Breast Reduction Maryland
Having excessively large breasts can cause a number of significant problems that many people are unaware of. For one, disproportionately large breasts can be physically uncomfortable, causing skin irritation, poor posture, bra grooving, and persistent pain around the upper back, shoulders, and neck.
If you’re looking for a permanent solution to these issues, Dr. Michele Shermak may be able to help you with breast reduction surgery in Baltimore. Dr. Shermak has treated many Maryland breast reduction patients over her 27-year career, relieving the endless stress associated with carrying uncomfortable, extra weight on the chest.
1 of 34
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure performed to reduce the size of the breasts, and it can be performed for various reasons.
In addition to problems like back and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and posture problems, disproportionately large breasts can cause difficulty in performing everyday tasks, including childcare, recreational activities, and physical exercise.
Our Baltimore breast reduction surgery helps lighten the breasts and improve physical symptoms with the removal of excessive breast tissue and lifting of the nipple. The procedure can also improve your bodily proportions and help you achieve a more positive body image.
Your breast reduction will be performed in a surgery center or hospital under anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be able to go home after the surgery. Once anesthesia is administered, Dr. Shermak will perform the surgery, as previously discussed during your consultation.
Incisions are made around the nipple-areolar complex (often with the reduction of the nipple-areolar diameter) with an extension down the middle of the breast, and possibly including an incision along the crease under the breast. Through these incisions, the nipple-areolar diameter will be reduced and freshened, excess breast tissue along the outer, inner and/or upper breast will be removed, skin will be tightened, the breasts will be narrowed and lifted, and symmetry will be obtained. Dr. Shermak will reshape your breasts to be firmer, rounder, and lighter, with a centralized position of your nipples.
Your breast reduction procedure typically takes between two and three hours. Drain tubes are only placed for very large reductions. Your breast incisions will be closed and bandaged to maintain the desired results as you heal.
Bandages will remain in place until the first follow-up appointment, typically four to seven days after surgery. After that, you can shower and follow the instructions provided for your care.
Large breasts can lead to a number of physical and emotional challenges that breast reduction is specifically designed to treat. Common concerns include chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, as well as bra strap grooving and poor posture.
Many women also experience recurring skin irritation or infections beneath the breast fold due to trapped moisture and friction. Enlarged breasts can hinder participation in physical activity, limit clothing choices, and impact self-esteem. Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue and skin to alleviate these issues and restore a lighter, more functional breast size.
Breast reduction can be a life-changing procedure, providing some or all of the following benefits:
Women who are interested in reducing the size of their breasts could be good candidates for breast reduction surgery. Whether you’d like smaller breasts for cosmetic reasons, to improve your day-to-day comfort, or to improve your mobility and athletic performance, breast reduction could potentially be an ideal solution.
Ideal candidates for the procedure should also be in good physical health, have fully developed breasts, and have realistic expectations. Additionally, you’ll need to not be currently pregnant or nursing and be a non-smoker or willing to temporarily quit. When you sit down for your initial consultation with Dr. Shermak, she will give you a physical exam, listen to your goals, and evaluate your health and medical history to help you determine if breast reduction is the right option for you.
After your breast reduction, you will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Dr. Shermak will prescribe the necessary painkillers and medications to ensure your post-operative comfort.
Most women resume regular activities and return to low-impact activity after about two weeks. However, heavy exercise and lifting are discouraged for at least a month. Drains placed during surgery come out within one to seven days, depending on the specifics of the procedure. Dr. Shermak will also outfit you with a surgical support bra, which helps reduce swelling and promote healing while you recover.
You will notice an immediate change in breast size and position following surgery, though swelling will obscure the final shape for several weeks.
Most patients begin to appreciate their new proportions within the first month, with full results visible by 3 to 6 months as tissues settle. Because breast reduction permanently removes excess tissue, fat, and skin, the results are considered long-lasting. However, future changes in weight, pregnancy, or hormonal shifts may influence breast size over time. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy habits will help preserve your outcome for years to come.
When it comes to breast reduction procedures in Baltimore, Dr. Shermak stands out as a respected and trusted name, having written chapters and articles studying Breast Reduction techniques, outcomes and safety. With extensive expertise and a compassionate approach, she has established herself as a leading figure in plastic surgery.
Dr. Shermak is committed to ensuring patient satisfaction and employs meticulous surgical skills to deliver top-tier care and exceptional results. Dr. Shermak is an authority on Breast Reduction surgery: she has performed Breast Reduction surgery for over 27 years in practice and continues to evolve her techniques to bring the best results to her patients.
