Breast Reduction ("Reduction Mammaplasty")

Definition: Removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. Breast reduction can also reduce the size of the areola – the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal of this procedure is to give patient smaller breasts that are in proportion with the rest of her body. Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief versus cosmetic improvement.

Is it right for me?
Breast reduction is a good option for you if you are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large, your breasts limit your physical activity, you experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts, you have skin irritation beneath the breast crease and you have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin.

Surgery: 2 to 4 hours. Although techniques vary, the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, which extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. After the surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, moving the nipple and areola to their new position, he or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. (Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area). Patient Status – inpatient, outpatient. Anesthesia – general.

Risks: Noticeable, permanent scars (poor healing and wider scars are more common among smokers). Slightly mismatched breasts, unevenly positioned nipples, and possible loss of feeling in nipples or breasts. Since breast reduction surgery removes most of the milk ducts leading to the nipples, future breast-feeding may not be possible.

Side Effects: Possible bleeding, infection or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around the nipples after the procedure, but can be treated with antibiotic creams.

Recovery time: It may take 6 months to a year for breasts to settle into their new shape, but swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks. May ache for a couple of weeks. Should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for 3 to 4 weeks. Back to work (if not too strenuous) and social activities: about 2 weeks. Results are permanent, sensitive to hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.