Breast Reduction

Introduction

Breast reduction is a common procedure performed to bring your breasts into proportion with your body size, resulting in a more natural and comfortable overall appearance.

Many women find that overly large breasts are affecting their physical health, clothing choices and self-esteem. After this procedure, they discover that it's easier to find clothes that fit correctly, and that they can stand up straight and perform many everyday tasks without discomfort.

Ideal Candidates

Primary candidates for this procedure are women who find the size of their breasts uncomfortable. If the size of your breasts cause back or neck aches or problems with bra straps digging into your shoulder, or if If you find that your breasts are a burden, you may wish to consider breast reduction.

It is a common misconception that women who have surgery on their breasts will not be able to breastfeed. If you are concerned about your ability to breastfeed, please discuss this with your surgeon. There are techniques available to accommodate breastfeeding.

How It's Done

Prior to surgery, you will meet with your surgeon and identify exactly where any adjustments are to be made. The surgeon will work with you to develop a clear picture of your desired result. At this time, the surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, including any special requirements you may have.

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will feel no discomfort. You will spend about three hours in the operating room.

The surgeon will make an incision, generally between the nipple and the folder under the breast. The incision will appear similar to an inverted "T" shape, or when the vertical technique is used, a lollipop scar is seen. Then, excess tissue is carefully removed to create an even, natural appearance. The areola will be moved upwards so that it is correctly positioned, and any excess skin will be removed. A breast lift may also be performed to ensure that the resulting breasts are firm and natural.

A drain to help clear the surgery site may be necessary, but these are generally removed after 48 hours. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home from the surgery center, as you will still be recovering from anesthesia.

Recovery

You will be asked to wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day until your surgery has healed, which may be up to a month. You will feel back to normal in about a week, and will be fully healed in about six weeks.

Avoid any strenuous activity or any activities which utilize your pectoral muscles or require you to lift your arms over your head for a month after your procedure. Walking or other low-impact exercises are acceptable two weeks after your procedure.

Some patients experience numbing of the areola; however, this is generally temporary and disappears as the site heals. In some cases, there may be noticeable scars from the procedure. Our surgeons make every effort to place incisions in such a way that any scarring will be hidden, but some scars may be visible. This is more common in women of color, because incision sites may heal a slightly darker color from the surrounding skin. Scarring is the result of surgery and each patient's ability to heal; no two patients are alike.

Our patients report that breast reduction surgery has had a huge effect on their daily lives. They find that exercising and other day-to-day activities can now be enjoyed without back pain or worrying about having enough support.