Dr. Fred Coville is well-known for his remarkable results in breast reduction and breast lift surgery. He has been an early pioneer in short scar breast reduction and breast lifts for over 20 years. His techniques give better, longer-lasting results than traditional “anchor techniques” while minimizing most of the disfiguring and unnecessary scars typically associated with these procedures. Dr. Fred feels very strongly that a woman should not have to have large scars in order to enjoy the benefits of breast enhancement.
The excessive weight of very large, pendulous breasts may cause a variety of medical problems, such as back and neck pain, skin irritation, breathing issues, even skeletal deformities. Bra straps may leave indentations in your shoulders, and unusually large breasts can make a woman or a teenage girl feel extremely self-conscious. Breast reduction can help such women by removing fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts.
A Breast reduction surgically reshapes exceptionally large or heavy breasts to make the patient more comfortable and satisfied. This will make your breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of your areola—the area of darker skin surrounding the nipple. This surgery aims to give you smaller, more shapely breasts that are more in proportion to the rest of your body. What can and should be done in your case will depend on a consultation with Dr. Fred Coville. However, the following introductory paragraphs will, we hope, be helpful. Please be sure to ask us at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine in New Jersey if there is anything about the procedure you don’t understand.
Our breast reduction is generally carried out for women who feel their breasts are too big. You may be feeling self-conscious about their size, or it may be that your breasts are causing other problems such as back or shoulder strain. The procedure involves removing some of the breast tissue and lifting the remaining tissue to give a firm, natural result. The purpose of breast reduction is usually physical relief rather than cosmetic improvement since very large, sagging breasts restrict activities and cause physical discomfort. That said, Dr. Fred Coville believes that reconstructive plastic surgery, such as breast reduction, and cosmetic plastic surgery are one and the same. He strongly believes that every procedure deserves meticulous attention to detail and that his patients should always expect the most aesthetically pleasing result regardless of the procedure requested. For this reason, he routinely keeps his scars to a minimum and very rarely, if ever, leaves the classic “anchor scar” behind.
Breast reduction is not normally performed until the breasts are fully developed, but it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort. Ideal patients are mature enough to understand the procedure and risks fully and have realistic expectations about the results. Some women will prefer to postpone breast reduction surgery if they intend to breastfeed down the road.
Breast reductions are almost always done under a general anesthetic—you sleep through the entire operation. The procedure usually takes from two to three hours for both breasts. Many techniques are available, but Dr. Coville almost routinely forgoes the traditional anchor-shaped incision that many surgeons still use. Dr. Fred feels very strongly about the need to limit scarring on the breast. In his experience, these limited scar techniques also provide a better-shaped breast with a stronger and longer-lasting lift. During the breast reduction, Dr. Coville will also move the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position. The skin around the areola is then brought down and drawn together to re-drape the breast. Stitches go around the areola and in a line extending down from the nipple toward the lower crease of the breast. He may also make use of liposuction to remove excess fat from the armpit area, the brassiere line, or the upper back to refine further the shape of your breasts.
In your initial consultation, Dr. Fred will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques may be the most appropriate for you based on your breasts and skin condition. Every patient and physician will have a different view on a desirable size and shape for breasts. It is very important, therefore, to fully and frankly discuss your expectations with Dr. Frederick Coville.
He will examine your breasts and most likely photograph them and take key measurements to assist him in planning the procedure. These photographs and measurements also serve as references during surgery and afterward. He will explain the variables that may affect the techniques to be used, such as your age, breast size and shape, and your skin’s condition. Dr. Fred will describe the procedures he feels will work for you in detail, as well as explain any risks or limitations. Be sure you understand the scarring that will result. He will also describe the anesthesia used, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
Most 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. Most companies will also require that the procedure be “pre-authorized” by them. If that is the case, our office will send any information needed to secure this authorization. Please be certain of what your policy covers before agreeing to surgery.
Dr. Coville will also ask you about any medical conditions that could cause problems during or after surgery, such as high blood pressure, blood clotting issues, or any tendency to form excessive scars. Be open, particularly about smoking and any drugs, medications, or vitamins you are taking—aspirin, for example, can affect clotting. Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with him and our staff. He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each of your options. This is your best time to ask any questions you may have about discomfort, healing time, and so on.
Our staff at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine in Linwood and Toms River, NJ will give you detailed instructions to prepare you for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications. Dr. Coville may require you to have a breast x-ray (mammogram) before he agrees to operate if your age and family history suggest this would be wise. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. Someone should also be available to help you out for a day or two if needed. If you would like, we can arrange a health aide to stay with you to assist you during this period. If you are visiting us from out of town or abroad for your surgery, we will facilitate all the arrangements to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. Be sure to ask about our Seaside Recovery options.
Breast reduction is not a simple operation. When you choose a well-qualified surgeon such as Dr. Coville, any complications are likely to be minor, and the operation is normally very safe. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there are possible complications, including bleeding, infection, and reaction to the anesthesia. Reduce the risks by following the advice we give you at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery closely both before and after surgery. The procedure does leave permanent scars, but they will be covered by your bra or bathing suit. As stated, Dr. Coville keeps your scarring to a minimum if possible. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. This procedure may also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Importantly, the surgery sometimes involves removing many of the milk ducts that lead to the nipples, possibly complicating future breastfeeding. Some patients experience mild or even permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Very rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply, and the tissue will die. In such cases, the nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt by using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body. Dr. Coville will discuss these and other potential difficulties with you in detail during your consultation and give you as much time as you need to feel comfortable understanding the procedure.
You should be up and about in a day or two, but your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. Avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. Our staff will give you detailed instructions about resuming your normal activities. After about two weeks, most patients can return to work, provided it is not too strenuous, and enjoy social activities. Nevertheless, you will have much less stamina for several weeks and should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, and gentle swimming. For this, you will need a good athletic bra for support. We will instruct you to avoid sex for a week or more since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell.
Avoid anything but gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks. A small amount of fluid drainage from your surgical wounds, or some crusting, is normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, don’t hesitate to call our office at once.
Any scars will be firm and pink or red for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months before they tighten up. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. Dr. Coville will want to see you for a follow-up appointment at our Atlantic County office during this period to see if there is any need for him to treat your scars so that they heal as inconspicuously as possible.
Dr. Fred Coville will make every effort to make your scars inconspicuous and create a very pleasing breast shape for you. The procedure he utilizes most often will leave your breasts looking a bit flattened on the underside. This is both temporary and a necessary part of keeping your scarring to a minimum. Over the next several weeks and months, your breasts will settle into a very pleasing and natural shape. Much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, but it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into the new shape that you expect. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.
Breast reduction causes the most immediate and profound body image changes and will free you from the physical discomfort of large breasts. Your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better. However, it will take you time to adjust to your new image. Your family and friends will also need time to adjust. Be patient with yourself and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery and, the chances are, like most women, you will be extremely pleased with the results.
Written By: Dr. Frederick Coville
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director, has been an Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon for over 25 years. He firmly believes each of us possesses an inner “Foundational Beauty.”
As a student of beauty all his life, he calls upon his naturally artistic eye and God-given talents as a surgeon to deliver the results you demand. Dr. Fred likes to say, “It’s my job to help you find Your Beautiful!”
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Dr. Fred Coville, is a renowned Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon. He proudly extends his services to Toms River, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Ocean County, South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. With a distinguished career spanning 25 years, Dr. Coville is a trusted professional delivering personalized and natural-looking results. His expertise caters to clients in locations such as Atlantic City, Trenton, Toms River, Vineland, Bridgeton, Hammonton, Cape May, and Cherry Hill.
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