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Breast Reduction

What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast Reduction surgery is a remarkable technique involving the surgical removal of excess breast tissue and skin, causing patients with large and/or ptotic (sagging) uncomfortable symptoms. Common symptoms related to excess breast tissue and skin is related to the increased weight and strain of tissue that women with larger breasts have.

Before
After

Candidates:

Women with symptoms including, but are not limited to, back and neck pain, rashes in the fold of the breast, headaches, pain in shoulder grooves, hunched posture, and poor aesthetic (cosmetic) appearance of the breast tissue, nipples and areolas.

Technique

There are a variety of techniques for breast reduction surgery, each of which are tailored to meet the needs and aesthetic goals of each individual patient and their specific anatomy. Most commonly, our surgeons prefer using an upside-down T incision line. This incision line will surround the nipple and extend down in a vertical fashion to the inframammary fold (fold underneath breast) where it will travel along the fold. While this technique has a larger scar than some, it allows the surgeon to adequately remove breast tissue and reshape the remaining tissue in an aesthetically pleasing way. The scars are usually very well hidden in clothing and swimsuits.

Surgery:

This surgical procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, in our Joint Commission certified operating suite. Surgery lasts on average of 3 hours, and then patients are discharged home that same day. Patients who undergo Breast Reduction surgery will follow up in our office 1-3 days post operatively. 

Things to know:

  • Patients may have 2 drains after surgery. Inflammation from surgery causes an accumulation of serous fluid that is managed with these drains. You will need to milk and empty these drains, recording the output preferably twice daily and at the same time each day. Drains will remain in place until output is less than 30ml for an entire 24-hour period.
  • You must wear an abdominal binder post operatively at all times, except when showering.
  • You may begin showering in 48 hours after surgery. When showering, wash all areas with soap and water, and pat dry with a towel. It is important that you do not submerge your surgical incision in water (i.e. no bath tubs, swimming pools, etc.).
  • Sutures will be absorbable. Follow up appointments will be scheduled on a weekly basis until drains are removed, at which time follow up appointment will typically be schedule in two-week intervals. You may begin scar massage and use of scar creams approximately 3 weeks after surgery.

Postoperative restrictions are as follows:

No heavy lifting, pushing, or performing any activities that engage the abdominal muscles for 6 weeks. We will gradually increase the weight you may lift and your activities over the next few weeks. At 8 weeks you are cleared for full activity.