Breast Reductions at Runnels Center
You've been thinking about it for years–time to put it into action.
"I’m so happy I got it done!"
Beauty and culture vlogger, Annisa LiMara tells about her Breast Reduction from Runnels Center! Watch the video for the full "T".
Is A Reduction Right For Me?
If you have experienced back, neck or shoulder pain due to the weight of your breast, straps from your bras leave grooves on your shoulders, felt feelings of discomfort or self-consciousness associated with having oversized breasts, experienced rashes or skin irritation beneath the crease of your breasts, or felt that your breast size has limited your physical activity, then you may be a good candidate for a breast reduction.
Individuals who are non-smokers and in good health have the best outcomes for recovery.
What to Expect: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Education
Learning all about the procedure is always a good first step. There are three incisions used in breast reduction surgery. Dr. Scott Runnels or Dr. William North can advise you on which would be best suited for your procedure based on breast composition, your general health, and the amount of reduction you desire.
Also known as Reduction Mammoplasty, a breast reduction may begin with you being required to have a mammogram beforehand to better gauge not only the density of the breast tissue but to lookout for any undetected lumps than may exist.
The Process & Incision Types
When surgery begins, your surgeon will start with the incision before repositioning the breasts to their new size.
• "Donut” or Circular incision is around the areola’s perimeter only. Also called a peri-areolar incision.
• “Lollipop” or Keyhole incision is around the areola and vertically down the breast crease. This is a preferred method for moderate reductions and for individuals who have more noticeable sagging in their breasts.
• “Anchor” or Inverted-T incision is around the areola, vertically down to breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease. This is the oldest and most common technique and allows for the maximum degree of reshaping and tissue removal. Used for significant reductions or candidates with considerable sagging or asymmetry.
Great news! Your insurance may cover all or part of the procedure. It’s always best to check your insurance plan when planning a surgical procedure to avoid any unexpected up-front costs or unpleasant bills afterwards. Any patient co-pays or deductibles will be your responsibility if required by your insurer.
After the incision, underlying excess tissue and fat will be reduced and removed, while lifting and reshaping the breast tissue to its new size. Due to the stretching of the skin on excessively large breasts, the areola may also need to be reduced at the perimeter. In most cases, the nipple and areola will remain connected to their existing nerve and blood supply. However, for more pendulous and extremely large breasts, a “free nipple graft” may be required to transplant both the nipple and areola, by completely removing them, then repositioning them to a higher and more natural position on the reshaped breasts.
For individuals with excessively stretched skin, a breast lift may be required and can be performed on the same day as the reduction.
After reshaping is completed, the remaining skin is tightened and the incision closed. Sutures are layered deep within the tissue of the breast for support, while the skin may be closed with skin adhesives or surgical tapes. Keep in mind that incisions will be permanent scars, however these will fade and significantly improve over time in most cases, and can be well concealed underneath bras or swimsuits. Dr. Runnels or Dr. North can inform you about what options may be available for scar reduction, if needed.
Step 2: Consultation
Your most valuable information resource is a personal consultation with our physicians: Dr. Runnels or Dr. North.
A consultation doesn’t take long, and with an expert’s opinion, you’ll be better able to understand all the benefits, risks, see before and after photos, get additional information you may need for your insurance and get to know and become more comfortable with procedure, the surgeon, nurses and staff.
Call the Runnels Center at 601.939.9778 to schedule your consultation or email at info@runnelscenter.com
Step 3: Surgery
Knowing what to expect before you go into surgery helps to make it a much smoother experience. Our certified, state-of-the-art surgery center provides all the technology of a hospital setting within a specially designed surgical facility. All procedures, from body contouring and breast enhancement to reconstructive surgery and facelifts, are performed at our Outpatient Surgery Center.
Our fully accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center features two surgery suites and four recovery beds, as well as its own entrance and waiting area. Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance, and the Runnels Center allows for the privacy and ease of access that you won’t find in a traditional hospital or large plastic surgery group setting.
With today’s technology, anesthesia, and pain control, less invasive procedures are routinely performed as outpatient surgeries. Appropriate procedures for outpatient surgery are those whose post-operative care requirements can be easily managed at home.
