Breast Reduction

Who is a good candidate for Breast Reduction?

Healthy patients with realistic expectations who desire smaller breasts for asymmetry, chronic neck, shoulder, back pain and skin irritation

What are Breast Reduction contraindications?

Severe or uncontrolled systemic diseases, connective tissue disease, malignancy, unrealistic expectations, local skin pathology and pregnancy.

Note: A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient.

How is this procedure performed?

The procedure is commonly done under tumescence anesthesia with monitored sedation. Tumescence anesthesia consists of diluted Lidocaine with epinephrine in a crystalloid solution that is infiltrated into the operative area in calculated amounts based on patient’s body weight. This is then followed by making an incision around the areola and the undersurface of the breast. Commonly the incision is an anchor shaped one. The excess skin is removed as well as breast tissue. A drain maybe placed. The incisions are then closed in layers. Breast tissue is routinely sent to pathology to test for occult breast cancer. If Reduction is performed using liposuction then we place small incisions hidden under the breast where liposuction cannulas are used .to remove the fatty tissue without placing large incisions on the breast or around the areola.

How long does the effect last?

Breast reduction provides durable long term results, however, significant weight gain, pregnancy and other factors might affect the results of the procedure.

What should I expect during recovery?

Since the area is numb after the procedure, we routinely do not use narcotics for pain control and pain is easily controlled on acetaminophen (Tylenol). Also, since general anesthesia and narcotics are usually avoided, nausea and vomiting are very rare after the procedure. A soft bra or compression garment is usually worn postoperatively for 2-4 weeks or longer. Patients are usually discharged to the care of a responsible adult and recover at home. Light activity and early ambulation are encouraged after the surgery but we recommend avoid upper body exercise and arm lifting above the head. Activities are advanced gradually based on your healing.

Where is the scar?

1- If surgical reduction is performed, the scar is placed around the areola and the undersurface of the breast.

2- If Liposuction is performed, the scars are very small and hidden under the breast