Breast Reduction in Chicago, IL

Dr. Michael Epstein and Dr. Karol Gutowski are gifted plastic surgeons who offer a variety of plastic surgery procedures to residents of Chicago, the Chicagoland area, Naperville, Northbrook and surrounding communities in Illinois. In the paragraphs below, they describe breast reduction, how it is performed and the expected recovery.

What is a Breast Reduction?

Excessively large breasts can be uncomfortable, restrict certain activities and cause back pain.  A breast reduction reduces overdeveloped breasts by removing fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breast, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer, and allowing them to be in proportion with the rest of your body.

A breast reduction can be performed in conjunction with a breast lift to raise the breasts giving them a more youthful appearance.

How is a Breast Reduction performed?

Breast Reduction is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery. There are many variations for a breast reduction, but the most common procedure is making an incision that goes around the areola, extends downward, and follows the curve of the crease beneath the breast. Excess glandular tissue, fat and skin are removed, and the nipple and areola are placed in their new position. The skin is then drawn together and down around the areola, giving a new shape to your breast.  The procedure takes approximately two to three hours, but may vary depending on the complexity of the reduction.

What to expect during the recovery period:

• Immediately after surgery, you may experience swelling, discomfort, bruising and tenderness, all of which are easily controlled with medication.
• A sports bra must be worn for the first 2-4 weeks following surgery.
• You can return to light activity within 2 days after surgery, or as you feel ready.
• Most patients return to work within the first week after surgery.
• Full physical activity may resume within 4-6 weeks after surgery.
• Incision lines will continue to heal and refine for 1 year after surgery.
  

Dr. Michael A. Epstein and Dr. Karol A. Gutowski have received critical acclaim for their exceptional results and advanced surgical techniques in the area of plastic surgery for residents of Chicago, the Chicagoland area, Naperville, Northbrook and surrounding communities in Illinois.

Active members of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, they have been featured on numerous television programs and quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines nationwide. As trusted resources who are highly respected by both the media and their peers, Dr. Epstein’s and Dr. Gutowski’s training, education and surgical skills have made them two of Chicagoland’s leading and most gifted plastic surgeons. Their primary offices are located in Northbrook, Illinois with satellite offices in downtown Chicago and Schaumburg.