Breast Reduction in Sarasota

A breast reduction is a highly satisfying procedure for many women, as it can alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain and allow a patient to enjoy a more active life. If you’re in Sarasota and are interested in this procedure, please contact us.

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About Breast Reduction

Breast reduction can make the breasts more proportionate to the body, lifting them higher on the chest and reducing size. Because overly large breasts are often very heavy, breast reduction patients are among the happiest of plastic surgery patients. A breast reduction can allow a woman to fully take control of her body and life.

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Why Women Get a Breast Reduction

Overly large breasts can truly hinder a woman’s life. They can obstruct her ability to exercise or play sports. In some cases, they may even stand in the way of a career choice. They may cause clothing to fit improperly or cause her embarrassment.

Due to these reasons, many women decide to undergo breast reduction to feel more comfortable with their body and live the life they want.

Preparing For your Breast Reduction

Dr. Kreithen may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. You should also try to reach your ideal body weight prior to surgery. Breast reduction surgery sometimes requires an overnight stay in the hospital. While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

What to Expect in Your Consultation

During your initial consultation with us, it’s very important to discuss your expectations. Every patient and every surgeon has a different idea of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts, so clarity is key in the early stages. During your consultation, Dr. Kreithen will examine and measure your breasts. He will also take photographs for reference during surgery and afterwards. (The photographs may also be used in the processing of your insurance coverage.)

Dr. Kreithen will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. You will also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned, as they will be moved higher during the procedure and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts. Dr. Kreithen will describe the procedure and recovery process in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand everything.

This includes the scarring that will come as a result. When your consultation has ended, you will meet with our patient coordinator. You will be given an estimate of the cost, and you will have the option to schedule your surgery if you would like. You’re also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation. Because Dr. Kreithen realizes the importance of such a big decision, he will be happy to meet with you a second time if needed.

Before & After Feature Breast Reduction

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Meet Your Surgeons 75 Years of Combined Experience

J. David Holcomb, MD Face, Nose & Laser Surgery

J. David Holcomb, MD is a double board-certified Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Laser Surgeon (American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology) who has practiced in Sarasota since 2000. His expertise includes advanced procedures such as rhinoplasty and laser resurfacing, and he has participated in groundbreaking clinical research trials (principal investigator in several helium plasma dermal resurfacing studies and BLESS II Letybo neurotoxin non-inferiority study).

Meet Dr. Holcomb

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD Breast & Body Surgery

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD is an Aesthetic Breast & Contouring Body Specialist who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kreithen has practiced in Sarasota, Florida since 2004.

Meet Dr. Kreithen

Marc J. Salzman, MD Face, Breast & Body Surgery

Marc J. Salzman, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in face and body procedures. A recognized educator and innovator, he's known for advancing techniques and contributing to FDA studies on breast implants.

Meet Dr. Salzman

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What Does The Surgery Entail?

In a breast reduction, the breasts are reduced in size. Glandular tissue, fat, and skin will be removed, and the breasts are also typically re-contoured.

The areolas and nipples may also be moved to better match the new position of the breasts. The result is breasts that are smaller, lighter, and firmer.

Breast Reduction Surgical Details

A typical breast surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes between 1 and 3 hours. Most breast reduction procedures are performed as an outpatient procedure. Your surgeon will begin by making an anchor-shaped incision or keyhole-shaped incision around the areola. From this incision, the surgeon will remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin. The nipple will then be re-positioned.

The remaining tissue will be pulled to form a more attractive contour for the chest, and the incisions will then be sutured. Liposuction (usually performed through the armpit) may be included to sculpt the breast curvature. In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position.

(This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue.) Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and possibly along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the horizontal part of the scar. Occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.

Recovery

Patients should expect the recovery from a breast reduction to take from 7 to 10 days. After surgery, patients will need to wear an elastic bandage or surgical bra over gauze dressings. After 24 to 48 hours, the bandage will be removed; however, the surgical bra will be worn for several weeks. This will control swelling and help with healing. Small drain tubes may also be worn for several days to reduce the amount of fluid and blood. You may feel some pain for the first couple of days — especially when you move around, laugh, or cough — and some discomfort for a week or more.

Your surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain if necessary. If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day, but be sure to keep the suture area dry. Your bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, though you’ll continue wearing the surgical bra 24 hours a day for several weeks until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed in 1 to 3 weeks.

Patient Testimonials

It is without saying that Dr. Holcomb's staff is par excellence. You are greeted with respect and professionalism. Personally of utmost importance was to trust my face to a Doct...

I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and could not be happier!! From consultation to post op appointments the staff and Dr. Kreithen have been amazing. Staff is always available to speak to...

I have had an astounding experience with Dr.Kreithen! From the beginning, he was very knowledgeable and informative. Throughout the entire process, they were easily available to...

Dr. Kreithen gave me an arm lift in June. I am so pleased with the results. The surgery went well and was almost pain free. The office staff is wonderful and caring. I highly re...

