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Breast Reduction

Relief. Symmetry. Proportional Comfort.

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Balancing Body and Well-Being

Breast Reduction at Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery

For many women, overly large breasts cause chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain and hinder participation in physical activities. Breast reduction surgery is a highly effective cosmetic surgery that addresses both the physical discomfort and aesthetic concern of disproportion. Dr. Sauerhammer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, utilizes sophisticated techniques to safely remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, achieving a permanent reduction in breast size while simultaneously creating a more youthful breast contour.

Dr. Sauerhammer performs breast reduction surgery to decrease the size and improve the symmetry of the breasts. The procedure is well-established and can provide significant improvement, whether you have been experiencing chronic discomfort or want to change the aesthetics of your breasts. Women in Appleton and Green Bay rely on Dr. Sauerhammer because of her skill and the supportive treatment she provides. She is a double board-certified plastic surgeon whose attention to detail and artistic eye help patients achieve predictable and attractive outcomes.

Visit our practice, and she and our team will help you understand how a breast reduction works and what you can expect in our care.

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Breast Reduction at a Glance

  • Goal: Alleviate pain by reducing breast size and improving symmetry.
  • Procedure: A surgical procedure that involves removing excess breast tissue and fat.
  • Benefits: Meaningful improvement in your quality of life, elimination of rashes, and restored ability to exercise.
  • Duration: Typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
  • Recovery: Requires wearing a supportive bra and avoiding heavy lifting for several weeks.

Proportional Contouring

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) is a precise plastic surgery procedure to decrease the overall volume and weight of the breasts. Unlike a breast lift, this surgery requires the careful removal of a significant amount of breast tissue and fat. Dr. Sauerhammer then reshapes the remaining breast tissue and elevates the nipple position to create a refined, lighter, and more proportional appearance. This surgical procedure often provides patients with immediate and long-lasting functional relief.

The Concerns Driving Your Choice

What Conditions Does a Breast Reduction Address?

Breast reduction surgery is sought for a variety of physical and emotional issues related to having overly large breasts:

Chronic Pain

Persistent neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by excessive weight.

Physical Limitation

Difficulty engaging in strenuous exercise or sports.

Hygiene Issues

Skin irritation and rashes beneath your breasts.

Aesthetic Concerns

Lack of symmetry, dissatisfaction with breast size, or discomfort with clothing fit.

A Comfort-Focused Surgical Experience

What is the Breast Reduction Procedure Like?

Breast reduction is performed in our accredited surgery center under general anesthesia. The surgery is meticulous and tailored to the desired final breast size and shape.

  1. Incision: Dr. Sauerhammer utilizes a technique that typically involves an anchor or "lollipop" incision pattern, strategically placed to be discreet.
  2. Removal and Reshaping: Dr. Sauerhammer precisely removes excess breast tissue, fat, and excess skin. The remaining breast tissue is sculpted and lifted to achieve a more youthful breast contour.
  3. Nipple Repositioning: The nipple and areola are moved to a higher, more appropriate position.
  4. Closure: Incisions are closed carefully, and a thin tube may be placed temporarily to manage excess fluid before you are fitted with a surgical bra.
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Restored Activity. Renewed Confidence.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?

The benefits of breast augmentation as a surgical procedure are transformative, focusing on aesthetic restoration and confidence. With breast reduction surgery, Dr. Sauerhammer can:

  • Correct asymmetry. If one of your breasts is much larger than the other, surgery can bring them into balance.
  • Alleviate discomfort. Overly large breasts cause many women chronic neck and back pain. A breast reduction can provide a meaningful improvement in your quality of life.
  • Limit the development of rashes and irritation beneath your breasts.
  • Remove obstacles to participating in your favorite activities.

In addition to these benefits, many of our Appleton and Green Bay patients have a reduction because they want smaller, shapely, and younger-looking breasts. During your consultation, Dr. Sauerhammer can help you understand the type of results surgery can provide.

