Breast Reduction

A breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to decrease the size of large, heavy breasts and can help to alleviate associated discomfort, such as neck and back pain, skin irritation, and difficulties with physical activity.  The procedure involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size that is in proportion with the body.

The Procedure

Most commonly, during a breast reduction, incisions are made around the areola (the dark area around your nipples), from the areola down to the crease under your breast, and across the lower crease of your breast.  Extra fat, skin, and breast tissue then are removed while the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. In most cases, the areola is made smaller. The surgeon closes the cuts with stitches to reshape the breast. Often, liposuction is combined with breast reduction to improve the shape of the breast and armpit areas.

After the procedure, a gauze bandage will be wrapped around your breasts and chest or you will wear a surgical bra. Drainage tubes may be attached to your breasts. These tubes will be removed within a few days but you may have to wear the supportive bra for a few months to help with comfort and healing. Your pain should decrease over the next few weeks, along with swelling or bruising around the incision areas. Any loss of sensation in your breast skin and nipples will also return over time. Your full recovery time can last from 3-6 months.