Breast Reduction
in Scottsdale, AZ

At Berardi Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, we provide cutting-edge breast reduction surgery for women seeking relief from the discomfort and distress caused by breasts that are too large for their body structure. Women who have disproportionately large breasts can experience a number of problems, ranging from general discomfort or inability to exercise to unwanted attention that leads to diminished self-confidence. Altering the size of the breast to match the rest of a woman's features can have a tremendous impact on her overall quality of life.

Dr. Joseph Berardi of Berardi Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, whom breast reduction surgery patients have trusted over the years to help them achieve the breast size they feel comfortable with. Using sophisticated techniques and proven technologies, Dr. Berardi is able to produce beautiful, natural-looking results. Read through the paragraphs below to learn more about breast reduction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Table of Contents

What Is a Breast
Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgery aimed at reducing the size and volume of breasts that are too large. During the operation, Dr. Berardi removes excess breast tissue, fat, and stretched skin. The result is smaller-sized breasts that are more proportional in size. In addition, the areola and nipples can be relocated to restore better symmetry and provide more youthful-looking breasts.

Women usually seek breast reduction for relief from discomfort caused by chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain or for better posture and movement. Breast surgery can also enhance self-confidence and allow for more comfortable clothing wear. The incisions are usually placed close to the areola, down the breast, and along the fold of the breast crease underneath.

Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques

At Berardi Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, we employ cutting-edge breast-reducing methods for each patient individually based on their anatomy, desires, and the volume of tissue that will be removed. The most regularly used breast-reducing methods are:

Vertical (Lollipop) Reduction

This technique requires making two incisions: one encircling the areola and another extending vertically to the breast fold, which together form a lollipop-shaped incision. Because it enables substantial tissue removal and reshaping with minimal scarring, the method is perfect for addressing moderate sagging as well as size reductions.

Anchor (Inverted-T) Reduction

This all-over approach is applied to women with large, sagging breasts. It consists of three incisions—circular about the areola, downward to the breast fold, and along the inframammary fold—creating an anchor design. This provides the most control over skin removal and breast reshaping.

Liposuction-Only Breast Reduction

For those with elastic skin and minimal sagging, liposuction can lower the size of breasts by eliminating excess fat. The method leaves behind less scarring and a shorter recovery time. However, it is more suited for smaller reductions and certain types of breast tissue.

During the initial consultation for a breast reduction, Dr. Berardi performs a thorough analysis to decide on the most suitable approach for each patient. He carefully examines breast shape, size, skin condition, and nipple placement. Based on this, he prescribes the most appropriate surgical method in accordance with both health benefits and cosmetic demands. Then, he takes some photos to compare before and after the surgery and provides an individualized estimate for the surgery.

Then, the patients are given a comprehensive health screening to eliminate any underlying health risk conditions. Our surgeon can order diagnostic tests like blood tests, mammograms, and EKGs. Breast reduction surgery has certain contraindications, including:

Uncontrolled diabetes
Active infections
Blood clotting disorders
Oncological concerns
Severe scarring in the breast tissue
Chronic illnesses that impair the healing process

Initial Consultation and Testing

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After Gallery

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Lift Results

The Breast Reduction Procedure in Scottsdale and Phoenix

Marking and Anesthesia

Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess tissue and skin from the breasts. This procedure reduces the volume of the breasts and reshapes and lifts them. Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is typically an outpatient procedure. Dr. Berardi will review your surgical plan and prepare you for the procedure with precise markings to guide incision placement.

Incisions and Adjustment

Our surgeon can perform the procedure using one of three incision types. The decision will be based on your cosmetic goals, his recommendations, and the degree of reduction needed. The incision will either be made around the areola alone, around the areola and extending down to the breast folds, or as an anchor incision that encircles the areola and extends down and around the breast fold. Once the incisions are made, Dr. Berardi will remove excess tissue and skin, as well as move the nipple to a higher location on the breast.

Closing the Incisions and Final Outcome

After the desired reduction and reshaping have been achieved, the incisions are closed with sutures. The final result is breasts that are natural-looking and in proportion with the rest of your body. Breast reduction surgery typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the amount of tissue being removed, the complexity of the case, and the surgical technique used.

Breast Reduction Recovery Process: What to expect?

Immediate Recovery

Breast reduction recovery varies from patient to patient, based on the degree of changes made to the oversized breasts. Dr. Berardi will place you into a compressive bandage that will provide you support and ensure breast swelling is controlled. You should expect to experience soreness and swelling in the days after surgery. Dr. Berardi will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to help ensure a safe and comfortable recovery period. Any heavy lifting or strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided until Dr. Berardi releases you to do so. You will typically be able to return to work in one week.

