Breast Reduction

In Vancouver, WA

Women who have undergone breast reduction are among the happiest of all patients. From an aesthetic standpoint the breasts are lifted with the nipple into the ideal location and shaped into nice perky breasts helping women to feel more proportionate and confident in their appearance. From a functional standpoint women experience relief from physical discomfort, improved posture, enhanced self-confidence, and greater ability to engage in physical activities.

Pure Joy

"Performing breast reduction surgeries for women brings me as much joy as it does my patients. I have the privilege of caring for women of all ages undergoing this transformative procedure, and witnessing their satisfaction afterwards is truly gratifying. Lots of women share the increased comfort during physical activities, newfound confidence in clothing choices, and improved posture. I particularly relish moments when patients excitedly share that they've forgotten to wear a bra while running errands—a testament to the newfound freedom they experience.

Younger women feel more like themselves and older ladies just wish they would have done it sooner!

I have never had someone regret undergoing breast reduction surgery. This is an uplifting procedure in many ways."

- Dr. Kate Impastato

Breast Reduction

Frequently Asked Questions

Be The Best Version Of Yourself

What is a breast reduction?

A breast reduction is a surgery performed by Dr. Kate Impastato where the breast tissue is reduced, lifted, and reshaped to better match each patient's frame and individual goals. During the surgery the nipple is also reduced and lifted to match the breast. Depending on each patient's individual goals and anatomy Dr.Impastato will make recommendations on what scars to expect.

Who is the ideal candidate for a breast reduction?

Ideal candidates are individuals who are in good overall health who are bothered by the size and location of the or breasts. Oftentimes women report their breast size is out of proportion to their body, neck or back pain, rashes under their breasts, painful shoulder grooving, and difficulty exercising due to breast size.

Prior to undergoing surgery it is also important that you do not use any form of nicotine. If you are actively losing weight, you should try to be within 10-15 lbs of your goal at the time of surgery. For patients who are 40 years old or more, it is strongly recommended that they have an up to date mammogram before undergoing surgery.

How do I know if a breast reduction is right for me?

During your one on one consultation with Dr. Kate Impastato, a thorough examination will be conducted, and your personal goals and concerns will be discussed. Dr. Impastato will help you to understand the different customized treatment plans that suit your unique needs based on your individual anatomy and help you to make a choice based on your goals. She will also discuss the postoperative course to ensure you have a realistic understanding of what will you need in terms of support to optimize your recovery.

What is the recovery process like following breast reduction?

Recovery after breast reduction varies from patient to patient, but most patients can return to light activities within a week, with a gradual return to normal activities over the following weeks. Dr. Impastato will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. After breast lift most patients will take 1-2 weeks off of work unless they work from home. Patients who work from home often return to work after 1 week and many patients with desk jobs do end up returning to work before 2 weeks depending on their comfort level. It's important to avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and activities that strain the chest muscles for several weeks to allow proper healing.

What does the scar look like after a breast reduction?

This will be discussed with you during your consultation and again at your preop appointment with Dr. Impastato. Depending on the amount of skin and the location of the skin and tissue that needs to be removed she may recommend a "lollipop" or an "anchor" scar. Her recommendations are tailored to address each patients goals and anatomy; she will make recommendations that lead to the best outcome with the smallest amount of scarring. Scars go through a normal maturation process where they become lighter and less noticeable with time. It takes scars 12-18 months to fully mature.

Is financing available for a breast reduction?

Yes, we offer financing options to make the transformative journey accessible to our patients. Our team will work with you to explore financing solutions that fit your budget.

Are there medications I cannot take prior to surgery?

Prior to undergoing surgery patients cannot take any medications that thin their blood for two weeks prior to surgery. In general any over the counter pain medications (ex. Ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin, naproxen) cannot be taken for the two weeks prior to surgery. If you need an over the counter pain medication during that time, Tylenol is okay to take prior to surgery. Other supplements including Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, ephedra, St. John's wort, Kava, flax seed oil, and fish oil.

Why does Dr. Impastato need me to stop using nicotine for two months prior to surgery?

As a board certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kate Impastato's main goal is to keep you safe while helping you to achieve your goals. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, patch, gum, or vape) can increase the risks of having problems after surgery that can effect your outcome and even be life threatening.

Decreased Blood Flow leads to Increased Risk For Complication: Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow, leading to a reduction in blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, especially during the healing process after surgery. Restricted blood flow can compromise the body's ability to heal and recover. Insufficient blood supply to the surgical site can delay the healing process, leading to prolonged recovery times and potential complications including infections
Higher Risk of Tissue Necrosis: Nicotine's impact on blood vessels can potentially lead to tissue necrosis, where a lack of blood supply causes tissue cells to die. This is a serious complication that can result in the need for additional surgeries or interventions to address the damaged tissue.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Nicotine use is associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation. Blood clots can pose a serious threat, especially in the postoperative period, as they may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.