Dr. Kreithen and everyone on his staff was amazing throughout my entire process. I had a lower body lift and LOVE the results. I did have some minor issues being allergic to med...

Dr. Kreithen had a great bedside manner. He is great at what he does. My BA was beautifully done and his team was awesome.

Dr Kreithen did a fantastic job on my breasts. I am an older woman that had implants from 10 years ago. It was embarrassing for me at my current age to request new ones. I'm so ...

Dr Kreithen spotted something from a prior MRI done in 2017 & 2019. He basically has saved my life. Having had breast implants for 32 years and suffering fibromyalgia for th...

Dr. Holcomb is a gifted surgeon who will make you look your best. I've had 3 procedures and am delighted with all 3. I especially have to commend his staff... Lauren and Leslie ...

Doctor Kreithen and his staff are the absolute BEST. Caring, friendly, efficient, and my surgery outcome is the best. After surgery I had ZERO pain, recovery was easy, follow up...

If I could give a 10 star rating i sure would. I had both Dr Kreithan and Dr Holcolm did procedures on me in march. Dr Kreithen LISTENED TO my husband and me and HEARD us. This ...

They say breast reduction patients are among the happiest of plastic surgery patients. I am very happy with my decision to go with Holcomb Plastic Surgery. I am pleased with the...

My daughter who had her breast done by Dr. Kreithen told me to go to him for the type of surgeries I was wanting to have done. He did a beautiful job with her breast implants. I...

Had BA in 12/2017 and decided on Dr Kreithen. I had been planning on BA for 7-8yrs , had a couple of consultations with others , but just did not feel 100% about the surgeons I ...

I found all the staff very professional, kind, and helpful which is a big plus . I have no negative feedback which is why I give 5+ stars

Dr. Holcomb is an incredible rhinoplasty surgeon. I'm at about 9 months post op, so pretty much all of the swelling is gone, and I could not be more happy. I'm sure most people ...

I have only had positive experiences within this office, having utilized all the different services that they offer. Dr. Kreithen is a very skilled and caring surgeon. I first s...

Dr. Holcomb is the only one I let do my Botox. I have a short forehead, which can be difficult to do with an untrained provider. The entire office is professional and polite. Wo...

Truly the most professional and skilled plastic surgery practice in the area! Truly everything you would ever want in a doctor. I had a tummy tuck with Dr. Kreithen and LOVE my ...

I recently had eyelid surgery and laser treatment under my eyes done by Dr. Holcomb. Dr. Holcomb is very professional and friendly. He always asked if there were any questions o...

Dr Kreithen has been doing my Botox for about five years, I would never ever consider going to see another doctor. He is masterful at what he does! Always uses only a limited am...

I had a breast reduction completed by Dr. Kreithen, in January. Before surgery I stopped drinking heavily on coffee. I cut back to drinking 1/2 cup to a cup of coffee a day for ...

Dr Holcomb is an excellent surgeon I had a facelift and laser skin resurfacing. I feel 10 years younger and am very pleased with the result

Dr Kreithen gets my best recommendation for anyone looking for a talented plastic surgeon. Very happy with the results of my procedure. He knows what he is doing and I am a happ...

My experience with Dr. Kreithen was amazing. I originally made two consultation appointments with different doctors to shop around but after my first appointment with Holcomb &a...

Dr. Kreithen is amazing. I saw him for Botox and he did a great job. He is an artist with the needles so I felt no pain. I had no bruising and all my wrinkles were blurred away....

Dr. Holcomb and his staff are the best. I had a very positive experience and I'm thrilled with the results of my procedures.

Dr Kreithen did an amazing job on my tummy tuck! I absolutely love the results. The office is clean and beautiful, all the staff have been so kind and respectful, and follow up ...

I am so thrilled with the results. it helps with The helium plasma laser procedure took away years of smoking and sun, damage, The staff and everybody in the office went beyond ...

After contemplating breast augmentation for years, I couldn't be more happier with my decision to choose the best Doctor in the Sarasota area, Dr. Kreithen. My new gals are perf...

Dr. Kreithen is an incredible surgeon and the staff that work along side him are just as incredible. I went to him to see if he could fix some awful scars on my breasts from a p...

My original breast augmentation was performed by Dr. Kreithen approximate 12 years ago. I wanted to increase my size and also get the newest implants. I am beyond happy with my ...

I would highly recommend Dr. Kreithen to anyone who is considering cosmetic surgery he is very knowledgeable and takes the time to listen to your concerns I had a great experien...

Dr Holcomb is AWESOME! I was very afraid to have anything done to my face, but, Dr Holcomb not only reassured me, his results are amazing!! I couldn't be more pleased and I woul...

Dr. Kreithen is the BEST! I had a Panniculectomy because I lost over 300lbs and am so impressed with the surgery. Dr. Kreithen always answers all of my questions and always make...

