Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is a common operation that address as many of the symptoms that patient’s experience from having macromastia, or large breasts.. This includes symptoms such as back pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin irritation under the breasts, as well as generalized discomfort associated with large breast size.  The goal of breast reduction surgery is to provide a patient with symptomatic relief as well as a more functional lifestyle.  

All breast reductions removed skin, and breast gland tissue.  The size of the breast reduction is greatly variable and depends on the patient’s preoperative size and anatomy.  During consultation, all of these components will be discussed in detail.

Breast reduction incision patterns very, and are typically tailored to the individual patient’s need.  This will also be discussed in detail at your preoperative consultation.

Postoperative expectations

Swelling, and sometimes some bruising may occur in the postoperative phase.  You will be given a support bra to wear at all times during the postoperative period.  You may have drain tubes inserted at the times of surgery.  These will generally be removed a week after surgery.  Most patients are discharge the day of surgery and can be expected to be seen at 1 week postoperatively in the clinic.  Generally, patient’s return to work in 1-2 weeks however this can vary from patient to patient.  You will have activity restrictions including restrictions on lifting.  Her postoperative course and postoperative instructions will be detailed for you at the time of surgery.

The risks for breast reduction surgery are relatively rare. These risks may include bleeding, infection, reaction to the anesthesia, small sores around the nipples, slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples, breast firmness, inability to breastfeed, and permanent loss of feeling in the nipple or breast, and sometimes loss of the nipple and areolar complex.