Breast reduction is a surgical procedure for women who are concerned about their appearance or who experience medical issues due to the size and weight of their breasts. Large breasts can lead to various health problems, including back and neck pain, skin irritations, deep indentations from bra straps, posture issues, and difficulties with physical activity and daily routines.
During the surgery, fat, a portion of the mammary gland, and skin are removed, resulting in smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts. Simultaneously, the diameter of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple) is reduced, and the nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher, to a new central location on the breast. Breast reduction relieves the patient from all the aforementioned medical problems caused by large breasts and significantly improves a woman’s self-confidence regarding her appearance.
Breast reduction requires general anesthesia, lasts 2-3 hours, and patients can return home after the procedure. The incision is made around the areola and extends vertically towards the lower pole of the breast. This modern technique is called “vertical reduction” and avoids the large horizontal incision in the inframammary fold (the crease at the bottom of the breast, where the bra wire rests), which caused many problems in the past. This new technique also ensures a better shape for the new breast, less blood loss during surgery, less postoperative pain, and a longer-lasting final result. Postoperatively, patients should limit strenuous upper body physical activity and wear a special surgical bra throughout the day for several weeks after the surgery.