Breast Reduction

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure performed to reduce the size of overly large breast. This is done by removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to create breast that are more proportionate to your body.

Who is a good candidate for breast reduction?

The best candidates for breast reduction have large breast which interfere with activities of daily living. Also if your breasts cause neck, shoulder, and back pain or if your breasts cause skin irritations beneath the breast crease you may be a good candidate.

Where is the scar from breast reduction surgery?

The scar for breast reduction usually is a circular shape around the areola with a vertical line extending from the areola to the crease and a horizontal line in the crease (or an anchor pattern.)

What are the possible risks of a breast reduction?

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, seroma, pain, scarring, numbness, asymmetry, loss of sensation in the nipple, partial or total loss of nipple or areola, potential inability to breastfeed, fat necrosis, and need for additional surgery. 

How long is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is usually 3-4 hours depending on the size of your breast.

What is the typical recovery time for breast reduction surgery?

This procedure can be done as an outpatient or as an overnight stay. You will be sent home on pain medicine and antibiotics. You will have surgical drains in place on each breast. You will be placed in a surgical bra that will need to be worn for 4-6 weeks following your procedure. You will need to be off work for 2-3 weeks dependent on the type of work you perform. You should not do any strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks following this procedure.

How long before I can return to work?

Most patients are able to return to work in 2-3 weeks depending on the work requirements.

How long before I can return to normal activity?

Most activities of daily living can be resumed within a couple of days. You will be given 5 kg lifting restrictions for the first few weeks following surgery. It is important to get up and move around within a day of surgery to help decrease the chance of developing a blood clot. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks or until.