Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reshape or reduce the size of the breasts. It also is called mammoplasty, mastopexy and breast revision.

You should consult a plastic surgeon if you are considering this surgery. Tell him your expectations about looking and feeling better. Keep in mind that you want improvement, not perfection. You need to have a clear expectation and a clear reason for doing something that will change how you feel and look. Breast surgery can renew your self confidence and improve your appearance, but how you adjust to your new look is up to you.

Breast reduction may be right for you if you have large breasts, cystic breast infections, pain from the weight of large breasts, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headache, breast pain, loss of sensation, sleeping problems because of large breasts, arm or finger numbness resulting from large breasts, a bra-strap groove in your shoulder, or stretch marks on your breasts.

Breast surgery can be done on an outpatient basis, depending upon the complexity of your case. General anesthesia usually is used. For a breast reduction, the surgery can take up to six hours because some of the breast tissue has to be removed, and the nipples may need to be relocated higher on the breasts for cosmetic reasons. To lift the breasts up, incisions are made on the natural creases under the breasts and around the dark skin surrounding the nipple. A keyhole-shaped incision above the nipple is made to define the new area for the nipple. Skin is removed from the lower section of the breast, and the areola, nipple and underlying breast tissue are moved up to a higher position. The nipple is moved and incisions are closed. The procedure typically takes about two hours.

The likely outcome is good, and appearance and lifestyle may be enhanced. Also, pain and skin symptoms may disappear. A special supporting bra may be necessary for a few months to help reshape the breast.

After surgery, a bulky gauze dressing is wrapped around the chest, or a surgical bra is used. Pain is controlled by medication and should get a lot better in two to four days. An overnight stay usually is necessary after breast reduction to control pain and nausea. The dressing will be replaced by a soft bra after a week. Generally, within a few days, the swelling and bruising will decrease considerably. There may be temporary loss of sensation in the nipple area and in the rest of the breast. This will improve with time. Stitches will be removed within two weeks after surgery.

During recovery, limit activities to prevent stretching of scars. It’s usually about eight weeks before you can resume your usual schedule. Don’t lift overhead for three to four weeks. Scars are permanent and usually are pretty obvious the first year. Then they become less obvious.

In addition to the general risks of surgery, there is a risk for permanent loss of sensation in the breasts and inability to nurse a baby after surgery. With large scars, you also are at risk for long healing times.

Making an Appointment

For a consultation with a Washington University cosmetic surgeon, please call (314) 362-4452.

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Disclaimer: The photos on this website are of models, not actual patients.