Breast Reduction

If you have overly large, heavy breasts, it can be embarrassing, challenging, and a source of discomfort and distress. It can be almost impossible to find clothing and bras that are comfortable and fit nicely. You may have deep indentations from bra straps on your shoulders and suffer rashes, back pain, or neck pain.

At Mangat Copit Plastic Surgery, our Vail Valley breast reduction surgeon can alter your breasts with breast reduction surgery for greater comfort and a more balanced, lovely aesthetic.

Dr. Copit discusses all about breast surgery

Breast reduction candidates

Breast reduction is a custom surgery for women who naturally have an excessive amount of breast tissue. You may have lived with overly large breasts since your teens, or your breasts may have increased in size due to pregnancy or weight gain. If you have any of the following, you can achieve real-world relief with breast reduction surgery:

Large, heavy breasts
Back, shoulder, or neck pain
Bra-strap indentations on the shoulders
Rashes
Posture issues
Difficulty engaging in sports or other physical activities due to breast size

To be a candidate, you should be in good health, a non-smoker, and be fully informed about the surgery, recovery, and any risks.

What is the breast reduction procedure?

Breast reduction surgery typically requires two to four hours. The vertical and anchor approach will involve the following steps:

Our surgeons mark the breasts
Anesthesia is administered
An antibacterial wash is applied
The appropriate breast reduction incisions are carefully placed
The nipple is transferred to a youthful location, centered on the breast mound
Excess fat, skin, or glandular tissues is removed
Nipples may be moved and reduced in size
The breast reduction incisions are closed
Taping and bandaging is applied to protect the breasts

How is breast reduction performed?

Before planning your custom surgery, you will meet with our surgical team for a breast reduction consultation. We will evaluate your breast tissue and skin quality, and discuss your personal concerns and goals. Depending on the quantity of excess breast tissue and skin, one of the following surgical approaches will be appropriate:

Liposuction

Liposuction results in the least amount of scarring on the breasts. However, the sole purpose of the liposuction procedure is to remove fat; therefore, liposuction is only appropriate when only fat removal is needed. Since the liposuction approach does not involve any skin tightening or nipple repositioning, a candidate should have good skin elasticity and not require a breast lift.

Vertical

Also called the lollipop or LeJour technique, a vertical reduction involves an incision that encircles the areola and a vertical incision from the center of the lower breast to the breast crease. The incisions and resulting scar resemble the shape of a lollipop. With the vertical reduction incision pattern, our surgeons can remove excess breast tissue and breast skin, lift the breasts, reposition the nipple, and reduce the size of overly-large nipples. This technique is best suited for women with mild to moderate skin laxity.

Anchor

With the anchor or standard approach, a vertical incision is placed from the center of the nipple down the breast fold. Another incision is created in the breast crease. The incisions resemble the shape of an anchor, hence the name. The anchor incision pattern allows for the removal of breast tissue, tightening skin, and repositioning of the nipples so they are centered on the breast mound. This approach is ideal for patients with severe skin laxity.

Why choose Mangat Copit Plastic Surgery in the Vail Valley

for a breast reduction?

Mangat Copit Plastic Surgery was founded over 26 years ago in the Vail Valley of the Colorado mountains. Our center is a private aesthetic practice with specialists in facial plastic surgery, body and breast surgeries, and non-surgical skin care.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons are among the most talented in the nation, serving as educators, speakers, and fellowship training young surgeons.

Well known for the ability to achieve unparalleled surgical results with a very natural “never had surgery” look, Dr. Copit performs custom surgeries at our state-of-the-art surgical facility, and is excited to learn how he can help you.

Superior service and care

We provide individualized care in a safe, private setting, where we cater to your every need. We are known for achieving beautiful, natural results with breast reduction surgery, and your procedure will be performed in our state-of-the-art outpatient facility, where you'll receive personalized care throughout your journey.

What is the recovery process like after a breast reduction?

After your surgery, you can return home, but you'll need someone to drive you home, and also stay with you for the first night. You'll be tired from both the surgery and anesthesia, and you body will need to heal, so plan for plenty of rest and time off from your regular activities. You will have full aftercare instructions, and we will be monitoring your progress closely to ensure all goes as it should. The general recovery rules are as follows:

Rest! You must plan on very little activity for the first few days.
Arrange for one or two weeks off of work.

Do not lift your arms or lift anything, including children and pets.
Sleep with your head elevated on pillows or a foam wedge.
Sleep on your back only.
Take pain medication as directed.
Use an ice compress to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Do not shower until you get the green light from our surgeons; avoid baths until the incisions have fully healed.
Wear a soft compression bra to protect your new breasts during healing.
Do not engage in vigorous exercise or strenuous physical actions for four to six weeks; gradually ease into exercise. Take gentle walks to maintain good circulation and encourage healing.

Is breast reduction safe?

Breast reduction complications are rare when a qualified, experienced breast surgeon performs the procedure. The potential complications include:

Reaction to anesthesia
Infection
Breast asymmetry
Altered nipple sensation
Under or overcorrection
Poor incision healing
Bleeding (hematoma)
Fluid accumulation

What will it feel like?

It is normal to experience the following after your breast reduction surgery:

Swelling
Bruising
Discomfort
Itching or numbness at the incision sites
Post-anesthesia nausea

When will I see the results?

You can expect excellent results after breast reduction surgery, with your figure appearing balanced and natural. You will see the difference immediately, with the results improving with time. The incision scars will fade over time, and and can be easily hidden when wearing bras and swimsuit tops. You will be able to buy standard clothing sizes, engage in physical activities you once avoided, and experience greater confidence in your look. Breast reduction surgery is typically a life-changing experience and may be covered by your health insurance.