Breast Reduction

Source: https://www.plasticsurgery.org

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia).

Disproportionately large breasts can cause both physical and emotional distress for patients. Patients with macromastia may experience physical discomfort resulting from the weight of their breasts. The resulting pain can make it challenging for some patients to perform common physical activities. Along with the physical ailments of macromastia, some patients may suffer from emotional distress or more significant mental health problems as a result of their large breasts.

Although breast reduction is often performed to address medical issues, patients who do not have the symptoms of macromastia but are unhappy with the size of their breasts can still pursue breast reduction as an aesthetic procedure. Patients choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery for cosmetic reasons may cite any number of factors, including social stigmas and wardrobe concerns.

Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?

Overly large breasts can cause health and emotional problems. In addition to self-image issues, you may also experience physical pain and discomfort. The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead an active life. The emotional discomfort and self-consciousness often associated with having large pendulous breasts can be as important an issue as the physical discomfort and pain.

You may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery if:

• You are physically healthy

• You have realistic expectations

• You don’t smoke

• You are bothered by feeling that your breasts are too large

• You have breasts that limit your physical activity

• You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts

• You have shoulder indentations from bra straps

• You have skin irritation beneath the breast crease

  To be considered a candidate under insurance you will need a referral from your Primary Care Physician, Chiropractor or Physical Therapist.

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

The decision to have breast reduction surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks of breast reduction surgery and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or plastic surgery staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible breast reduction surgery risks include:

• Unfavorable scarring

• Infection

• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent

• Anesthesia risks

• Bleeding (hematoma)

• Blood clots

• Poor wound healing

• Breast contour and shape irregularities

• Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising

• Damage to deeper structures—such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs—can occur and may be temporary or permanent

• Breast asymmetry

• Fluid accumulation

• Excessive firmness of the breast

• Potential inability to breastfeed

• Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other

• Potential, partial or total loss of nipple and areola

• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

• Pain, which may persist

• Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injectable agents

• Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)

• Possibility of revisional surgery

You should know that:

• Breast reduction surgery can interfere with certain diagnostic procedures

• Breast and nipple piercing can cause an infection

• Your ability to breastfeed following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; talk to your doctor if you are planning to nurse a baby

• The breast reduction procedure can be performed at any age, but is best done when your breasts are fully developed

• Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations