Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is for a woman experiencing health problems and/or extreme self-consciousness associated with very large, heavy breasts. Medical problems associated with large breasts include back and neck pain, caused by the excessive weight, skin irritation, bra strap indentations, poor posture and interference with normal daily activities, such as exercise.
The surgery removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. This can alleviate the health problems associated with large breasts and improve a woman’s confidence in her appearance.
Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure. It is done under general anesthesia and typically takes 2-3 hours. The scars go around the areola and straight down only. The most modern technique “the vertical reduction” eliminates the long scar in the inframammary crease which had caused a lot of problems in the past. The new technique provides also better shape to the breast, less bleeding, less pain and more longevity. Patients will need to limit strenuous upper body activity and wear a sports bra for few weeks after surgery.
