When patients suffer from drooping, sagging, or pendulous breasts, breast reduction surgery is an ideal option to make the bustline perkier and firmer. By removing excess tissue from the breasts, unwanted sagging can be eliminated. Minneapolis, MN plastic surgeon Dr. Brian J. Kobienia has custom tailored countless breast reduction procedures, allowing women to appear shapelier and more youthful in the process.
Patients often ask us if fat removal is essential for breast reduction surgery. It certainly plays a role, but it’s not all we consider during surgery. Let’s take a moment to consider these matters in greater detail.
The Role of Fat in Breast Size and Sagging
Fat is part of the composition of the breasts, and it may contribute to the sagging of the breasts and the overall texture of the breasts as well. A patients body mass, build, and other genetic factors will determine the amount of fat that is in the breasts themselves.
Removing Tissue from the Breasts During Reduction Surgery
During the actual breast reduction procedure, fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin can all be removed in order to make the breasts perkier and fuller. During the consultation process, we can plan the amount of tissue that should be removed to improve the appearance and contour of the breasts.
How Much Fat Can Be Safely Removed?
While you may have some unwanted body fat, you need that fat for normal health and wellness. It can be dangerous to remove too much body fat during a breast reduction procedure, as is the case with liposuction and other body contouring surgeries. Generally speaking, a plastic surgeon will remove no more than five liters of fat from the body during liposuction; fewer liters of fat will be removed from the breasts and chests alone during surgery.
As we noted above, fat is essential for the natural texture and shape of the breasts, so it will be important to leave some fat in the breasts as part of the procedure.
Can Diet and Exercise Remove Breast Fat?
In general, yes, diet and exercise can help with reducing the total amount of fat in your body if you lose weight and build muscle. However, spot reduction targeting the breasts themselves is difficult. Cardio and chest exercises will help with tone and reduction of overall fat, but not necessarily reduce fat in the chest.
Regardless, you should consider eating healthy and exercising regularly for better overall appearance and to feel great overall.
Other Factors Affecting Breast Reduction
When removing tissue during breast reduction, we will consider how to keep your breasts looking proportionate given your body type, and how they can complement your overall body contour. For instance, we may suggest liposuction to remove fat from around the upper torso and sides rather than the breasts in order to enhance body contour and breast shape.
It’s this focus on the patient’s overall body contour and shape that will lead to the most ideal surgical outcomes.
Learn More About Breast Reduction Surgery
For more information about breast reduction surgery and how it can help you, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. We are here to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Kobienia Plastic Surgery can be reached by phone at (612) 930-1111.