Whether you're seeking breast reduction for enhanced comfort and appearance, her dedication to individualized care makes her the ideal choice for achieving your aesthetic goals. Contact our office today to schedule a private consultation and explore your breast reduction options.
If insurance will not cover the cost of breast reduction surgery, your specific procedural costs will depend on the type of breast reduction performed, the time anticipated for surgery, and whether it will be combined with other surgical procedures.
Your estimated cost for reducing both breasts may range from $9,200-$9,600.
If your breasts are heavy enough to be causing symptoms including back pain, bra indentations in the shoulder, neck problems, or other muscular pain, insurance may cover the procedure. Insurance requires long-term medical documentation of symptoms and treatments for large breast size, including medications and physical therapy. All insurance plans have a required amount of tissue removal based on height and weight, and these requirements may differ between insurance plans. Some insurance plans require out-of-pocket costs from their subscribers. Our experienced office staff will help you determine if the breast reduction will be deemed medically necessary by your insurance provider. If it is, your insurance will likely cover the procedure.
Breast asymmetry is a common concern for women, and in some cases, the asymmetry can be more pronounced and noticeable. Breast asymmetry can be resolved during breast reduction surgery, and the breasts can be reshaped to look more identical to one another. In some cases of developmental asymmetry, only one breast will require reduction.
For some candidates, breast reduction can be done using liposuction. Breast reduction with liposuction involves removing excess fat cells through tiny incisions around the breasts. Tiny incisions are precisely made, and the fat is suctioned out using a hollow, blunt probe known as a cannula. Liposuction can be used for small reductions in patients who desire barely visible scars or for patients who have complicated medical histories that may challenge healing. Dr. Shermak applies advanced, augmented liposuction techniques to best perform reduction of breast tissue.
There is not necessarily an ideal age for breast reduction surgery, and the effects of the procedure tend to be permanent. Preferably patients are at least 16 years of age and have completed breast growth, and are mature enough to understand the surgery, the scars, and the necessary recovery. It’s essential to note that gaining weight or undergoing hormonal changes with age can cause new fat to be deposited in the breasts, potentially leading to a significant increase in their size. For this reason, some women who undergo surgery at a young age may require re-reduction down the line after childbearing or menopause. While there may be a benefit in waiting until a woman is older, there is a point where advanced age may hinder optimal healing. It is best to do the surgery when a woman’s medical situation is optimal.
In most cases, breast reduction will be permanent, as the skin, fat, and tissue removed during the procedure cannot come back. However, gaining a significant amount of weight or undergoing hormonal changes can lead to the breasts becoming larger later on, so it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight to ensure the longevity of your results. Some women have skin that has impaired integrity or reduced structural support as seen in significant weight loss, for example. In these situations, the breasts may settle to a point where they require further tightening and support.
Scars come in three varieties. With liposuction, only three to four small incisions will be made, barely visible on either side. With only a limited, small reduction, a lollipop incision may result, with an incision around the nipple and down the breast midline. Standard reductions typically have a keyhole incision, including the lollipop with an incision along the crease under the breast.
Dr. Shermak is particularly focused on achieving the best possible scar outcome. She will discuss with her patients the steps they need to take to optimize their scar outcome, depending on where they are in their timeline after surgery.
Typically, nipple sensation in large breasts with low-positioned nipples is low. Breast reduction most often results in more sensitive nipples, as the nipple becomes better positioned relative to its nerve source with reduction. About 10% of the time, sensation may be lower after surgery.
Breast reduction surgery boasts one of the highest satisfaction rates, as the procedure results in women feeling so improved physically, with reduction of preoperative symptoms, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, posture problems, bra strap grooving, skin hygiene issues, and chest discomfort. Sometimes, healing challenges are encountered, but even so, the resolution of symptoms leads to a high satisfaction rate.
Prior to surgery, health status should be optimized as much as possible without adopting a completely new lifestyle. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and vitamins are great aids in proper healing. Dr. Shermak requires that smoking and vaping stop for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery. Dr. Shermak may also recommend that you undergo a mammogram prior to your surgery, especially if you are over 40 years of age and have not had a mammogram in over a year.
For the week prior to your surgery, you’ll need to stop taking aspirin and specific anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements. These drugs and supplements thin the blood and can cause oozing during your procedure, so it’s important to stop taking them before your surgery.
If there are any questions about how to best prepare for your Breast Reduction surgery Dr. Shermak and her team provide a valuable resource for information. No need to “Google”.
