Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty) is a surgical procedure designed for women with very large breasts. Common problems caused by large breasts range from neck and back pain to breathing problems. This plastic surgery procedure removes fat, skin and tissue from the breasts, which in turn, makes them smaller, weigh less and more firm. The goal is to give women proportionate breasts to there body. This procedure is done typically to relieve the physical discomforts of very large breasts, the inactivity they can cause, and the pain as well. Most patients are back to work in less than 3 days. However, you may experience discomfort for a couple weeks. Important note: Some insurance companies will cover Breast reduction, but it is important to have the proper documentation. Also, they may require a certain amount of tissue to be removed. This is important to talk to the doctor about during your initial consultation.

Important Note: Every single patient is different, and has a different scenario. Because of that, it is very important that prior to making a decision, you contact a board certified plastic surgeon, and consult with them about your goals, desires and to see if you are a good candidate for this plastic surgery procedure.

Are you a Good Candidate?

The best candidates for Breast Reduction are women.

Is this you?

• Are your breasts fully developed?
• Do your breasts cause you to have pain in your back?
• Do your breasts cause you to have pain in your neck?
• Are your breasts physically uncomfortable?
• Are your breasts not proportionate to your body size?

If you:

• Intend to breast feed, consult with your plastic surgeon in reference to this during your initial consultation.
• Have breasts that are not fully developed. In some cases your plastic surgeon will still recommend surgery, if it is causing major discomfort.

Risks

• Reaction to the anesthesia.
• Excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain.
• Some patients will develop small sores around there nipples after surgery.
• Breast Feeding may not be possible because the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples.
• Scars
• Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples.

The Procedure

There are multiple techniques used for breast reduction, but the most common is an anchor-shaped incision. This follows the natural curve, or shape of the breast. This incision will outline the area of where the breast skin will be removed, and also will identify the new location of your nipple. When the excess skin is removed, the nipple and areola are repositioned to the elevated position. The skin is then brought down and reshapes the breast. In some cases, your plastic surgeon will use liposuction to remove extra fat from the armpit area. Also, in some cases, where the breasts are very large, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed. This does result in loss of sensation in the nipple and areola tissue.

After surgery, your recovery

The first couple days you will be sore and you will have some discomfort for at least a week. In the first few days, you will experience most of the discomfort when you move around, sneeze and cough. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe you with some medication for this pain.

A drain will also be placed in your breasts in order to drain out blood and fluids, for the first couple of days. Your bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, but you will be required to wear a surgical bra for several weeks.

Before you leave, you plastic surgeon will give you instructions on exactly what you can and can not do. To answer a couple common questions, your plastic surgeon will direct you on how to change your dressings, how to shower, and how to be most comfortable. Your surface stitches will be removed within 3 weeks. Other common experiences are random shooting pains for a few months, breast swelling during your first menstruation, some initial loss of feeling in your nipples because of the swelling.

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