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Expertise Meets Compassionate Care

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Sauerhammer offers patients nearly 15 years of experience and specialization in rejuvenating procedures for the body, breasts, and face. Her practice also includes transgender confirmation, reconstructive procedures, and non-invasive cosmetic treatment. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

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Your Candidacy for Lasting Relief

Is Breast Reduction Right for You?

You may be a good candidate for a breast reduction if you have been experiencing chronic neck pain, back pain, or skin irritation related to having large breasts. In addition, you may want to consider surgery if the size of your breasts has been preventing you from exercising or participating in your favorite activities.

Aesthetic change is a third reason to explore a reduction. Surgery can make your breasts more symmetrical if they differ in size. It can also raise the position of your breasts, making them look more youthful, and bring them into harmony with your body’s frame.

Pricing for Breast Reduction in Appleton and Green Bay

The price depends in part on whether you have a unilateral procedure (one breast) or a bilateral procedure (both breasts). The difference comes from the amount of time and medical resources surgery requires.

Dr. Sauerhammer and our team will answer any questions you have about breast reduction, including the factors that affect pricing. We want you to choose your care with confidence, to feel supported throughout your experience, and to love the outcome of your surgery.

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Real Patient Reviews

Patients in Appleton and Green Bay choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery because of the skill, experience, and personal attention that our team provides. Learn what other people in our community have to say about our doctors and their treatment.

“Dr. Sauerhammer is absolutely wonderful inside and outside of the OR! I would trust her with any procedure I needed for myself or my friends, or family.”

“Dr. Sauerhammer and her staff are wonderful! She did an amazing job on my breast reduction. Couldn’t be happier!”

–D.B., Appleton, WI, breast reduction patient.

“Dr. Tina Sauerhammer removed a very small area of skin cancer from the bridge of my nose. She did a fantastic job! It's now two weeks after the surgery, and there is no evidence to show the surgery was even performed. She and her staff are my heroes! I could not have asked for better professional care than the service provided by Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery. I would give it six stars if possible.”

–D.S., Appleton, WI, skin cancer patient.

“This dermatology clinic is the cleanest and professional clinic ever!!! Not to ever forget the reason I went there is because I followed Dr Colleen Van Egeren there, who is absolutely the best Dr. & and the most friendly ever!! Abby is phenomenal and takes right after Colleen!! Highly recommended!! Love ❤️ them so much, and the rest of the staff is awesome as well! Hi Colleen and Abby! We love ❤️ you!!”

–L.S., Appleton, WI, dermatology patient.

“I had a procedure 7 months ago, and I can't believe the results! Looks better than when I was younger. Great job, Dr. Saurhammer!”

–M.L., Appleton, WI, plastic surgery patient.

“I had such an amazing experience at Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology. The office is extremely professional and very inviting. I had the pleasure of having Botox administered by Megan McCarthy, PA, and she is absolutely wonderful. I would highly recommend/encourage anyone who is considering having this procedure done to visit Megan McCarthy. I feel like I look 10 years younger today than I did 2 weeks ago before my visit, thanks to Megan!”

–L.M., Appleton, WI, Botox patient.

“Perfect in every aspect. I have been a patient of hers for 6 years. I first started when I had lost my non-cancerous breast due to staff infection. She has been an amazing Doctor from office to operations. She also does a great job with fillers and Botox. I love this lady.. Absolutely Great patient comfort & bedside manner. I would not recommend anyone else, esp for breast cancer reconstruction.”

–B.P., Appleton, WI, breast reconstruction and injectables patient.

“Dr. Sauerhammer is truly amazing. Not only is she extremely talented, but she is also kind, caring, and very down-to-earth. I am so pleased with the results of my surgery from Dr. Sauerhammer. After my first consult with her, I knew she was the surgeon that I wanted. She even went as far as driving home on a Sunday evening to see me when I was having an unusual pain. The quality of care you get from Dr. Sauerhammer is unmatched. I would recommend her 10/10, she is the best.”

–A.L., Appleton, WI, plastic surgery patient.

