Breast Reduction in Charlotte

There’s no need to live with breasts that you feel are too large for your body; breast reduction surgery in Charlotte can help you get smaller, lighter breasts that better fit your proportions and suit your lifestyle. If you’re dealing with back, neck and shoulder pain because of large, heavy breasts, reduction surgery can provide immediate relief. Bras will also fit more comfortably—imagine that!

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Is Breast Reduction Right for You?

There’s no need to live with breasts that you feel are too large for your body; breast reduction surgery in Charlotte can help you get smaller, lighter breasts that better fit your proportions and suit your lifestyle. If you’re dealing with back, neck and shoulder pain because of large, heavy breasts, reduction surgery can provide immediate relief. Bras will also fit more comfortably—imagine that!

How does it work?

This cosmetic breast surgery procedure removes the hanging breast tissue, usually the area of breast that hangs below the nipple. At the same time, any extra skin is removed and the nipple repositioned to create a more natural breast shape.

Quick Facts

Benefits

  • Breast reduction doesn’t just make your breasts smaller, it improves their shape & symmetry
  • Our scar-minimizing technique involves just two incisions; resulting scars are easily hidden by a bathing suit

Cost

  • Breast reduction in Charlotte typically costs between $9,300 and $14,500
  • Insurance may cover breast reduction for some patients; we can help you determine the scope of your benefits

Dr. Ditesheim’s Technique

Dr. Ditesheim specializes in the “short scar technique” to reduce breast size and give a more flattering appearance. The “short scar technique” incorporates two incisions: one around the areola and one vertically from the areola down to the breast crease. During the procedure, a “lollipop incision” is blended around the nipple and partially down the breast.

The benefits of the short scar technique are many:

  • Smaller breasts with a better shape
  • An easier, more rapid recovery
  • Less scarring
  • An improved breast shape that lasts for many years

During a consultation with Dr. Ditesheim, he will get a more complete idea of your goals and create a personal plan, specifically based on your needs and desired outcome.

State-of-the-art, on-site surgical suite located in Charlotte, North Carolina

Our suite is certified with the highest level of accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF).

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Jeffrey A. Ditesheim, MD, FACS

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

Charlotte, NC plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey A. Ditesheim is a highly accomplished, board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence. In choosing a plastic surgeon, you want to be completely confident that your procedure will be performed with advanced surgical skills and true artistry. Dr. Ditesheim has an impeccable reputation in Charlotte, North Carolina and beyond, drawing discerning patients to his exclusive clinic in Ballantyne.

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No Regrets!

I have absolutely no regrets about having this surgery at age 17. I look and feel so much better. My back pain went away almost immediately, which was a huge relief. I am really happy with it and I think that it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

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Banner explaining and showing lollipop scar after breast reduction

Preparing for breast reduction

Dr. Ditesheim and our experienced staff will provide you with pre-surgical information that includes guidelines about drinking, smoking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications. It is also important to make driving arrangements before the procedure.

During the pre-op appointment, we will be happy to go over ways you can help your family get situated for your recovery. Dr. Ditesheim’s caring staff has a wealth of experience in seamlessly preparing patients and their families for the recovery process.

There are a few important things to consider before having a breast reduction in Charlotte:

  • The breasts must be fully developed; by about age 15 to 18 for most women.
  • A person who is considering plastic surgery should not smoke. If you do smoke, you need to quit well before you have surgery. Smoking constricts the blood vessels, decreasing the blood flow to a healing area. In other words, smoking can slow the healing process.
  • Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs must be avoided, as they cause increased bleeding.

Breast reduction surgery details

A breast reduction procedure generally takes between 2 to 4 hours. Breast reduction surgery removes both glandular tissues and stretched skin. During the procedure, excess skin is removed only from the lower part of the breasts to avoid scarring above the nipple. Lastly, the nipple is raised and the diameter of the areola is decreased to a more symmetrical, youthful position.

Breast reduction procedures are performed in our own AAAASF accredited surgical suite. Our modern surgical facilities were created to ensure and maximize the highest possible standards in patient safety and comfort.

Our commitment to patient safety is a top priority and thus, all general anesthesia in our office is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Our use of physician-administered anesthesia has given our patients a nausea-free recovery for years.

