Large breasts can be a problem for many women. It can cause neck, shoulder and back pain. It can also make normal activities uncomfortable to perform. In addition, some women with large breasts feel very self conscious when wearing certain types of clothing.

A breast reduction is an operation designed to reduce the size of the breasts and alleviate its associated symptoms.

Another benefit of breast reduction surgery is that the breasts are lifted into a higher position and the size of the areolas (the darker pigmented area of the nipple) can be reduced.

There are numerous procedures that can be used to accomplish breast reduction. The appropriate operation for each individual is determined during the consultation.

Technique

There are numerous breast reduction techniques. The appropriate technique can only be determined after a thorough consultation. In general, the operation will be more complex the larger the breast is.

Liposuction canbe performed for those women who would benefit from a modest reduction, who have breast composed primarily of fat, and who are not as concerned about the position of the breasts on the chest wall. The breasts may appear more “saggy” if liposuction is used.

For larger breast reductions, incisions will be needed to remove breast tissue. The incisions may be around the nipple, along the vertical part of the lower half of the breast, along the horizontal fold of the lower breast where it meets the chest wall, or a combination of all three.

Recovery

Most patients are able to perform light activities after 5-7 days. Bruising begins to improve after approximately 1 week. Swelling resolves after about 3 weeks. Patients usually return to full activities after approximately 3-4 weeks.

A support bra should be worn for approximately 3-4 weeks while the breast tissues heal into their new shape. Scars are initially red and raised. However, the scars begin to fade and improve significantly after approximately 3-6 months.

The overall recovery will ultimately depend on which breast reduction technique is used.