First Weeks

During the initial few weeks after having a breast reduction performed, patients should wear a supportive garment or surgical bra, as advised, to assist with healing and support their new shape. Sleeping on one’s back is often advised to prevent pressure on the chest. Swelling, bruising, and slight tightness are usual in this period of time. The majority of women feel more active and experience less pain towards the end of the second week. But be sure to continue avoiding strenuous activity and adhere strictly to post-op advice.

Long Term-Results

Once the recovery period is over, patients who undergo breast reduction surgery will find that their quality of life is greatly enhanced. In addition to feeling more comfortable on a daily basis, breast reduction patients are able to participate in a more active lifestyle, have a larger selection of clothing options, and feel more comfortable in their own skin.

How Many Sizes Can I Go Down With Breast Reduction Surgery?

You can reduce your breasts by any amount you choose; there are no limitations on how much breast tissue Dr. Berardi removes. But he provides a caveat here — women who have been accustomed to having very large natural breasts for their entire post-pubescent life can feel as if a severe reduction is akin to having a mastectomy.

Most women seeking breast reduction want to lose some of the weight and the burden of having overly large breasts, but they don’t want to lose all of their shape completely. Plus, women with disproportionately large breasts also often have more curvy hips. Shrinking the breasts too far could create a lack of balance between the hips and the breasts.

The answer to this question is really completely up to the patient, but Dr. Berardi will help you visualize how different size reductions will look on your figure.

How Will My Breasts Change With Reduction Surgery?

The improvements to a patient’s breasts with this surgery are similar to a breast lift. Overly large natural breasts are almost always somewhat flattened, with a good deal of sagging skin. Dr. Berardi will remove the excess skin and underlying tissue, but he will also lift and return the now smaller breasts to a higher position on the chest.

The nipples, which may have actually been pointing downward, will be relocated and will return to normal appearance. In many cases, Dr. Berardi will also reduce the size of the areola. The breasts will be smaller, but they will be firmer and higher on the chest. Now, they will be proportional to the rest of the patient’s figure.

Can I Combine Breast Reduction With Other Surgery?

A breast reduction has much in common with a breast lift, only it removes underlying breast tissue rather than repositioning it. Still, the incision options are the same. That said, a breast lift is already combined with other surgeries on our mommy makeovers. Mommy makeovers combine a breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction into a single surgical session.

So, you could combine your breast reduction with a tummy tuck and liposuction if there are issues with sagging abdominal skin and pockets of stubborn unwanted fat you want to remove.

You could also combine breast reduction with an arm lift.

It is important to remember that a breast reduction does create an involved recovery due to the incisions and removal of tissue. So, you don't want to go crazy with another surgery, making your life even more difficult during recovery.

If you're interested in possibly adding another surgical procedure, such as liposuction, talk with Dr. Berardi about it during your consultation.

Are You a Good Candidate For a
Breast Reduction?

Women who are uncomfortable with the large size of their breasts may pursue breast reduction surgery in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Here are some characteristics that make a candidate eligible for this procedure:

While breast reduction can be performed at any age, it is important that your breasts are fully developed prior to undergoing treatment. This will ensure long-lasting, satisfactory results.

It is also important that you are at a stable weight or do not plan to lose a significant amount of weight after surgery, as this may affect the final results of treatment.

Patients often experience chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, or back, skin irritation, or bra strap grooving from the size or weight of their excessively large breasts.

If the size of breasts restricts a patient from exercising or participating comfortably in sports or other body-moving activities, breast reduction surgery can restore the ability to live actively.

Other women seek surgery for relief of emotional discomfort or negative body image caused by large breasts.

Smoking interferes with healing and increases the risk of complications. Candidates should either be non-smokers or commit to quitting at least four weeks before and after surgery.

Finally, it is important that you have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery. During a Scottsdale breast reduction consultation, Dr. Berardi will evaluate your candidacy for the procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have.

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Benefits of a Breast Reduction Surgery

Physical Discomfort Relief

Having large breasts may result in persistent back, shoulder, and neck pain, skin irritation, as well as bra-strap indentations. Breast reduction surgery eliminates surplus fat and tissue, providing immediate physical relief and enhanced comfort on a day-to-day basis.

Enhanced Mobility and Posture

The surgery repositions the nipple and areola higher on the breast for a more youthful appearance. It can also relieve pain from downward-facing nipples or skin rubbing against clothes.

Increased Self-Assurance and Improved Body Image

Also called fat grafting, essentially uses liposuction to take unwanted fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts. This is a breast augmentation option for women who are looking for a relatively smaller increase in size and would prefer more natural-looking results.

More Active Lifestyle

If a breast lift is complemented by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, its effects can be long-lasting. With adequate maintenance, the elevated, more youthful breast shape will endure for years to come.

Fewer Skin Problems

Many women find that undergoing a breast lift boosts both their confidence and comfort levels within their own skin, particularly during moments of intimacy. It’s common for these patients to say they feel not only more attractive but also more at ease being open with their partners. And this can translate into an increased sense of closeness on every level.

Cost of Breast Reduction in Scottsdale, AZ

The average cost of breast reduction surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, ranges between $10,000 and $20,000. This usually encompasses the surgeon’s fee, the anesthesia, operating room charges, and required aftercare materials. The price can depend upon several things, like the intricacies of the procedure, breast volume, the anatomical makeup of the patient, and whether any other procedures (such as a lift) are done simultaneously. Patients are invited to meet with Dr. Berardi for consultation in order to obtain a personal quote and discuss all available financing options.

FAQ about Breast Reduction

What Are the Potential Risks With Breast Reduction?

This is major surgery, so all of the risks involved with surgery apply to reduction: infection, excessive bleeding, poor healing, and the like. The main risk specific to reduction mammoplasty is the loss of nipple sensation or overall changes in breast sensation. This is because the nerves can be impacted by the changes in the breasts. Also, the ability to breastfeed will likely be impacted. Dr. Berardi is usually able to avoid damage to nerves and sensations, but it is definitely a risk.

When a patient is considering breast reduction, it’s important to weigh these risks and future scarring against the ongoing health issues caused by their large, heavy breasts. Most patients feel the tradeoff is definitely worth it.

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Permanent?

Yes. Dr. Berardi removes the excess fatty tissue, trimms the excess skin, downsizes the nipple/areola complex, andrepositions the breast tissue — all of these changes are permanent. Your breasts will be smaller, firmer, and higher on the chest, and your nipples/areolae will probably be smaller.

As long as you don’t put on a bunch of weight, your breast reduction will improve the look and firmness of your breasts for the rest of your life.

Should I Lose Weight Before I Have Breast Reduction?

That depends. If you are at or very near your ideal body weight, you don’t need to lose any weight at all; you’re already doing a great job staying healthy and fit. However, if you are overweight, you need to lose as much of the extra weight as possible before you have this surgery.

Why is this? If you are overweight and you have this surgery, but then in the future, you do lose the extra weight, you’re creating a great scenario of sagging skin on your breasts. That’s what you’re trying to get rid of with this surgery. Some women also think breast reduction is weight reduction. It is not. You will lose some weight in the breast tissue removed, but that’s it.

If you’re interested in having breast reduction with Dr. Berardi, you should work to get to your ideal weight first. Then you’ll really love your results.

What Is the Difference Between a Breast Lift and Reduction?

A breast lift (mastopexy) and a breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) reshape and lift the breasts but for different reasons. The former repositions droopy breasts higher on the chest by eliminating extra skin and tightening the skin around them. The procedure doesn’t reduce the size of the breasts but recontours them into a firmer, younger shape.

A breast reduction also lifts the breasts but goes one step beyond by eliminating extra breast fat, glandular breast tissue, and skin to reduce the size of the breasts and ease physical discomfort such as back or neck strain. Reduction will probably be the better option if your primary concern is large or heavy breasts.

Schedule Your Breast
Reduction Consultation
With Our Board-Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Berardi is an experienced breast surgeon who performs breast reduction surgery for women who experience discomfort as a result of their breast size. If having large, pendulous breasts has placed limitations on your lifestyle, we encourage you to contact our office today at 480.397.0711 to schedule a consultation. Through breast reduction surgery, Dr. Berardi can help you improve your quality of life. Dr. Berardi is also proud to offer male breast reduction in Scottsdale. During your consultation, he can also discuss any other treatments you may be interested in, such as tummy tuck, liposuction, or facial plastic surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery Scottsdale, AZ

Breast Reduction
in Scottsdale, AZ

What Is a Breast
Reduction Surgery?

Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques

Initial Consultation and Testing