Breast reduction, in contrast to breast lift surgery, is usually performed for relief of medical/physical problems which are caused by the excessively heavy breast. Neck and back pain, skin rashes and breathing problems are medical conditions frequently associated with large breasts. Many women also feel an extreme sense of self consciousness secondary to the unusually large size of their breasts. Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is designed to alleviate these problems. Breast reduction involves the removal of skin, fat and breast tissue from the breasts creating a smaller, lighter and firmer structure. If the size of the areola is also excessive, this may be corrected during breast reduction surgery.

Depending on the size of your breasts, the desired post-operative size and the technique utilized, a breast reduction may take anywhere from two to five hours. Breast reduction is performed in a hospital setting or in office-based ambulatory facilities. However, many insurance companies continue to recognize the medical necessity for breast reduction and will finance a hospital procedure. Some insurance companies require a minimum volume of tissue to be removed to cover the procedure. This should be pre-determined by your plastic surgeon and a letter of pre-determination sent to your insurance carrier along with photographs of your condition to demonstrate the necessity for breast reduction. Various techniques are available to alleviate your condition which should be discussed at length with your plastic surgeon. The most commonly used technique involves an inverted-T-shaped incision similar to the most common breast lift incision. Newer techniques with shorter scars are available and are used by our doctors, but these techniques do not apply to many patients.

If your breasts are excessively large and pendulous it may require removal of the nipple areola complex and replacement of these structures as free grafts. Your plastic surgeon will inform you if this is the best technique for your situation and should apprise you of the risks and benefits of this technique. In the majority of cases however, the nipple areola complex is left attached to the underlying skin and blood supply. Your plastic surgeon should also discuss the possible changes in sensation to the nipple areola complex which may occur with breast reduction. Liposuction may be added to the procedure for removal of fat primarily at the outer portions of the breast.

After the operation, you may have surgical drains which usually remain in place for approximately 24 hours. The use of these drains is a matter of your plastic surgeon's preferences and findings during the operative procedure. Your breasts will be bandaged either in elastic Ace wrap type bandages or in a surgical bra. The dressings are usually changed a few days following the procedure and stitches are ready to begin being removed approximately one week later. The healing process may be affected by smoking and concurrent medical problems such as diabetes. Occasionally, small areas of open skin at the corners of the incisions may occur. These are typically treated with antibiotic ointments and heal without great concern.

If you have excessively large breasts which hamper your physical activity, cause physical symptoms, or create a sense of extreme self consciousness, you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery.