Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is designed to reduce overly large breasts by removing excess tissue and skin. This helps improve breast shape, size, symmetry, and positioning while relieving the chronic discomfort, such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, that can result from overly large breasts.
Reasons For Considering A Breast Reduction
- Relief from back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by heavy breasts.
- Improve sagging breasts that result from their large size.
- Create better body proportion for a more balanced frame.
- Increase comfort and mobility by reducing restriction during physical activity.
- Reduce painful bra strap marks or skin irritation caused by large breasts.
What to Expect
The Procedure
There are several techniques for breast reduction, but the most common involves an incision around the areola that continues down along the natural curve under the breast. Through this incision, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The nipple and areola are then repositioned higher on the breast and secured with stitches.
Breast reduction often provides some of the fastest, most noticeable improvements in body image. Patients typically appreciate relief from physical discomfort, a more balanced body proportion, enhanced appearance, and better-fitting clothing.
Recovery
After a breast reduction, rest and limited activity are important to support healing and speed recovery. Immediately after surgery, patients are placed in a post-operative surgical bra to protect the area and minimize breast movement. This bra will need to be worn for several weeks as you heal.
All patients experience some discomfort after surgery, but this can usually be managed effectively with oral medication. While complications are uncommon, following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully helps ensure a smooth recovery.