Kate L. Iwamoto, M.D., is a pediatrician with Mercy Family Care Physicians in Downtown Baltimore.
Mercy's team of top surgeons are known for their expertise in correcting ankle deformities caused by unsuccessful ankle fracture treatments.
Cardiologists at The Heart Center at Mercy treat patients with heart conditions including heart attack, heart murmur and heart disease.
Mercy offers emergency care on the Downtown Baltimore campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (410-332-9477) with access to a trained emergency medicine team, diagnostic services and consultations with specialists.
In case of an Emergency, Dial 911 and follow the instructions of the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) team.
Mercy Medical Center's downtown campus includes our Main Hospital - The Mary Catherine Bunting Center, McAuley Plaza and The Weinberg Center.
General visiting hours at Mercy are 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. Hours vary by floor, please check with the nursing staff or call 410-332-9555.
See Before and After Photos of Breast Reductions >
During breast reduction surgery, excess breast skin, fat, and tissue are removed to reduce the size of the breast. The breast is reshaped and contoured in proportion to a patient’s body size. Dr. Bernie Chang and Dr. Brendan Collins , expert cosmetic surgeons at The Breast Reconstruction & Restoration Center at Mercy, talk with patients to understand their reasons for requesting a breast reduction and develop a treatment plan to help reduce pain and provide patients with a better self image.
*Breast restoration procedures including breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast lifts, are also performed by skilled surgeon, Dr. Craig Vander Kolk, in Cosmetic Medicine and Surgery at Mercy.
Women who have overly large breasts can experience pain and discomfort as the weight of the breasts pull on the back, neck, and shoulder. They also may have emotional and self-image issues since large breasts can limit physical activity, cause skin irritation under the breasts, and cause indentations from bra straps. A breast reduction reduces pain and helps women feel more confident and comfortable.
There are several incision patterns that can be used to achieve a breast reduction. Depending upon the patient’s anatomy, the cosmetic surgeon will determine the best treatment option. During a breast reduction, incisions can be made:
Following the incision, the excess skin, fat, and tissue is removed and the breast is reshaped to a natural contour.
Breast reduction surgery can be covered by insurance in some cases. Most insurance companies require 400 to 1000 grams of breast tissue to be removed in order for coverage to be authorized. When the amount to be removed is less than that required by insurance, breast reduction surgery essentially becomes cosmetic surgery. Even when a smaller amount of breast tissue is removed, many patients still experience some reduction in pain.
Dr. Brendan Collins specializes in breast reconstruction, cosmetic medicine and plastic surgery at The Breast Reconstruction and Restoration Center and Cosmetic Medicine and Surgery at Mercy.
Donna, a nurse and breast cancer survivor, tells the story of her two breast reconstruction surgeries with Mercy's Breast Reconstruction and Restoration Center.