Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is a life changing procedure!  Patients who have large, heavy breasts suffer from neck, back and shoulder pain and poor posture as well as difficulty with bras and clothing fitting properly.  Emotional and social anxiety are often issues as well as difficulty participating in athletics.  The surgery involves reducing the size of the breasts and removing the excess skin as well.   The result is smaller, lifted breasts and immediate relief of the neck and shoulder strain.  All breast tissue that is removed is sent to the Pathologist for evaluation.  We also recommend you are up to date on your mammogram prior to undergoing breast reduction.  Surgery takes about several hours and is outpatient surgery.   Women who have breast reduction surgery often say they wish they had done it sooner!  If you are a smoker you must become completely nicotine free including patches, before you can safely have this surgery performed.  

Reasons for Considering a Breast Reduction:

• Back, neck or shoulder pain caused by heavy breasts.
• Breasts out of proportion to body frame
• Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of the breasts.
• Painful bra strap marks as a result of large breasts.
• Rashes or chronic infections under breasts from sweating.

General Procedure

This surgery is done under general anesthesia.  The surgeon will remove excess breast tissue, excess skin, and reduce the size of the areola.  The nipple and areola stay attached to the breast the entire time, so that sensation is maintained. All breast tissue that is removed is sent for pathological evaluation.  The breast and areola are positioned higher on the chest wall. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.  Usually drains are placed to minimize swelling. You will awake in a surgical bra that is soft and supportive, with soft padding.  Patients will be in recovery room for a couple hours and then can go home the same day. It is very important to take it easy and rest following a breast reduction to allow proper healing.

Recovery Process

 Post-operative instructions call for hydration and rest.  You will have minimal discomfort but it is still very important to take it easy and rest quietly after breast reduction surgery to avoid complications.  We will see you in the office within a few days to change your dressings and remove the drains. We recommend no travel for about 6 weeks to allow full healing. No exercise for 6 weeks and regular bras may be worn at about 3 weeks.  Incisions are taped for several weeks to optimize the scar healing.