Breast Procedures: Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery removes excess skin, fat and glandular tissue with the goal of breast sizes proportionate to the person's body.

Breast reduction is also known as "reduction mammoplasty," and too-large breasts are known as "macromastia."

Breast reduction usually addresses medical issues such as back, neck and shoulder pain, however, individuals who are simply unhappy with their large breasts are candidates for the procedure, too.

Patients experiencing physical pain because of large breasts are the most common candidates. Those who feel self-conscious or stigmatized because of their large breasts are also good candidates for reduction.

Some signs that breast reduction is a smart choice include limited physical activity due to breast size; neck, shoulder and back pain from the weight of the breasts; skin irritation under the crease of the breast; and bra strap indentations on the shoulders.

Breast reduction patients should be healthy overall and should not smoke.

What happens during a breast reduction procedure?

In most cases, breast reduction surgery happens through breast incisions that aid in the removal of excess fatty and glandular tissues and skin. In some cases where excess skin is not an issue, liposuction alone may be used. Here are the steps to expect when breast reduction surgery is undertaken:

Patients will have a choice between general anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Dr. Collis can help determine which is the best option.

There are three types of incisions that may be suggested.

• A circular incision around the areola

• A racquet-shaped incision that circles the areola and then goes vertically down away from the breast.

• Or an Inverted T incision

In all cases, the incision lines are visible but easy to hide under bras or swimsuit tops.

Once the incision happens, the nipple is put in its new place and a reduction in the areola takes place at its perimeter. The breast tissue underneath is reduced and then the remaining tissue is reshaped. For exceptionally large breasts, the areola and nipple areas may need to be transplanted to a different area of the breast.

The incision spots are closed, with a smaller breast inside. Skin adhesives, surgical tape or sutures close the incisions. Though these incision lines are permanent, they will fade over time.

What happens during breast reduction recovery?

The results of breast reduction will be immediately visible - though it will typically take six to eight weeks to fully recover.

Activity and exercise will be reduced for several weeks. Dr. Collis can go over all the suggestions to help you fully heal in the quickest time frame.