For Women: Excessively large breasts can impact both the physical and emotional health of some women. If you have oversized breasts, you may experience physical pain and discomfort. Excess breast tissue is heavy and the weight can impair your active life. In addition to this, the emotional discomfort and self-consciousness women with large and/or pendulous breasts face is often as damaging as physical symptoms.

Also known as a reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery is a procedure that removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size more proportionate to the body and to relieve pain and discomfort.

For men: Gynecomastia is the condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts. It’s common in men of all ages and can be caused by hormonal changes, genes, certain diseases, or the use of certain drugs. Gynecomastia often negatively affects a male’s self-confidence. Both adult and adolescent men may avoid physical activity, social events, or intimacy to hide their condition.

Fortunately, gynecomastia can generally be surgically corrected by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and/or skin. This results in a more traditionally masculine contoured upper body and improved self-image and confidence.

Women:

Breast reduction is a good option for those who:

• are physically healthy
• have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure
• don’t smoke
• feel self-conscious about the size of their breasts
• experience limited physical activity due to overly large breasts
• experience neck or back pain due to the weight of the breasts
• Regularly have indentations from bra straps
• have skin irritation beneath the breast crease
• have low-hanging breasts with stretched skin and/or nipples that rest below the breast crease when the breasts are unsupported
• have enlarged areolas due to stretching skin

Men:

Breast reduction for males can be performed at any age, but best results occur after overall physical growth is complete. While adolescents may benefit from the surgery, it’s important to know that secondary procedures may be needed in the future if breast development continues. Candidates for gynecomastia breast reduction have a relatively normal weight and stabilized breast development. Additionally, it is best performed when:

• The condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
• There is no presence of life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that could impair healing
• The subject is a non-smoker and non-drug user
• The patient has a positive outlook and specific, yet realistic, goals for results of the breast reduction.

Dr. Holland works closely with each patient to set realistic expectations and long-term success and happiness based on each individual’s body type, health history and lifestyle.

A breast reduction is not for someone who intends to get pregnant or who is planning on substantial weight loss in the future. If this describes you, it may be best to postpone your breast reduction procedure, but if you’re not sure or have questions, we encourage you to give us a call, schedule a consultation and receive personal advice and care from Dr. Holland.

The cost for breast reduction surgery varies from practice to practice and with a handful of variables. During your consultation, you’ll want to make sure you are taking into account the following costs:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Hospital or surgical facility fees
• Anesthesia fees
• Prescriptions for medication
• Post-surgery garments
• Medical tests

Step 1: Schedule a consultation!

At your consultation, be prepared to discuss realistic expectations based on your unique build, genetics, history and lifestyle. You may be asked to get pre-surgical lab testing, medication evaluation and to stop smoking if you are a smoker. Breast reduction surgery does require anesthesia and you will receive specific pre- and post-operative instructions from your surgeon.