Reduction mammoplasty, also known as breast reduction, is a plastic surgery procedure that is used to remove excess skin, fat tissue, and glandular tissue to attain a breast size that is more proportionate to the rest of the body. This procedure is also helpful in treating the pain and discomfort that usually accompanies abnormally large breasts.

Women with overly large breasts can experience a number of problems, including:

• Neck and back pain
• Skin infections and skin irritation
• Poor posture
• Constant shoulder ache
• Skin indentations due to tight bra straps
• Breathlessness during physical activities

Women with large breasts may find it difficult to participate in sports and other recreational activities due to their physique. They may also be self-conscious about their breast size and feel insecure about the overall appearance of their body.

Preparing for Your Breast Reduction

Before undergoing a reduction mammoplasty procedure, your surgeon may ask you to undergo various lab tests to determine your eligibility. A baseline mammogram may also be needed for the surgery.

A few weeks before and after the surgery, you will be asked to stop smoking and cease any use of anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements. This helps minimize the chance of difficulties during the procedure and during your recovery period.

You may also need to talk to an anesthesiologist at the time of your consultation or pre-admission visit. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your anesthesia history and any potential allergies to certain medications.

Reduction Mammoplasty: The Procedure

A reduction mammoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia. This means that as a patient, you will be in a deep sleep during the surgery and will experience no pain or discomfort.

The specific incision patterns used for reducing breast size might vary depending on each individual case. Your surgeon will make incisions and remove all excessive skin, fat tissue, and glandular tissue to reduce the size of your breasts.

In most reduction mammoplasty cases, the areola and nipple aren’t moved or repositioned. In cases where the breasts are extremely large and saggy, the surgeon might have to reposition both the areola and nipple to make the breasts appear more proportionate.

Recovery

Following the completion of your reduction mammoplasty, your surgeon will apply bandages and dressings to the area where any incisions were made. He may also put an elastic bandage around the dressings to reduce swelling. A support bra is often recommended to help optimize the healing process.

Your surgeon will place drains under your skin for removing any excess fluid or blood that accumulates after the procedure is completed.

Results

Reduction mammoplasty results are long-lasting and well worth the reduced limitations you’ll experience in your day-to-day activities. The new size of your breasts will provide the comfort and pain relief you desire. You will be able to take on new activities that were previously difficult to perform.

With a well-proportioned body, you will be able enjoy improved self-esteem and increased confidence. However, it’s important to remember that normal changes to your breasts that are caused by weight fluctuations, aging, and hormones will continue to occur.

Contact Our Office

Dr. James Hardy is a board-certified plastic surgeon who provides exceptional plastic surgery procedures in Jacksonville, Florida. Contact us if you want more information about the benefits of a breast reduction and want to discuss how it can help you.