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Breast Reduction / Mammoplasty

The Quick Facts Length of Procedure: 2 to 3 hours Anesthesia: Local, with sedation, or general In or Outpatient Procedure: Usually outpatient Post OP View Post-Op Instructions

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Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, is designed to reduce the size of the breasts and create a more attractive breast shape and form. Large breasts can cause a woman breast pain; back, shoulder, and neck pain; posture problems; shoulder grooves from bra straps; and skin rashes under the breasts. Women with extremely large breasts often also suffer emotional embarrassment and are limited in a number of physical activities. The goal is to make the breast size more proportional to the rest of the body, and relieve physical and emotional discomforts.

Breast reduction surgery removes excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue, resulting in smaller, lighter and firmer breasts that are better-shaped in proportion to the rest of the body. Predefined incisions are made on the breast, and excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue are removed. The nipple is then elevated to its new position on the breast mound, and the remaining tissues are closed around it. Some liposuction of adjacent areas may be performed at the same time to improve the shape of the new breast.

For additional information on breast reductions, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for this procedure.