Breast Reduction

Description

Removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. Breast reduction can also reduce the size of the areola – the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal of this procedure is to give the patient smaller breasts that are more in proportion with the rest of her body. Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief versus cosmetic improvement. Scroll down for before and after photos.

Length

2 to 4 hours.

Side Effects

Possible bleeding, infection or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around the nipples after the procedure, but they can be treated with antibiotic creams.

Recovery

It may take 6 months to a year for breasts to settle into their new shape, but swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks. The breasts may ache for a couple of weeks, and the patient should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for 3 to 4 weeks. Back to work (if not too strenuous) and social activities: about 2 weeks.

Risks

Noticeable, permanent scars (poor healing and wider scars are more common among smokers) are possible; also, slightly mismatched breasts, unevenly positioned nipples, and possible loss of feeling in nipples or breasts. Since breast reduction surgery removes most of the milk ducts leading to the nipples, future breast-feeding may not be possible.