a result of pregnancy. Find out more about Post Pregnancy Body Changes in this website’s knowledge base.

What Cosmetic Breast Surgery Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Watts can provide the specific information required to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Cosmetic Surgery Needs With Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Watts? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.