Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is the surgery to reduce the weight, mass and size of the breasts.

There are several reasons for requiring this procedure.

1. Backaches
2. Neckaches
3. Difficulty in breathing
4. Numbness of any portion of the breasts and upper chest due to the excessive weight of the breasts

Contraindications for surgery

1. History of irregular mammograms
2. Undiagnosed lumps or other types of masses
3. Diabetes
4. Wound healing and clotting disorders,
5. Lactating (or have recently ceased)

The surgery is usually performed with general anesthesia.

While most patients stay overnight at the hospital, occasionally patients are able to go home the day of surgery

Typically, incisions are around the nipple, from the nipple down to the chest wall, and side to side under the breasts

The incisions are designed so the scars will not be visible while wearing normal clothing

The surgeon removes excess breast tissue and skin then repositions the nipple and areola appropriately. The skin is then closed around the new breast mound

A drain may be left in place at the time of surgery and removed several days later.

Sutures are removed within the first two weeks following surgery. In some cases no external sutures are used.

Potential complications of the surgery are:

1. Postoperative bleeding
2. Infection
3. Obvious scars
4. Failure of the nipple and areola to "take" or heal
5. Irregularities in the final size and shape of the breasts or in the positioning of the areola and nipple.
6. Decrease in sensation of the nipple.
7. Permanent inability to breast-feed after having the surgery