Conveniently located in Central Mississippi’s Metro Jackson area, Runnels Center is less than five minutes from River Oaks Hospital, the Jackson airport and the major thoroughfares of I-55 and I-20. The Runnels Center provides transportation service from the airport for out-of-town patients and overnight accommodations where private duty nurses are available. The Clinic, Outpatient Surgery Center, and SKIN the Spa share a common location with separate entrances for confidentiality and comfort.
Pre-op Appointment: Before surgery, you will meet with Dr. Runnels or Dr. North to discuss the procedure, sign consent forms, and receive prescriptions to fill after the surgery. This is also a good time to ask any additional questions. Not sure what to ask? We have a list of the Top 10 Questions you should ask before surgery.
Day of Surgery: We recommend that you wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing that is easy to remove to make it easier for your post-surgery: zipper front or button-up shirts/tops, simple pants or bottoms with elastic waists, cotton socks and slip-on shoes. Avoid any of the following: jewelry, contact lenses, makeup, hair clips. If you have been given particular pre-op body cleaning instructions at your pre-op appointment, please follow them exactly.
The Procedure: Breast reduction surgery usually lasts 2 to 5 hours depending on the incision, the amount of tissue to reduce, and personal circumstances. Dr. Runnels or Dr. North will be able to give you a better estimate during your pre-op appointment.
Support: We advise that you arrange for a close friend or family member to take you home after surgery and accompany you at home for a night or two. Having help around the house after any surgery makes a positive difference in rest and recovery.
At Runnels Center, we are committed to fighting breast cancer. Removed breast tissue may be sent for lab work to check for the presence of any cancerous cells, as a precautionary measure. Be sure to mention if you or a family member has a history of breast cancer.
Due to the way your breast tissue may change due to scarring, the Runnels Center advises getting a new baseline mammogram about 6 months after surgery, as new reference for your doctors to use when looking at future mammograms and cancer screenings.
Step 4: Recovery
Most breast reduction patients recover in 2 - 6 weeks, on average. As every patient and procedure is different, there is no set time for recovery. Ask Dr. Runnels or Dr. North, so you know what to expect.
Limit your activities for the first week.
You will be provided with an elastic bandage or support bra to wear after surgery to help reduce swelling and support the breast tissue as it heals. Wear it for as long as you are directed. Drain tubes may be placed underneath your skin to help drain excess fluid that may collect after surgery. These are temporary and usually are removed after about a week.
Patients are advised to avoid exercise for a week, with absolutely no lifting or raising your arms above your head for at least 2 - 3 weeks. Refrain from lifting any heavy objects. It may be best to have assistance to lift such things as grocery bags, backpacks, purses, heavy briefcases, cat/dog food sacks, or a child, instead of lifting them yourself.
You may need to take a week or two off work and should refrain from driving for one week.
After about one or two weeks, you can gradually return to your normal schedule. You may not feel 100%, but you should be able to go about your day with few limitations.
To allow for proper healing of your incisions, it is best to wait at least 3 - 4 weeks before attempting any exercise besides walking. Start slow and work your way up, as you may tire easy as you recover from surgery.
We also advise that you avoid using from underwire bras for one month following the procedure, and keep your scars out of the sunlight or discontinue use of tanning bed; the UV rays will make the scars much more visible.
What Our Patients Say:
"I felt very comfortable with Dr. North and his team at Runnels Center! He was sincere and thorough during our consultation. I'm very insecure person when it comes to my body, but thanks to Dr. North I was able to relax and not be ashamed. I'm happy that I chose him."
"Dr. Runnels did an amazing job on my reduction; it was a great experience. He explained everything up front and put my mind at ease. It's now been seven years since my surgery and I'm still just as pleased with my results as I was when I first had it done. No regrets whatsoever."
"Dr. Runnels is amazing!! He took time with me and listened to me about what bothered me about my body. He explained in great detail about all of my concerns and even drew pictures. I did not feel rushed or uncomfortable. His staff was so helpful and kind."
