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Breast Reduction in Toronto, Ontario

Breast reduction surgery is a solution for women who have breasts that are disproportionately large for their body. Oversized breasts can cause a variety of physical and emotional issues, such as chronic pain, skin rashes, and overall discomfort. This procedure aims to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess tissue and skin, ultimately restoring them to a more balanced and youthful proportion.

Reasons for Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a popular choice for women who experience physical and emotional discomfort due to overly large breasts. It can help alleviate a range of issues, such as chronic pain, skin rashes, and unwanted attention, while also creating a more proportionate body frame. The surgery is tailored to the individual, and many women opt for breast reduction to achieve one or more of the following benefits:

  • Reduce breast-related back, neck, shoulder, and chest pain
  • Restore a more youthful, perky breast shape (when combined with a lift)
  • Improve the ability to wear a wider range of clothing styles
  • Minimize unwanted social attention due to large breasts
  • Alleviate skin rashes around and beneath the breasts.

How Old Do You Have to Be for Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a common procedure among young girls with overly large breasts, but it is important to note that candidates must have finished developing. Typically, this occurs around 18 years of age.

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A woman in her 20s after a nice breast reduction result

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery can bring many benefits to women with overly large breasts, including:

Reduction of Back and Neck Pain: Excessive breast weight can cause strain on the back and neck muscles, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Breast reduction surgery removes some of the tissue and skin, reducing the weight of pendulous breasts and relieving tension on the back and neck.

Elimination of Deep Shoulder Grooves: The weight of large breasts can cause shoulder grooves from bra straps digging into the skin. This can compress nerves and cause conditions such as coracoid syndrome and ulnar neuropathy. Breast reduction surgery removes this weight, eliminating the shoulder grooves and relieving the nerve pressure.

Decrease in Instances of Skin Irritation: Large breasts can increase the risk of skin irritation, as skin folds under the breasts can rub together, leading to intertriginous dermatitis or ulcers. Breast reduction surgery removes excess tissue, reducing pressure and increasing airflow to the chest area, which can prevent these rashes and improve patient comfort and mobility.

Breast Reduction at a Glance

  • Alternative Names

    Reduction Mammoplasty

  • Type of Anesthesia

    General Anesthesia

  • Recovery Period

    1-2 weeks off from work and 4-6 weeks before resuming physical activities

A woman in her 30s after a nice breast reduction result

OHIP Coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is often necessary for medical reasons, such as alleviating chronic pain, skin irritation, and discomfort caused by overly large breasts. If a candidate meets certain criteria, the procedure may be covered by OHIP. However, simply removing excess fat and skin from the breasts may not always achieve the desired aesthetic result if there is excess tissue in the armpits and back.

At the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre, we combine breast reduction surgery with cosmetic components to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcomes for our patients. This may include liposuction of the axillae and sides of the breasts to create a more balanced and proportionate appearance. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care and support to our patients, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being.

Breast Reduction - Procedural Details

Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically taking 2-3 hours to complete. To reshape and elevate the breasts, a keyhole incision is made around the nipple and down the lower pole of the breasts in the middle. The procedure involves removing excess skin, fat, and tissue from the breast area, elevating the nipple and areola complex, and creating a tighter, shapelier, and more rounded contour. After the incisions are closed, the breasts will be smaller, more comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing, reducing stress on the back and shoulders. Scarring from the procedure is usually minimal.

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Post-operative instructions at a glance

After surgery, you will be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics for the first week. Any discomfort is usually mild to moderate and should be taken as directed.

A tensor bandage will be applied to your chest after surgery and should be worn for the first week, even while sleeping. Afterward, a sports bra can be used.

Patients can walk after surgery but should keep incisions dry for the first week. You can shower after that.

Light duties at work can be resumed after 2 weeks, while the ends of dissolving sutures are trimmed at 3 weeks.

Full activities and exercise can resume after 6 weeks, but incisions should not be immersed in baths, hot tubs, pools, or oceans during this time.

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Your Breast Reduction Recovery

Recovering from breast reduction surgery requires a period of rest and limited activity. Immediately after the procedure, there are restrictions on the amount and level of activity allowed. Most women can resume work and light activities after 1-2 weeks, but should avoid bending over or lifting objects heavier than 5 lbs for about 4 weeks. The complete recovery time after breast reduction surgery is typically 4 to 6 weeks.

During the recovery process, follow-up appointments will be scheduled at 1, 3, and 6 weeks after the surgery for continuous management and post-operative care.

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