This page contains information about breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty. It includes a description of the procedure, and information about recovery time, potential complications, and costs.
What is breast reduction? Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a type of cosmetic surgery to remove excess breast fat and skin to give you a breast size that is proportionate to your body.
Who should get a breast reduction? You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if you are a woman with oversized breasts that cause health and medical problems, interfere with routine activities, or disrupt sleep, or if you are self-conscious about your large breasts.
Some men who have over-developed or enlarged breasts may be candidates for male breast reduction, also known as gynecomastia.
What do I have to do before getting a breast reduction? Before getting a breast reduction, you will need to have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon. During the consultation, your surgeon will explain the different options available to you and explain how your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin may affect your results. The procedure will be discussed in detail, including the risks and limitations of your surgery.
Your breasts will be examined, measured, and photographed for reference both during and after your surgery. You may be required to have a mammogram and blood tests.
During your preoperative consultation, the surgeon will give you instructions as to what you can or cannot eat or drink before surgery, which medications you should take or avoid, and a list of things you will need to have on hand for your recovery. Your surgeon will answer any questions you might have at this time, so come to your appointment prepared.
What happens during breast reduction surgery? Breast reduction is usually done through incisions on your breasts to remove excess fat and skin. In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with surgery. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used for breast reduction.
Breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be given drugs through an IV to put you to sleep.
The technique and incision type for your breast reduction will be determined by your condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
A brief summary of the breast reduction incision types is provided below:
Standard or Classical Breast Reduction. Standard breast reduction incisions are made around and below the areola (the darker area around the nipple), and in the fold below the breast.
Vertical Scar Breast Reduction. This technique involves incisions placed around and below the areola down to the fold below the breast (inframmamary fold). No incision is made along the inframammary fold.
Concentric, Peri-areolar Reduction (Purse-String Breast Reduction). This technique uses an incision only around the areola. The goal is to minimize scarring on the breast.
After the incision is made, the nipple is repositioned. The areola is reduced by cutting excess skin at the edges, if necessary.
The breast tissue is then reduced, lifted and shaped. For extremely large breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and moved to a higher position on the breast.
The incisions are brought together to reshape the breast. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape are used to close the skin. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.
How long does it take to recover from breast reduction surgery? After surgery, you'll be wrapped in a surgical bra over gauze dressings. For the first few days, a small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids. You may be able to go home the same day as your surgery, but you will need someone to drive you. You will likely be sore for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Your surgeon can prescribe medications for pain.
Your first menstruation following surgery may cause swelling and breast pain. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months and some loss of feeling in your nipples and breasts. This usually fades in approximately six weeks.
The shape of your breasts will change during the healing process. Much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, but it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape.
Breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear low cut tops.
Most people are able to return to work within two weeks after surgery. You may be required to wear a surgical bra or other support garment (see below for post-surgical support garment options), and limit your activities for a few weeks following surgery
Breast Reduction Support (Compression) Garments
Immediately following a breast reduction procedure you doctor may instruct you to purchase and continuously wear a compression garment. These are designed to help improve and increase blood circulation, rid your body of potentially harmful fluids, decrease your post surgery recovery time, and reduce swelling. They also help the new skin fit the body’s contours allowing you to recover faster.
To purchase a breast reduction compression garment, click on the links below. Among your garment options are compression vests and post-surgical or compression bras. Ask your doctor which type(s) of garment is best for you.
These garments are typically worn immediately after your surgery. They are generally worn continuously for several weeks, so you may want to purchase more than one.
Contour® is America's 1st choice in premium quality post-surgical compression garments for women and men. Contour® has 25 years of experience with design, fabric and craftsmanship so Contour® garments fit every subtle contour of the body, offering unprecedented comfort during the recovery process. ContourMD website also offers helpful information on recovery tips and sizing charts.
What are the risks related to breast reduction? Although breast reduction is a relatively safe procedure, all surgery comes with some risk. Potential complications may include:
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Delayed wound healing
- Infection
- Reactions to medications
- Loss of breast and nipple sensation
- Permanent scarring
- Uneven nipples
- Breasts that are not the same size and shape
Many of these complications can be avoided if you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions.
How much does a breast reduction cost? The cost of a breast reduction varies based on a number of factors including:
- Type of surgery
- Geographic location
- Facility fees
- Surgeon expertise and demand
Costs can range from around $5,000 to around $7,000.
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