Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Breast Reduction is a procedure designed to remove the excess breast tissue and fat in order to achieve a breast size that is proportionate with your body and measures. Enlarged breasts can produce physical and emotional problems; for this reason, breast reduction surgery focuses on reducing the mammary volume, leaving an appearance that corresponds with the rest of the body. Besides the enlargement, the shape of the breasts is also affected, along with the nipple and areola.

Incisions are made around the areola, and beneath it, resecting the excess tissue and repositioning the different structures, in order to obtain a normally shaped breast.

The procedure lasts 3 to 4 hours, it is done using regional anesthesia and recovery time is usually between 10 and 14 days.

Benefits to Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is typically performed to create a more proportional chest curvature with your overall body shape, and to alleviate problems with activities, health, and clothing. This procedure can also help achieve symmetry where breasts are not equal in size. The plastic surgeon can change the shape and firmness of the breasts to create more aesthetic appeal. Also, it is very common to develop chronic back pain due to excessive weight; after breast reduction surgery, pain improves or sometimes resolves. Self-esteem is greatly improved after surgery.

Risks and Complications

Breast reduction is a highly successful procedure and patients are usually very pleased with the results. As with any surgery, there is risk of complications related to infection or reaction to anesthesia. A proper assessment of every patient, along with a complete lab work, help in the prevention of postoperative complications. After healing, scars are handled with special treatments to help in the minimization of their appearance.