BREAST REDUCTION

PATIENT ASSESSMENT

• Oversized, pendulous breasts which could cause one or more of the following: breathing difficulties; back, shoulder and/or neck pain; noticeable shoulder indentations from brassiere straps; poor posture, skin breakouts in fold of breasts, difficulty in buying clothes.
• Breast size out of proportion to patient physique.
• Unbalanced breasts, one larger than the other.

PROCEDURE

• Procedure is performed under general anesthesia administered by a trained nurse-anesthetist.
• Depending upon the size of the reduction and insurance coverage, the procedure may be performed in our outpatient surgery center.
• Surgery involves incisions that follow the contour beneath the breast and around the areola (nipple complex). Through the incision the surgeon excises tissue, fat, and skin on the sides and bottom of the breast. Nipple, areola and underlying tissue are moved upward and skin on both sides of breast is moved around the areola, lifting and forming the breast as well as reducing and recontouring.

RECOVERY

• Patient goes home with a light dressing and support bra. Sutures are usually invisible under the skin and will dissolve after healing is complete. A support brassiere is worn for a few weeks.
• There will be some post-operative pain for a few days but it is easily controlled with medication.
• Scars gradually improve over six to 18 months, depending on the individual.

INTENDED RESULT

• Smaller breasts, with more attractive contour, which are in better proportion to patient's physique.
• Decrease in back, shoulder and neck pain.