BREAST REDUCTION

WHAT IS A BREAST REDUCTION?

A breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) is a procedure that decreases the size of your breasts. People with disproportionately large breasts can experience pain in their back, neck or shoulders and other physical symptoms. Breast size can also have an impact on your self-esteem and sense of well-being. In breast reduction surgery, your surgeon removes breast fat, tissue and skin to achieve a breast size that’s more comfortable for you.

BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE

The breast reduction procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to four hours, depending on the techniques used and each patient’s individual case. There are several different types of incisions that may be used for this procedure. We will determine the best type for you after evaluating your breasts.  Each procedure is fully customized for each individual patient.

• Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery – This technique involves an anchor-shaped incision and is ideal for women with extremely large breasts, although scarring is usually more apparent. Skin, fat and tissue can be removed from the lower breast and the nipples and areolas may be repositioned as well.
• Vertical Incision Breast Reduction – Also known as short-scar, this technique involves incisions that extend around the areola and down to the breast crease for a lollipop shape. Vertical incision is ideal for women with moderately large breasts and creates shapelier results with less scarring for women who do not require extensive tissue removal.
• Scar-less Breast Reduction – Scar-less breast reduction uses liposuction techniques to reduce the size of the breast with little to no scarring. Since liposuction only removes fatty tissue in the breast, patients should have more fatty tissue than glandular tissue. This technique is commonly used on men with enlarged breasts.

CANDIDATES FOR BREAST REDUCTION

Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are women with oversized breasts that cause low self-esteem, physical or social discomfort or frustrations with the size of their breast. Women must not be pregnant or breastfeeding while undergoing this procedure.

It is important for patients to understand the details and risks associated with this procedure, and to have realistic expectations in order to be satisfied with the results of their surgery.

What are the complications and side effects of breast reduction surgery?

You should expect to feel tired and you’ll have some breast pain. It's important to note that after a breast reduction, you’ll have scars along the incisions. These scars are permanent, but they’ll fade with time. Also, depending on the extent of your procedure, you may not be able to breastfeed.

You should avoid lifting heavy objects during the first few weeks to reduce tension on the incision and decrease your risk of bleeding problems. You may also notice loss of feeling or changes in sensation in your nipple as a result of breast reduction. In some cases, the change is permanent. Though they are rare, some people may experience certain complications, such as inadequate healing, which may require a skin graft.

BREAST REDUCTION RESULTS

Your breast reduction surgery should have long lasting effects. In most patients, the surgery will alleviate physical limitations as well as pain caused by oversized breasts. This may results in higher self-esteem and confidence. Aging, fluctuation in weight and hormonal factors may cause a change in breast shape over time, but in most patients, the effects of breast reduction surgery will last many years.