Breast reduction is a common surgical procedure. It is done to decrease the size of one or both breasts. While more common in women, this procedure can also be done in men.
After the surgery, your breasts will be smaller and more symmetrical in appearance. They should reflect the size, shape, and symmetry you desired.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a breast reduction, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
You may be asked to look through an album of breast sizes and shapes. This will help the doctor understand the outcome you desire.
Your doctor will likely do the following:
In the days leading up to your procedure:
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines or herbal supplements up to one week before the procedure, like:
You may be given:
The doctor will cut around the nipple and areola. Skin, fat, and breast tissue will be removed in a specific pattern. Depending on how much breast tissue is removed, the doctor may need to reposition the nipple and areola higher up on the remaining breast tissue. Liposuction , a vacuum procedure used to remove excess fat, may also be used. The amount of scarring will depend on the amount that the breast is reduced and the amount of repositioning required of the nipple and areola. The scarring can occur around the areola, around the areola, and down to the breast crease or around the areola, down to the breast crease, and along the breast crease.
Depending on the extent of operating required, the doctor may place a small flexible tube in one or both breasts to drain any fluid build-up during the early phases of healing. These drains may need to stay in place for several days. They can be removed in the doctor's office. You will not need a second surgery to remove them.
The cuts in the breast skin will be closed with tiny stitches.
You will be tightly bandaged around your chest, or you will have a special surgical bra. These will provide pressure and support.
2-4 hours
Anesthesia prevents pain during the surgery. You will have tenderness, swelling, and bruising of the breasts for several weeks after surgery. The pain can be controlled with pain medicines.
The hospital stay may be up to four days. It may be possible to leave the hospital or surgery center on the same day of the procedure. Speak to your doctor to see if this is an option in your case.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call 911.
RESOURCES:
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
http://surgery.org/
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery
http://www.plasticsurgery.ca/
Guide to Breast Augmentation in Canada
http://www.canadaba.ca/
References:
Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty). Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/cosmetic-surgery/breastreduction.html. Accessed June 10, 2008.
Sabiston DC. Textbook of Surgery. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co.; 1997.
Sabiston DC. Textbook of Surgery. 17th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co.; 2003.
Spear SL. Surgery of the breast. Principles and art. 2nd ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2005.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Mervin Low, MD, PC
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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