Breast Reduction

Advantages and Possible Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery

Good candidates for breast reduction surgery:

Women that have pendulous breasts (often signifies more glandular tissue than fat)
Women who are thin (thin women tend to have more glandular tissue than fat)
Women that have excessively large breasts (liposuction normally only provides a 30-50% reduction in size)
Women that have excessively dense breast tissue (often signifies more glandular tissue than fat)
Women before menopause (during menopause fat replaces glandular tissue)

Anesthesia: General
Location: Hospital
Surgery time: 3-4 hours

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces, lifts and reshapes the breasts; it is also known as mammoplasty. It can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Many women seek breast reduction to alleviate painful discomfort and other conditions (back pain, shoulder pressure, rashes, skin tags, etc.) as well as to improve the appearance of their breasts.

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. The operation takes about 3-4 hours, and you may require an overnight stay or be allowed to go home the day of surgery.

During a breast reduction, the surgeon makes an incision which is normally in a keyhole pattern: a circle around the areola and two incisions down the breast which will be closed to form one line. Fat and extra tissue is removed. The surgeon then repositions the nipple and areola to a higher position and removes excess skin from beneath the breast. In some cases, the nipple and areola are transferred as a skin graft to their new position. This is only done when absolutely necessary, since nipple sensation is almost completely lost. Drains are then placed on the sides of the breasts to drain blood and excess fluid. The drains are not removed for 1-2 days. The incisions are then sutured closed and taped.

The scars extend around the nipple, vertically down from the nipple and under the breast. The scars fade in time but tend to be wide scars and are still visible.

Breast Reduction Recovery

After surgery, the patient will most likely be drowsy and sore for a day or two. Although the patient should be able to get up and move around after about 48 hours, there may be some lingering side effects for a couple weeks to a month. The patient should follow the surgeon's instructions closely during this healing period and have a friend or relative agree to drive them home and provide assistance for a couple of days.

Post breast enlargement, breast implant surgery, lift or reduction, some bruising and swelling are to be expected during the recovery period, but will usually subside in a few weeks. A moisturizer may be used on the breasts to alleviate any itching and dryness, as long as it is not applied directly to the incision sites. Patients should carefully follow all post-op instructions from their doctors to minimize discomfort and speed up the healing process.

For the first two to three days after breast reduction surgery, the patient must wear an elastic bandage or a special surgical bra over gauze and dressings. Once the gauze and dressings are removed, the patient will continue to wear the surgical bra for the next several weeks of breast reduction recovery time. Stitches are typically removed one to two weeks after surgery.

Breast reduction patients are advised to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery. Most women, depending on their profession, can return to work within 10 to 14 days. Patients are instructed to abstain from sexual activity for a week or more, as sexual arousal can cause inflammation around the incisions.