Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Surgery

Every woman is different and may present with varying symptoms and reasons for desiring a Breast Reduction. Our surgeons understand that many women have to deal with the frustration and physical pain associated with breasts that are just too large for their bodies. We are here to be supportive and provide a surgical option that will allow us to reduce the breast volume and elevate the position of the breast on the chest wall to help alleviate symptoms while providing a beautiful and natural-looking aesthetic result.

What To Expect During Your Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction is a procedure in which our surgeons remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from breasts. A Breast Reduction is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Our surgeons then make an incision to remove tissue and fat. Sometimes we will use liposuction to additionally remove excess fat.

There are three types of incisions commonly used during Breast Reduction surgery:

Periareolar Incision: The first option is for us to use a circular pattern around the areola called a periareolar incision3 or “Donut Lift.” Using the Donut Lift, our surgeons can reduce the volume of the breast, then reduce the size of the areola and reposition it higher on the breast. Incision lines with this type of reduction are permanent but can be easily concealed with a swimsuit or bra.

Keyhole Incision: For women with moderate to severe excess tissue and sagging, our surgeons may recommend an approach using the keyhole incision, or “Lollipop Lift,” whereas the incision circles the areola and runs vertically down the midline of the breast towards the breast crease.4

Anchor Incision: Other times we may recommend an inverted T or an anchor-shaped incision known as the “Anchor Lift.” This surgical method is indicated for the most severe cases of excess tissue and sagging. While similar to the lollipop incision, this technique also includes an incision along the breast crease in addition to the circular incision at the nipple and the vertical incision extending downward from the nipple to breast crease.

The technique used during your Breast Reduction procedure depends on the extent of breast tissue that needs to be removed, the extent of sagging, and the placement and size of the nipple. Your MHS surgeon will determine the surgical approach indicated based on your cosmetic goals and anatomy.

During surgery, once the incision is made, the nipple (which we keep intact with its original blood and nerve supply) is repositioned higher on the breast. If needed, our surgeons will excise the skin at the perimeter of the areola. Then, they will reduce the underlying breast tissue, lifting and shaping it to an aesthetically pleasing result. The incisions are then closed, using layered sutures deep within the tissue to support the new breasts and their higher position on the chest wall. Incision lines are permanent but will fade over time.

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

When your Breast Reduction surgery is finished, bandages and/or surgical dressings will be placed on top of your incisions. Additionally, a support bra or elastic bandage may be recommended to support the breasts in their new position and minimize swelling. For some patients, a drainage tube may be placed temporarily under the skin to remove excess fluids or blood that collects.⁷

You can expect to experience some soreness and swelling following your Breast Reduction surgery. Your MHS surgeon will provide pain medication to ensure your comfort in the days following your surgery, however, most patients can switch to Tylenol after several days.

We recommend resting for at least two days following your Breast Reduction surgery and that you sleep on your back whenever possible for at least several weeks.

Your MHS surgeon will give you detailed instructions on your recovery, but in general, most patients return to work one week after their Breast Reduction surgery. You will receive post-operative care instructions the day of your surgery with detailed instructions about when you can resume a wide range of activities.

Candidates For Breast Reduction Surgery

Ideal candidates for Breast Reduction surgery are in good general health and have realistic expectations. Candidates for this surgery often have any combination of the following symptoms and/or concerns:

• Breasts that are too large for their body or aesthetic preferences
• Breast asymmetry
• Upper back and/or neck pain
• Difficulty finding comfortable bras
• Skin rashes beneath the breast fold
• Emotional distress and/or embarrassment