Breast Reduction

People of any age can be good candidates for Breast Reduction surgery in Nashville is ideal for people who have large breasts that cause the following issues:

• Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by breast size
• Shoulder grooves from bra straps
• Chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
• Not being able to take part in some activities
• Poor self-image due to large breasts
• Trouble fitting into bras and clothing
• Breasts are fully developed

Unfortunately, you may not be the right candidate for a breast reduction if you are pregnant planning on having children, obese, or still in the process of losing weight.

The benefits of Breast Reduction include the following: 

• Improved confidence and self-expression

• Easier to shop for bras and other types of clothing.

• Your back feels better

• Bras don’t hurt and are easier to fit into

• Exercise with ease

• Less skin irritation

• Easier to breathe: Some women find it easier to breathe with smaller, more proportionate breasts.
• Produces natural-looking results

The first step is to administer a type of anesthesia that will minimize pain and discomfort throughout the procedure. The options usually involve intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Dr. Ingram will then make incisions around the areola and from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. Depending on your unique needs and the extent of the reduction, Dr. Ingram will choose the most suitable incision technique:

• Traditional incision: Comprising three distinct incisions.
• Vertical incision: Two incisions, ideal for moderate reductions.
•  Scar-less incision: Utilizing liposuction for minimal scarring.

Next, Dr. Ingram will remove the excess tissue and reposition the nipple and areola, which remains tethered to its original blood supply and nerve supply. After the incisions, the nipple is strategically repositioned. Excess breast tissue is sculpted away, ensuring a beautifully lifted and contoured result. Sometimes, the nipple and areola may need to be removed completely and then repositioned to a higher position on the breast. In this case, the nipple and areola will not have a sensation after the operation and it will take longer to heal.

Dr. Ingram uses advanced suture techniques to close the incisions, ensuring minimal scarring and optimal healing. Recovery Under Dr. Ingram’s Guidance Upon completion of the breast lift surgery at our Nashville facility, we ensure you’re equipped with all necessary post-operative care guidelines.

Your entire surgery should take two to four hours to complete.

Following your surgery, you will be taken into a recovery room to allow time for the anesthesia to wear off, and prepare for your journey home. You will need to wear a surgical support bra for additional support and protection. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.

Since this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, it is recommended that you arrange transportation from the surgical center and have a responsible adult around the first day or two so that you can rest quietly during your recovery.

During the first few weeks, you can expect some mild pain, swelling, and bruising, however, Dr. Ingram can temporarily prescribe some medication to ease any physical discomfort afterward. You will also need to significantly limit your activity, but some light walking is good to keep your blood flowing. Dr. Ingram will have you return for your first follow-up appointment so he can observe your initial healing and remove or replace any bandages. You will begin to feel much better after two to four weeks post-op, and you can return to work, depending on what you do. You will still need to limit your physical activity during this period.

You can expect to experience some numbness in the nipples and breast skin for the first six to eight weeks. You are encouraged to continue to wear your surgical bra after the first month of recovery, but with Dr. Ingram’s blessing, you can begin to resume your normal activity, however, you will still need to be gentle with your breasts. After about a month and a half, you should be able to return to your normal activity and can even begin discussing how to treat any scarring with Dr. Ingram. We encourage all of our breast surgery patients to have routine mammograms and continuously perform self-examinations on their breasts.