Breast Reduction Surgery

What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast Reduction, also know as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce overly large breasts to a more comfortable size and contour. Such surgery is indicated when unusually large breasts cause pain in the shoulders, back, and lower back. Other undesirable side effects in over-sized breasts involve improper posture and brassiere straps cutting into the shoulders. Overly large breasts often interfere with normal physical activity. Typically, the desired result is smaller, better shaped breasts that are proportioned with the rest of your body.

Various surgical techniques are possible. The one employed will depend on the surgeon’s judgment, taking into consideration the patient’s individual condition and the desired change in size and shape of the breast. All techniques involve removal of excessive breast tissue, re-contouring of the breast, and upward repositioning of the nipple.

The procedure takes approximately three to four hours. You may experience discomfort for a day or two after your surgery. However, this can be controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon. Usually, within a day or two after your surgery, surgical dressings will be removed and replaced with a soft bra, which you will be asked to wear for several weeks.