Breast Reduction:

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction (or reduction mammaplasty in surgical jargon) is an operation designed to reduce and reshape large breasts. Many women suffer from pain and other symptoms associated with large breasts. Discomfort associated with large breasts can include chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as painful shoulder grooves from bra straps.

Large breast size may also limit a woman's ability to perform daily activities and may cause significant emotional distress. By reducing breast size and restoring a more youthful breast shape, breast reduction surgery can relieve many of these symptoms.

How is the procedure performed?

Most breast reductions take two to four hours and are done under general anesthesia.

The pedicle technique is the most common type of breast reduction surgery. Pedicle techniques raise the nipple and areola to a higher position while leaving these tissues attached to portions of the underlying breast tissue. Areas of surrounding skin and breast tissue are removed to create a smaller breast. The remaining skin and breast tissue are then fitted around the nipple in its new location. The result is usually a breast which is smaller and less "saggy" than before the operation.

What are my risks?

Like all other types of surgery, breast reduction is associated with a number of risks. Briefly, these include postoperative bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, and abnormal scarring. In rare cases, breast or nipple skin doesn't heal and a skin graft is needed to close the wound, meaning more surgery. About ten percent of women report some loss of nipple sensation, which may be permanent.