Breast Reduction or reduction mammoplasty is done to reduce the size of the breast.
Method: There are many ways to perform a breast reduction. The method must be tailored to the patient. A common method of surgery is to mark the new nipple position. Then with the blood supply of the nipple preserved on a pedicle of tissue the excess breast is removed. The nipple is then moved into its new position and the new breast shape reconstructed. The incision is often around the nipple and on the under surface of the breast, like an upside down T. The operation is done under a general anesthetic (the patient is asleep). Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
If the breasts are not too large and the skin has good elasticity then liposuction of the breast may be possible. This is especially useful in women who wish to avoid long scars. It is possible that this technique may preserve feeling and the ability to breast feed. For many surgeons it has become the most popular way to perform breast reduction in the patient who is about a DD size. Very large and pendulous breast still require the more traditonal methods with the longer scars.
Problems: All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for a particular operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main problem which is special for this operation is damage to the blood supply of the nipple and a heavy scar. Breast feeding may not be possible after surgery. Breast reduction does NOT increase the risk of breast cancer but may slightly decrease the risk.
Postoperative care: The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two. Following surgery most patients are more comfortable in a well fitted bra.
The presence of excessively large breasts in teenagers is often given the name juvenile breast hypertrophy. The cause is not known but it appears that the breast tissue is more sensitive to circulating hormones. This is called end-organ hypersensitivity. It is not thought to be due to an increase in hormones
For more information see the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) or check with your doctor.
Alternative names: Breast Reduction, Reduction mammoplasty, Reduction mammaplasty, decrease in breast size