Dr. Ditesheim listened to my concerns and was just as focused on the successful outcome as I was. I feel way more confident than ever. I had a breast reduction and although I wasn’t overly big, I felt like my breasts took center stage. Now I feel like they are proportional to the rest of me.
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Recovery from Breast Reduction

We want to make sure that your surgical experience and recovery is as pleasant as possible. After breast reduction, patients notice immediate relief from back, neck and shoulder pain they had endured for years. Most of our patients return to work within 4 to 7 days, depending on the extent of the procedure. Larger breast reductions in Charlotte will typically require a slightly longer recovery.

We encourage light activity early in the recovery process; this helps keep you healthy and can aid recovery. Dr. Ditesheim usually requests that a patient wait about a month to get into more vigorous activity, such as running. Our experienced staff will provide you with postoperative guidelines that provide instructions for the most comfortable and successful healing.

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction surgery to relieve medical symptoms. Your insurance company may require a letter of predetermination before the surgery.

Our accommodating staff at Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery has years of experience working with insurance coverage and will help with insurance matters related to the procedure. However, cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance policies.

CAN BREAST GROW BACK AFTER REDUCTION?

Most patients experience a permanent solution after breast reduction, although changes such as weight gain and pregnancy can cause breast tissue to grow back.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU NEED A BREAST REDUCTION?

If you experience back pain, shoulder pain, grooves from wearing a bra, or simply want a more manageable chest size, you will likely benefit from a breast reduction.

DOES WEIGHT GAIN INCREASE BREAST SIZE?

Yes, you gain weight proportionally throughout your body, including the breasts, although the size increase may not be noticeable.

AM I A CANDIDATE?

If you want smaller breasts for either cosmetic or for health reasons, you are likely a candidate for breast reduction. Women with large breasts may have chronic back or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or posture problems. Large breasts can also create difficulty finding clothes that fit or cause feelings of self-consciousness and unwanted attention.nnAdditionally, some women feel that a smaller breast size would simply better complement their figure. The best candidates for breast reduction should be in good overall physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about their results.

HOW CAN I DECIDE ON THE RIGHT NEW BREAST SIZE FOR ME?

Choosing the right breast size for you is an important and personal decision that depends partially on your reason for wanting breast reduction. If you suffer from physical discomfort connected with large breasts, Dr. Ditesheim can help you determine the right amount of breast tissue to remove in order to alleviate excessive weight carried on your chest. However, if you plan to request insurance coverage for your breast, your provider likely has stipulations regarding a minimum amount of breast tissue to remove. If you are undergoing the procedure for cosmetic purposes, your new breast size is entirely up to you, although Dr. Ditesheim can help you determine an appropriate size based on your anatomy.

WHAT HAPPENS TO NIPPLE PLACEMENT DURING BREAST REDUCTION?

During breast reduction surgery, the nipples are usually shifted to a naturally central location on the breast. Because large breasts often experience some degree of sagging, or ptosis, the areolas can become enlarged. If this is the case, the areolas can be resized as part of your breast reduction as well.

HOW WILL BREAST REDUCTION AFFECT TEXTURE?

Often, breast reduction improves texture of the breasts. This is because breast reduction surgery is not only about making breasts smaller. The procedure also reshapes the remaining breast tissue before pulling the breast skin taut over the new shape, much like a breast lift. This typically results in breasts that are not only lighter and more proportionate, but that also have a firmer feel.

WILL MY RESULTS BE PERMANENT?

Breast reduction is designed to create long lasting results, and most women only undergo the procedure once in their lives. However, your breast size and shape will still change in response to age and lifestyle factors. For example, if you become pregnant or gain weight, your breasts may become larger as a result.

WILL I HAVE SCARS?

As with any surgery, some amount of scarring from breast reduction is unavoidable. However, Dr. Ditesheim uses a “short scar technique” during breast reduction to minimize the appearance of scarring. The short scar technique uses what is known as a “lollipop” incision. One incision traces around the areola (where it can be more easily hidden by the darker skin), while another incision extends vertically from the areola to the inframammary fold. The result is discreet scarring that is easily covered by bathing suits or lingerie.

HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN SEE MY RESULTS?

The change in your body shape after breast reduction surgery should be immediate, as should an improvement in back and shoulder pain. However, your breasts will initially experience some degree of swelling, preventing you from seeing the final results right away. Most women return to work within a week after surgery, while your new breast profile should gradually develop over the following few months.

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