Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is for a woman experiencing health problems and/or extreme self-consciousness associated with very large, heavy breasts. The goal is to give the woman a more attractive contour with smaller, better-shaped breasts, in proportion with the rest of her body. She will then benefit from freedom of health problems associated with large breasts and an improved self-image.

Medical problems associated with very large breasts include back and neck pain caused by the excessive weight, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave shoulder indentations. Large, heavy breasts also contribute to poor posture and can interfere with normal daily activities such as exercise. Excessive breast size may also lead to a decreased sense of attractiveness and self-confidence.

The Procedure

Breast reduction is done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay. The surgery removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

Incisions are made around the pigmented nipple-areolar complex and extend vertically below the nipple and in the fold under the breast. The nipple-areolar complex is moved upward to the desired location. The incisions are covered with a light dressing.

Afterward, the breasts are placed in a surgical bra that will support them during initial healing. Initial discomfort subsides daily and can be controlled with oral medications. Scars will fade in 6-18 months. Surgery may eliminate the ability to breast-feed, and feeling in the nipple may be reduced.

The result may be further enhanced by liposuction of the axillary area, to reduce excess fat deposits. This is commonly covered by insurance. Our staff will assist you in obtaining preauthorization.

Recovery: What to Expect

When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, breast reduction is a safe procedure. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and after surgery.

Much of the swelling and bruising disappears in the first few weeks following the surgery. Breasts may appear slightly mismatched, or have unevenly positioned nipples. Their new shape will be apparent within 6 months to a year, and will depend on hormonal fluctuations, weight changes and pregnancy.

Although your surgeon will make your scars as inconspicuous as possible, some permanent scarring is inevitable. Smokers are more likely to experience poor healing and wider scars. The scars will be red and lumpy in the months following the surgery, but the redness will fade and in time the scars will be less obvious. The good news is that your bra or bathing suit will likely cover whatever scars remain, and most likely, the scars will not prevent you from wearing low-cut tops. Absolute nicotine avoidance is necessary before and after surgery.

Ability to Breast-feed

Because the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples, breast-feeding may no longer be an option.

Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply, and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.)

The End Result

Breast reduction produces some of the most dramatic results of all plastic surgeries. It reduces the physical discomfort of large breasts and makes your body appear more evenly proportioned. Clothes fit better. Your new image will take some getting used to, as much as you desired the change. Give yourself—and your family and friends—time to adjust to the new you and, like most women, you will enjoy the benefits.

Detailed pre- and post-op instructions will be provided for you both during your consultation and after surgery.