Achieve breasts that are smaller, higher, and lighter with breast reduction by Dr. David Morwood, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Monterey. If you are bothered by symptomatic macromastia or gigantomastia, this operation can help relieve neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, as well as chafing, rashes, and clothing limitations.
Before & After Breast Reduction
*Actual Patient Disclaimer: there is no guarantee of specific results and the results can vary.
In Dr. Morwood's Words:
Of the many operations we do in plastic surgery, some of my most delighted patients are the women who undergo breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammaplasty.
David T. Morwood, MD, FACS
The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer
This Procedure Treats:
- Overly large breasts causing chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Bra strap grooving and skin irritation beneath the breast fold
- Difficulty with physical activity due to breast size and weight
- Postural issues and nerve discomfort related to breast heaviness
- Emotional distress and difficulty finding properly fitting clothing
- Disproportionate breast size relative to the overall body frame
Achieve Smaller, Lighter, Lifted Breasts
Breast reduction, also called reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that treats symptomatic macromastia or gigantomastia (large, heavy, and bothersome breasts). During this procedure, Dr. Morwood carefully removes excess skin and a significant amount of breast gland from within the breast mound, and then molds, shapes, and tailors the remaining tissue. As your breasts are reduced, they are repositioned to a higher, more youthful position. The result is a breast that is smaller and more proportional, helping relieve physical symptoms while improving overall contour.
Breast Reduction Treats:
- Symptomatic macromastia (very large, heavy, bothersome breasts)
- Gigantomastia (extremely enlarged breast tissue causing functional limitations)
- Chronic neck, shoulder, and upper back pain from breast weight
- Deep shoulder grooves from bra straps
- Chafing and skin irritation in the inframammary fold (under the breast)
- Recurrent rashes and moisture-related skin breakdown
- Difficulty with clothing fit, bras, and physical activity
- Breast ptosis (drooping and low breast position)
Breast Reduction Techniques Offered by Dr. Morwood
Open Breast Reduction
Open breast reduction involves making carefully planned skin incisions to access the breast gland within the skin envelope. Dr. Morwood removes excess skin and a significant amount of breast gland through direct surgical dissection. The remaining tissue is then molded, shaped, and tailored to create a breast that is smaller, higher, and lighter with improved contour.
Closed Breast Reduction
Closed breast reduction refers to reduction mammaplasty performed using suction, similar to liposuction. Small incisions are made, and a cannula is used to remove excess adipose tissue and some breast gland. This technique reduces volume without leaving long scars. However, it does not remove skin, significantly elevate the nipple-areolar complex, or correct ptosis.
Videos
Dr. David Morwood Plastic Surgery – Breast Reduction
Your Health with David Morwood, MD Breast Reduction
What to Expect From Breast Reduction With Dr. Morwood
During your breast reduction, Dr. Morwood begins by making carefully planned incisions within the skin envelope, most commonly using a circumvertical (lollipop) or Wise-pattern (anchor) approach. Through these incisions, he performs a precise dissection of the breast gland, removing excess skin and a significant amount of breast tissue. The remaining breast mound is then molded, shaped, and tailored. The nipple-areolar complex is repositioned to a higher location while preserving its vascular pedicle (blood supply) whenever possible.
Breast Reduction FAQs
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, breast reduction is considered a reconstructive procedure when you have true symptomatic macromastia. If you experience neck, shoulder, and upper back pain, rashes in the inframammary fold, or difficulty with clothing and activity, your insurance company may provide coverage. You may be required to document symptoms, attempt conservative treatments, and meet minimum requirements for tissue removal. Preauthorization is essential.
How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?
Breast reduction surgery typically takes two to three hours for both breasts. Dr. Morwood may work with a trained assistant to improve efficiency and reduce the time you spend under anesthesia while maintaining precision in tissue removal and shaping.
Will I Have Drains After Surgery?
Drains are often placed during the closing process to remove excess fluid. These are usually removed within one to two days. You and your caregiver will be instructed on proper drain management, and most patients quickly become comfortable with this process at home.
What is Recovery Like After Breast Reduction Surgery?
You will be advised to rest with your head elevated for the first three days and nights. By day four, you can increase activity while avoiding strain. Around day eleven, you may return to most activities, although you should avoid chest and shoulder exercise for a few more weeks.
Will My Nipple Sensation Change After Surgery?
There is a possibility of a change in nipple sensation due to involvement of the fourth intercostal sensory nerves during gland removal. Sensation is highly variable and subjective. Some women already have decreased sensation prior to surgery, while others may notice temporary or even permanent changes afterward. This should be discussed during consultation.
Have More Questions?
Learn More About Breast Reduction in The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer
If you want a deeper understanding of breast reduction, Dr. David Morwood explains reduction mammaplasty in clear, detailed terms in The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer. You will learn about incision patterns, surgical techniques, their advantages and disadvantages, and recovery. This resource helps you become an informed patient and take an active part in your planning.
Client Testimonials
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Relieve Discomfort From Heavy Breasts With Breast Reduction in Monterey
Dr. David Morwood is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 34 years of experience and fellowship training in microsurgery. During your private consultation, he will review your medical history, evaluate your breast size, shape, and degree of ptosis, and discuss your goals in detail. Using photographs and Vectra 3D imaging, you will explore potential outcomes together. Schedule your private consultation today to discuss breast reduction in Monterey.
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