Overly large breasts can cause health and emotional problems. In addition to self image issues, you may also experience physical pain and discomfort. The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead an active life. The emotional discomfort and self-consciousness often associated with having large pendulous breasts can be as important an issue as the physical discomfort and pain.
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
Breast reduction can:
• Improve the balance of your figure
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence
Breast reduction is a good option for you if you:
Breast reduction involves making incisions on the breast skin to remove the excess breast tissue and skin.
In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques described below. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used for breast reduction. The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual anatomy, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and the surgeon’s advice.
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
Incision options include:
A keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern.
An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern.
An L shaped incision pattern.
After the incision is made, the nipple areola complex – which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply – is then repositioned. The areola diameter is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary. Underlying breast tissue is reduced, and the remaining breast tissue is lifted and shaped. Rarely, in extremely large-breasted women, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and repositioned to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft).
The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts; sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape close the skin. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.
They are usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or a bra.
Prior to undergoing breast reduction surgery, you will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
• Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations, or injectable agents
• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding
• Breast asymmetry
• Breast contour and shape irregularities
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Persistent pain
• Poor wound healing
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Potential inability to breastfeed
• Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
• Skin discoloration, and permanent pigmentation changes
• Unfavorable scarring
• Scarring within the breast tissue may cause firmness or lumps
After your breast reduction procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When you go home, if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. The final results of your breast reduction will appear over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle. Incision lines are permanent but should continue to fade over time.
The results of your breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. However, your breasts can continue to change due to aging and gravity.
You’ll be able to retain your new look longer if you:
Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
Following your surgeon’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery. It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself
Many health insurance plans cover breast reduction surgery. Your plastic surgeon may need to obtain authorization from your insurer for the surgery. This may require a letter, other documents, consults, and the submission of photographs. Once an authorization is obtained, you will be able to schedule your surgery. You will be responsible for any co-pays or deductible required by your insurer.
If your health plan does not cover breast reduction, you may decide to pay for the surgery yourself. A surgeon’s cost may be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic location of the office.
Your surgeon may offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
• Anesthesia fees
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Medical tests
• Post-surgery garments
• Prescriptions for medication
• Surgeon’s fee