I can't say enough about my experience with Dr. Kreithen. Him himself all the office staff were absolutely amazing! Everyone was very thorough with explaining my procedures. Any...

I went in for a consultation to see what my options were for reducing the fat under my chin. I did not want anything injected, and I did not want to go under the knife. Kimberly...

Kim Daily performed both Ultherapy and Halo laser treatment for me last month. At age 45, I was looking for something other than fillers to freshen up my look. Kim Daily took th...

After an abundant amount of research & asking around, a friend referred me to this facility to find out more about a procedure. The staff made me feel at home, and made sure...

I have only had positive experiences within this office, having utilized all the different services that they offer. Dr. Kreithen is a very skilled and caring surgeon. I first s...

This was my second surgical procedure with this office & again I want to say thank you to the entire staff especially the front desk, the nurses & of course Dr. Holcomb....

I had a lower face/neck lift with a full face CO2 laser and I couldn’t be happier with the results! I look like myself only more refreshed and younger! The of...

I recently underwent a facelift at Holcomb & Kreithen Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, and I couldn't be happier with the results and overall experience. The professionalism and ...

I went in, feeling pretty discouraged. I can say that, from the beginning of my experience, through the surgery, and the end of my experience, which is now has been almost 6 mon...

Fortunately, I have had the pleasure to have procedures done by both Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Holcomb. Their office staff and nurses are considerate and caring. They sho...

I had a breast implant replacement done by Dr Kreithen. I did my research on all the Sarasota Plastic surgeons and Dr Holcomb and Dr Kreithen and their clinic ...

I had procedures done by both holcomb and kreithen. I cant sing their praises enough. The office staff and nurses are incredibly kind and helpful. The doctors are amazing. I was...

The entire staff at this place went above and beyond for the entire process! I had abdominoplasty with hernia and abdominal wall repair and I was a nervous wreck at first; but t...

Dr. Kreithen is the BEST! I had a Panniculectomy because I lost over 300lbs and am so impressed with the surgery. Dr. Kreithen always answers all of my questions and always make...

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Candidates For a Breast Reduction

If you’re in Sarasota and you’re considering a breast reduction, you may be a perfect candidate. The best candidates for a breast reduction are those who:

Are bothered by their large, heavy, sagging, or pendulous breasts
Have breasts that are fully developed
Are mature enough to fully understand the procedure
Are non-smokers in general good health
Have realistic expectations about the surgery
Do not intend to breastfeed
Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or less

Results

Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be 6 to 12 months before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy. Dr. Kreithen will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it’s important to remember that breast reduction scars may be extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.

Getting Back to Normal

Please note that your first menstruation following surgery may cause your breasts to swell and hurt. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.

Although you may be up and about in a day or two after your surgery, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for 3 to 4 weeks. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell. Dr. Kreithen will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities.

Most women can return to work (if it’s not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks, but you’ll have much less stamina a couple of months and should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, and walking until your energy level returns. You’ll also need a good athletic bra for support. It’s not safe to drive a car within 24 hours of taking pain medication, as your reflexes and alertness may be altered.

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Psychological Adjustment

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You’ll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.

However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you’ll need time to adjust to your new image — as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you’ll be pleased with the results.

Breast Reduction in Sarasota from HK Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joshua Kreithen is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and a specialist in the area of cosmetic body procedures. He is well known in Sarasota, Tampa, and beyond for his excellent surgical skills. Plastic surgery is our main focus at HKPS, and we have privileges at local hospitals to accommodate patients needing general anesthesia and/or overnight stays. (We also have a state-of-the-art, AAAASF-certified outpatient surgical facility.) We provide comprehensive plastic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, and our center is a one-stop-shop for all things aesthetic. Besides being a gifted surgeon, Dr. Kreithen is also an artist who will deliver beautiful results. If you’re in the Sarasota and Tampa area and are interested in breast reduction, we welcome you to contact us for a consultation.

Breast ReductionFrequently Asked Questions

Does a breast reduction leave scars?

The procedure will result in permanent scarring, although these may be easily covered by a swimsuit or clothing. The scars will fade some as your breasts continue to heal. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. There are newer techniques that leave less scarring, and during your consultation, Dr. Kreithen will determine if you’re a candidate for one of these newer procedures.

Is breast reduction safe?

Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it’s normally safe when performed by a qualified, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Are there side effects with a breast reduction?

As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of side effects. In breast reduction, side effects can including bleeding, infection, swelling, numbness, asymmetry, pigmentation changes, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.) Working with a board-certified surgeon will be your best defense against unwanted complications, as well as closely following your surgeon’s directions for both before and after surgery.

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if it’s medically necessary; however, they may require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. You will need to check your policy. Dr. Kreithen will also write a pre-determination letter if required.

Where do you perform breast reduction surgery?

Your breast reduction will most likely be performed at our state-of-the-art operating room at our Sarasota location at Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery. If you’re admitted to the hospital, your stay will be a short one.