Plastic Surgery

Breast Reduction
PLASTIC SURGERY

Cosmetic Procedures

Dr. Conrad Tirre
Conrad J. Tirre, MD, FACS
Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery
Dr. Conrad Tirre

Conrad J. Tirre, MD, FACS

Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery

Dr. Conrad Tirre received his medical degree from Saint Louis University and completed his plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Dr. Tirre then completed a highly skilled and rigorous Hand and Microsurgical Fellowship at the Oregon Health Sciences Center. Dr. Tirre is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery,as well as holding his Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand.

Dr. Conrad Tirre performed plastic, hand, and complex microsurgery (including limb salvage/reattachment) in Denver, Colorado for more than twenty years. After visiting Hawaii Island for several years with his wife, they decided to join the community full time in 2019. Dr.Tirre was excited to join the prestigious Ali’I Health Center and offer plastic, hand, and reconstructive services to the Big Island.

Dr. Tirre is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Northwest Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a former Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Department of Plastic Surgery.

Breast Reduction

Not every woman desires to have large breasts and may elect to have a breast reduction surgery. Women with larger breasts may experience neck and back pain associated with the heaviness of the breasts, as well as some women simply feel self-conscious with larger breasts. A breast reduction can give you a more proportional and smaller breast which may decrease back and neck pain.  A breast reduction may help patients regain confidence and enjoy a revived self-image and confidence by creating a body contour she is more comfortable with.  Before your procedure, Dr. Tirre will meet with you to discuss your personal goals and expectations.  We will also be able to determine whether this procedure may be covered by your insurance plan or would be considered a cosmetic/self-pay procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
The ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery are women who have large, oversized breasts that are causing medical problems such as back and neck pain, shoulder grooving from support bras, low self-esteem, or physical and social discomfort.  Dr. Tirre typically likes women to have stopped breast feeding for at least three months and must not be pregnant.  It is very important that patients understand the risks and benefits of this procedure and that they have realistic expectations regarding breast reduction surgery.

Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the surgery itself may take around 3 to 4 hours depending on the technique and amount of breast tissue to be removed.  Dr. Tirre will review all of this at the time of your consultation.  The day prior to your surgery, Dr. Tirre does extensive measurements and markings to determine exactly how much breast tissue will be removed to obtain the best possible outcome based upon the patient’s examination and goals.

Dr. Tirre uses a traditional breast reduction technique involving an anchor shaped incision.  This technique is ideal for removing the most breast tissue and achieving a smaller shaped breast.  Breast reduction surgery will leave the patient with apparent scarring where the incisions were made to remove breast tissue.  The scarring typically fades with time but will always be apparent.  In very large breasts, the nipples and areolas may be repositioned as well using a technique called a free nipple transfer.  This will be discussed ahead of time with you prior to surgery.

How Long is the Recovery Following Breast Reduction?
Depending upon your individual situation, some of our patients choose to stay overnight in the hospital following breast reduction and some patients prefer to go home the same day as surgery.  We will discuss this with you prior to your procedure.  Most patients experience soreness, some swelling, and bruising for a few days.  Patients will be in a surgical bra and physical activity will be limited for a few weeks following surgery.  Patients may have surgical drains following surgery and those may be removed in a week or so following surgery.  The results of breast reduction surgery are noticeable immediately and will continue to improve once the swelling and bruising subside.  Scars will continue to fade and are easily covered by a bra, bathing suit or a top.

Breast reduction is a very well tolerated procedure that helps women regain their sense of self-esteem and confidence, as well as often helping with back and neck pain.

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