Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is a surgical procedure which reduces a woman's breast by removing fat, glandular tissue, and skin to reduce the size of the beast and to make them lighter, and firmer. A breast reduction can reduce the size of the areola. The plastic surgeon's goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.

Women with large breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Because of these problems, insurance may cover your breast reduction procedure.

You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if you fall into one of these categories:

you consider your breasts too large in proportion to your body frame
your breast are heavy and your nipples and areolas point downward
one breast is much larger than the other
you are experiencing back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
you have skin irritation beneath your breasts
you have indentations in your shoulders from tight bra straps
there are restrictions of physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
dissatisfaction or self-consciousness about the largeness of your breasts

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery:

What does breast reduction surgery involve?
The techniques for breast reduction vary. However, the procedure is almost always performed under general anesthesia. Generally, the surgeon will make an incision similar in shape to an anchor or inverted keyhole that encompasses the area from the top of the nipple to the crease of the breast. Then, the surgeon removes excess fat, skin, and tissue and repositions the remaining skin and areola. Breast reduction surgery usually takes one to three hours per breast .

What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery can remedy a number of problems associated with enlarged breasts, including : back and neck pain, shoulder strain, poor posture, skin irritation and infection, shortness of breath, difficulty participating in sports or other recreational activities, difficulty fitting clothes, social/sexual embarrassment.

What should I expect after breast reduction surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, your breast area will be wrapped in gauze and an elastic bandage or surgical bra. You will have to continue wearing the bra/bandage even after the gauze has been removed, which usually happens several days after the breast reduction surgery. For several weeks to several months, you can expect to experience soreness and swelling while your breasts heal.

When will I be able to see the results?
You should notice the difference in breast volume immediately. For some patients, if the procedure was due to back pain associated with very large breasts, the pain relief is usually immediate. After the swelling subsides you will begin to notice a difference in the compact appearance of your tissues.

How soon will I be able to return to work?
Most breast reduction patients resume their daily routines within 1-2 weeks. However, you should wait several weeks before resuming mild exercise or other strenuous activities. You should be extremely gentle with your breasts for six weeks following surgery.