Breast Reduction

Through the reduction of breast size and weight, the breasts are not only made more proportionate to a woman's body but are lifted and shaped. A breast reduction surgery offers women with excessively large breasts the freedom to participate in sports, dress the way they want to, and create a more confident, professional appearance. Breast reduction can also alleviate the back, shoulder and neck pain caused by large breasts.

Procedure Recovery Risks

Procedure

Reduction mammaplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the technique used and the individual case, it takes from 2 to 5 hours to perform. One of the following incisions is often used:

Two rings, one larger than the other, around the areola
A keyhole shape, around the areola and down to the breast crease
An anchor shape, beginning in the breast crease, and extending up to and around the areola

Liposuction alone is sometimes used to reduce breast size. One advantage is that it leaves little-to-no scarring. However, because liposuction removes only fatty tissue, patients must have more fatty than glandular tissue in their breasts. Liposuction is also often used on men whose breasts are enlarged.

Recovery

After reduction mammaplasty, patients typically experience soreness, swelling and bruising for several days. Bandages are removed after 2 days, and replaced with a surgical bra. Physical activity should be limited for 1 to 2 weeks, while exercise and other strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Stitches are removed after 2 to 3 weeks, at which point most patients return to work and other regular activities.

The results of reduction mammaplasty are noticeable immediately after surgery. As swelling and bruising subside, the breasts’ appearance improves. Scars fade with time, and usually cannot be seen when a patient wears a bathing suit or low-cut top.

Risks

In addition to the risks associated with any surgery, risks related to reduction mammaplasty, depending on the technique used, include the following:

Loss of sensation
Scarring
Asymmetry
Excessive firmness
Inability to breast-feed
Loss of skin/tissue where incisions meet
Partial or total loss of areola and nipple

Although reduction mammaplasty provides long-lasting results, breasts are still subject to the effects of aging and gravity.

Breast Reduction

Feel Your Best. Look Your Best.