Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure which involves the process of reducing the size of the male or female breasts by removing fat, glandular tissue, skin, or even previous breast implants. The procedure is mostly performed on women but in certain cases men will get the surgery usually in the case of gynecomastia; a condition where men develop abnormally large mammary glands causing their breasts to become larger than normal. Many symptoms cause women to seek breast reduction including but not limited to neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain. Of late the procedure has become increasingly common in the United States. Breast Reductions are a major surgery usually performed under anesthesia by a board certified plastic surgeon skilled in minimizing the appearance of breast reduction scars.

How Breast Reduction Surgery is Performed

Although there are several different types of techniques used to perform breast reduction surgery, by far the most common is the Pedicle Method. The Pedicle Method involves keeping the nipple attached to the breast skin during surgery unlike its counterpart, the free nipple graft which takes the nipple completely off the breast when performing the surgery. By leaving the nipple attached to the breast the surgeon will minimize nipple trauma and scarring on the patient while keeping a maximum level of sensitivity. The two most common incisions made to a patient receiving the Pedicle Method for breast reduction are the Anchor Incision Pattern and the LeJour Incision Pattern. Both incisions include a circular incision around the nipple followed by a vertical incision down the curve of the breast. The difference between the Anchor and the LeJour incisions is that the Anchor Incision Pattern also requires a horizontal incision across the underbelly of the breast. After the incisions are made the surgeon will remove any excess breast tissue, reposition the nipple, shape and lift the breast, and then close up any open incisions resulting in smaller, shapelier breasts. The procedure is often accompanied by a breast lift for optimal results.

Types of Breast Reduction Surgeries

he two types of breast reduction surgeries are the more common female breast reduction and the less common male breast reduction usually resulting from gynecomastia.

Length of Procedure and Required Treatments

Breast Reduction is a procedure that only requires a single operation. The operation typically lasts anywhere from 2-4 hours. Patients normally leave the operating room the same day, but in certain cases an overnight stay may be required. The stitches are usually removed after about 10 days.

Recovering from Breast Reduction

The majority of healing from breast reduction occurs in the fist month. For the first couple of weeks the patient will be required to wear a surgical bra and in rare instances the patient will need to drain fluids from areas of incision. A patient can expect to be back at work within a week, although pain and swelling can last as long as 4 weeks. The patient should not expect their new breasts to be completely settled into shape until anywhere from 6 months to a year and a half.

Risks of Breast Reduction

Breast reductions performed by a board certified plastic surgeon are relatively safe; however, there are some risks to take into consideration before getting a breast reduction. The main risks are blood clots, excess fluids (which need to be drained), loss of feeling in the nipple and infection.

Cost of a Breast Reduction

Breast Reductions vary greatly in their cost and are affected by the geographical area, the plastic surgeon, and the extent of the operation per the individual patient. The typical cost of a breast reduction can range anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.

Is Breast Reduction Right for You?

Are you a candidate for breast reduction surgery? There are many factors to weigh before getting the surgery. In the case of a man, do you suffer from gynecomastia? For a female, ask yourself if you are experiencing pain in your back, neck or shoulders due to abdominally large breasts. Or perhaps your breasts are disproportionably large for your body. In any of these cases we recommend you talk with a board certified plastic surgeon that can help you determine whether this surgery is right for you.

How to Find Board Certified Breast Reduction Surgeons Near You

Choosing the right breast reduction surgeon can be a daunting task. Surgeons vary greatly in skill, experience and price. It is imperative that you speak with more than 1 surgeon before having a surgery performed on you. Don’t just shop for the best price, although a well priced surgery is a bonus, it is important that you feel comfortable with the surgeon you choose and confident that they will do the job right. Visit our plastic surgeon directory for 5 Star Surgeon Network Approval Rated™ Surgeons near You.