Breast Reduction

Very large, pendulous breasts can cause a variety of medical problems due to excessive weight; back and neck pain, skin irritation, even skeletal deformities or breathing problems. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate these issues or the uncomfortable feelings of self-consciousness often experienced by large-breasted women, and offer smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. Breast reduction is often performed for physical relief in addition to cosmetic improvement. If you intend to breast-feed, breast reduction should be delayed until after child-bearing.

The doctor will examine and measure your breasts, and possibly photograph them for reference during surgery and afterwards. (The photographs may also be used in the processing of your insurance coverage.) You may be required to have a mammogram before surgery. While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

Various techniques are used for breast reduction, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. He or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area. Ususally, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue.) Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the vertical part of the scar. And occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.

After Breast Reduction Surgery

Although you may be resume moderate activities in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks after reduction surgery, avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. Most women can return to work and social activities in about two weeks. But you'll have much less stamina for several weeks, and should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, and swimming until your energy level returns.

It's important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They may remain lumpy and red for months, and gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. The scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops. Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.