“Dr. Sauerhammer is an excellent surgeon! She is very intelligent, reassuring, gentle, and very personable. She does phenomenal work! I highly recommend her for any plastic surgery you need done.”

–K.N., Appleton, WI, plastic surgery patient.

Are You Ready to Improve Your Appearance?

Dr. Sauerhammer is committed to truly understanding your unique goals and devotes herself to providing high-quality, life-changing results for every patient, every time. If you are ready to learn more about how the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery can help you achieve your ideal image, call our office today to request a consultation!

The Recovery Protocol

What Is the Recovery from Breast Reduction Like?

Your breast reduction will take place under general anesthesia in our AAAHC-certified Appleton facility. The procedure will be similar to a breast lift in many ways, except that Dr. Sauerhammer will remove excess tissue and skin to give you the desired shape, size, and position. You can expect to go home on the same day as your procedure. Dr. Sauerhammer will remove your surgical drains in a follow-up appointment one to two days after your surgery, and you will wear a supportive bra for about two months afterward.

Most of our patients take two weeks off from normal activities, including work. You should avoid heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks. Swelling can take as little as three months or as long as six months to subside entirely. Incision scars may need about one year to reach their final appearance. Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery will support you along the way by providing resources and information on proper scar care, massage, and sun care, which should help scars fade significantly over time.

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Celebrating Comfort and Confidence

Breast Reduction Results

The change in breast size and immediate relief from weight are noticeable instantly. The final, refined shape will gradually emerge as swelling subsides over three to six months. Because the excess breast tissue is permanently removed, breast reduction results are long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and avoid significant weight gain. Breast reduction scars will be present but will fade over the course of one year with proper scar care.

Are You Ready to Improve Your Appearance?

Why Choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery for Breast Reduction?

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Sauerhammer for this major surgery is essential. Dr. Sauerhammer's expertise ensures the highest level of care, focusing not only on achieving a significant reduction in breast size but also on delivering an elegant, balanced breast contour. We prioritize patient comfort and safety, performing the surgical procedure in our accredited facility with a dedicated medical team. We are committed to providing meaningful improvement in your quality of life and achieving the beautiful breast reduction results you desire.

Dr. Sauerhammer is passionate about truly understanding your unique goals and devotes herself to providing high-quality, life-changing results for every patient, every time. If you are ready to learn more about how the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery can help you achieve your ideal image, call our office today to request a consultation!

Request Consultation
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A breast reduction can improve your comfort and give you a smaller, shapely, and lifted appearance. Learn more by scheduling an appointment with Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery in Appleton or Green Bay. (920) 380-9890

Frequently Asked Questions Breast Reduction

Unlike many cosmetic procedures, breast reduction surgery is often covered by health insurance if the large breast size is causing medically documented chronic symptoms, such as neck, back, or shoulder pain, or rashes beneath your breasts. We recommend reviewing your policy and obtaining necessary documentation from your primary care physician.

While techniques are designed to preserve the milk ducts and nerves, breast reduction is a major surgery involving the breast tissue and carries a risk of impacting future breastfeeding ability. It is important to discuss this during your consultation if you plan on future pregnancies.

A breast lift only reshapes the breast and removes excess skin to achieve a more youthful breast contour. A breast reduction is a more extensive surgical procedure that also removes excess breast tissue and fat to achieve a smaller breast size for functional relief.

The most common breast reduction scar pattern is the inverted-T or anchor shape, which includes an incision around the areola, a vertical line down to the breast crease, and a horizontal line along the breast crease. Dr. Sauerhammer places these incisions strategically to minimize their visibility over time.

Providing Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Services to Patients In the Appleton and Green Bay Area

At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a range of cosmetic procedures and dedicated care in our offices in Appleton and Green Bay. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer specializes in rejuvenating surgical solutions, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelifts, designed to help you look and feel your best. We seamlessly integrate all our plastic surgery services with skilled dermatology care and aesthetic specialists: Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Amanda Olsen, PA-C. They prioritize your goals through comprehensive evaluations and advanced techniques to help you achieve optimal and long-lasting results.

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