Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)
Women with large, heavy breasts may experience physical discomfort and a variety of health problems caused by the excessive weight, which can have a negative impact on their well-being and quality of life.
Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is a surgical procedure to reduce breast size. Surgeons remove excess fat, skin and glandular tissue from the breasts to give patients smaller breasts and physical, emotional and medical relief from the problems related to large breasts, including:
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Poor posture
- Breathing problems
- Skin rash under the breasts
- Limited participation in physical activities
- Feeling self-conscious
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty fitting into certain clothing or bras
The Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery offers comprehensive surgical procedures for breast reduction. Experienced surgeons use leading-edge technology and world-class surgical techniques.
Surgical Procedure
Breast reduction surgery usually takes two to three hours. The most common procedure involves surgical incisions around the outer edge of the areola and the natural curve of the crease under the breasts. The surgeons remove excess fat, tissue and skin, and move the nipple and areola into their new position to form the new shape of the breast.
After Surgery
Following surgery, patients are wrapped in an elastic bandage, a surgical bra and gauze dressings, which are removed two to four days after the surgery or when the bruising and swelling has subsided. Patients can expect to lose some feeling on their nipples and breast skin, but the sensation should return to normal within six weeks after the surgery. Patients may also experience various complications, including infection, bleeding and minor pain. Surgeons prescribe medication or use some other methods to ease these complications.
