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Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction removes 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.

 

 

What is breast reduction surgery?

Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery removes 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 risks and safety information

The decision to have breast reduction surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks of breast reduction surgery and potential complications are acceptable.

 

You should know that:

  • Breast reduction surgery can interfere with certain diagnostic procedures

  • Breast and nipple piercing can cause an infection

  • Your ability to breastfeed following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; talk to your doctor if you are planning to nurse a baby

  • The breast reduction procedure can be performed at any age, but is best done when your breasts are fully developed

  • Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations

 

Where will my surgery be performed?

Breast reduction procedures may be performed in your plastic surgeon’s accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. Your plastic surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.

Breast reduction procedural steps

 

Step 1 - Anesthesia


Medications are administered for your comfort during breast reduction surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

 
Step 2 - The incision
 
Incision options include:• A circular pattern around the areola
Breast Reduction sample photo
Breast Reduction sample photo

The incision lines that remain are visible and permanent scars, although usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra. A keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease

Breast Reduction sample photo
Breast Reduction sample photo

An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern

Breast Reduction sample photo
Breast Reduction sample photo

Step 3 - Removing tissue and repositioning


After the incision is made, the nipple (which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply) is then repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary. Underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft).

 

Step 4 - Closing the incisions


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.

 

Step 5 - See the results


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 recove.

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