Less Scar, Shorter Recovery

While all breast reduction techniques reduce breast size, the new “lollipop” technique, so called because of the lollipop shape of the scar, reduces the breast with a much smaller scar, a better breast shape and a shorter recovery. Creating the most “normal” breast requires a smaller size, a natural shape and the least noticeable scars.

The Procedure

For most women, breast tissue is selectively removed from the lower, and outer quadrants; breast tissue that hangs below the crease and falls under the arm.  Fatty tissue or fatty type breast tissue may be removed with liposuction.  Dense glandular breast tissue is surgically excised. By selectively reducing excess breast tissue, the breast is reduced and reshaped at the same time.

Recovery

1-2 weeks to resume daily activities,  return to work 1- 3 weeks; some women have returned to work in 4 days.  Support bra will be placed at surgery.  Patients are encouraged to ambulate and shower the next day.  The Optimal Scar program will be started in the operating room.  Follow-up:  post-op visit day 1-4,  1 month, 4 months, 1 year.

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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Customized Markings

Because every woman is different, each procedure is customized.  Before the procedure, Dr. Ditesheim will place markings on the breasts (see black box).  These markings made sitting.  The new nipple position and the skin and breast tissue to be removed are marked.  Hanging breast tissue below the breast crease will always be removed.  Three dimensionally, the purple lines will form columns or pillars.  When these pillars are brought together, the breast is reshaped.  This technique increases projection behind the nipple as the width of the breast is decreased.   To protect sensation and minimize blood loss, tumescent infiltration (dilute local anesthetic) may be used.

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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Traditional vs. Lollipop Technique

The most common “traditional” breast reduction technique is a “Wyse or Inverted Tprocedure”.  This naming comes from the surgeon who first popularized this approach or the final scar resembling an inverted T shape.  The objective of the traditional procedure was to make small breasts.  By taking apart bras, a template was designed to use for any woman’s breasts.  So from the beginning, the traditional breast reduction procedure was designed for reduction not lifting and reshaping.   The skin template required three scars: periareolar, vertical and a long scar in the breast crease. The problem is that the scar can extend into the natural cleavage.  So wearing a V-shaped blouse the scar may be exposed.  The scar can extend beyond the breast under the arm laterally.  Finally, the breast tissue reduced came from the upper pole.

What causes the breast to “bottom-out” after a traditional breast reduction procedure? 

Preservation of the lower or hanging breast tissue causes the breast shape to flatten over time or “bottom-out”.    With the Lollipop Breast Reduction procedure in Charlotte, the skin markings are customized for each woman.  There is never a long scar that could show in the cleavage or under the arm.  The upper pole breast tissue ( what may be seen with a V-shaped blouse) is preserved.  The breasts are always lifted and reshaped by removing the hanging and lateral breast tissue.  The breast shape is preserved over time.

Surgery Risks

• Any breast surgery can change the feeling in the breast skin or the nipple-areola. 
• Moving the nipple (without detaching) can cause a change in how the blood circulates into and out of the nipple area.  If there is unexpected venous congestion, the nipple could die.  This is more a risk in smokers. 
• Loss of feeling can be consequent to swelling, which usually resolves in the first six months. 
• Infection can occur, usually related to the incisions or the skin to skin contact under the breast.
• It is best to pre-treat any skin condition ( such as yeast) under the breast before surgery with an anti-fungal medication ( Nystatin). 
• Firm areas of breast tissue can be present early, due to swelling. 
• Bleeding though uncommon, can occur after any surgery and usually requires a drainage procedure in the operating room. 
• Scars are minimized, particularly because any cruciate scars ( scars that cross perpendicular like a vertical and horizontal) are more at risk for wound breakdown and delayed healing. Any scar that opens, drains or has necrotic skin can take 6-12 weeks to heal secondarily. 
• It is possible that the breasts will still be too large, too small or asymmetrical.  Every effort is made to reduce and reshape the breasts to be close in size and lifted according to the patient’s desire.

Possible Limitations of the Lollipop Technique

The breasts will be reshaped and lifted based on the volume of breast tissue retained.  The greater the breast volume in the upper pole (above the nipple) the higher the nipple can be positioned.  Less upper pole breast tissue will result in the nipple being placed lower.  Adding a small implant or fat grafting to fill the flatter upper pole is an option for women who want the most “lift” and perkiness. 

What Does Lollipop Breast Reduction Cost?

Lollipop breast reduction in Charlotte costs approximately $9000 – $14,800. Your exact investment will  be determined by the risk, complexity and length of the procedure. You will be given this exact information after the consultation.

Will insurance cover my Breast reduction?

Most insurance companies will ask:

1. Is your breast reduction a functional or medically necessary procedure?  If you have the surgery, will you physically feel different after the procedure?
2. Is your plastic surgeon contracted with the insurance company?  For every woman I have treated in 25 years who had discomfort from large, hanging or uncomfortably large breasts, the immediate relief from a breast reduction procedure was life-changing.  In my professional opinion, every one of these women experienced a “functional benefit”.  Second, my “contract” is with you, my patient.  I will provide the best surgery to reshape and reduce the breasts.  You will have relief of breast discomfort and more beautiful breasts.  Insurance companies want to dictate what size your breasts need to be to “be covered”.  You can use your out-of-network benefits to recover some or all of the investment for your breast reduction surgery.  My staff and I will support you in this process.

Unexpected Costs

 In 25 years, women of all ages who have had a breast reduction are among the happiest of all my patients.  The multi-year discomfort of heavy, pendulous breasts is relieved immediately.  The minimal scar or Lollipop Breast Reduction advanced technique gives women a more beautifully shaped smaller breast with minimal scars.

Dr. Ditesheim

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