Breast Reduction

In addition to reducing the size of the breasts, breast reduction is used to lift and reshape heavy, sagging breasts. Breast reduction often relieves symptoms such as back, shoulder, and neck strain that are associated with breasts that are too heavy for a woman's frame.

Candidates
Women who experience symptoms such as back and neck pain, shoulder grooving, poor posture, rashes beneath the breasts as well as those who limit their activities or feel self-conscious as a result of having excessively large breasts are excellent candidates for breast reduction surgery.

Consultation
Consultation for breast reduction includes a thorough discussion of the patient's symptoms and concerns. The surgeon will examine the breasts and develop a surgical plan with consideration for the patient's age, size and shape of the breasts, and condition of the skin. He or she also will discuss surgical options, including a description of the procedure, its limits and risks, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. 

Because some insurance companies and managed care plans will pay for breast reduction, photographs will be taken to prove medical necessity for the procedure. Patients must discuss eligibility requirements for breast reduction surgery with their insurance plans. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, ask how our managed care department can assist you in communicating with your insurance plan.

The Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed at the hospital as an outpatient procedure. The procedure usually takes 3 hours and is almost always performed under general anesthesia. It involves the removal of fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to make them smaller, lighter, and firmer. The areola often is made smaller and the nipple and areola are lifted to a higher, more youthful position on the breasts. Most patients receive dissolvable sutures. Drains are usually unnecessary.

Breast reduction surgery leaves visible, permanent scars that a bra or bathing suit will cover.

Recovery and Results
After surgery, you'll be wrapped in an elastic bandage over gauze dressings. The bandages will be removed within 2 days after surgery and you will be placed in a surgical bra that you must wear for several weeks until bruising and swelling subside. Although most of the swelling disappears in the first few weeks, it may be as much as 6 months before the breasts settle into their new shape. It also might take as much as a year for the scars to become less obvious.

Some patients describe being sore for a week or more after surgery. Most women can return to work within 2 weeks after surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and exercise for about 4 weeks after surgery.

When they are fully healed, the breasts will appear smaller and lifted. Most breast reduction patients suggest they soon experience relief from physical symptoms associated with having excessively large breasts. In addition, breast reduction can improve a woman's overall appearance and make it easier to find clothes that fit properly.

Despite its many advantages, breast reduction will not prevent breasts from changing shape, becoming less firm, or drooping as a result of weight gain, age, pregnancy, and gravity.