Breast Reduction

BREAST REDUCTION

Breast reduction surgery (known technically as reduction mammaplasty) removes excess breast tissue to reduce breast size and to contour breast shape. Women with large breasts frequently find that they have physical discomfort from the weight of their breasts, and that as a result they even alter their physical activity and avoid exercise. Improper posture, back and neck pain, indentations from bra straps and skin rashes are commonly the result of having disproportionately large breasts. Breast reduction surgery is usually done to provide physical relief from these symptoms and to achieve a breast size in better proportion to the rest of the body. Breast reduction surgery is also done to improve symmetry between a woman’s breasts, or to achieve symmetry between a reconstructed breast and the breast on the opposite side.

Although relief of symptoms is one goal of breast reduction surgery, producing natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing breasts is also of paramount importance. Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Most women are able to return to work within about a week of surgery, unless heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity is involved. More vigorous activity and exercise can usually be resumed in about 3 to 4 weeks.

Breast Reduction Type A

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Breast reduction surgery (known technically as reduction mammaplasty) removes excess breast tissue, and skin to reduce breast size and to contour the shape of the breasts. (A) The “anchor-pattern” scar, also known as a Wise-pattern scar (named after the surgeon who initially described this approach to breast reduction) typically allows for the greatest reduction in breast size and also facilitates reshaping of significantly droopy breasts. The use of an anchor-pattern scar is often required when large breasts are reduced

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Breast reduction surgery (known technically as reduction mammaplasty) removes excess breast tissue, and skin to reduce breast size and to contour the shape of the breasts. (A) The “anchor-pattern” scar, also known as a Wise-pattern scar (named after the surgeon who initially described this approach to breast reduction) typically allows for the greatest reduction in breast size and also facilitates reshaping of significantly droopy breasts. The use of an anchor-pattern scar is often required when large breasts are reduced

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(B) The “vertical” or “lollipop” breast reduction technique, like the anchor-pattern technique, produces a scar around the areola as well as vertically along the lower central portion of the breast, however, with this approach, a scar in the lower breast crease is avoided. This approach is generally optimal for patients with moderate sized breasts who desire a decrease in overall breast volume.

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Breast Reduction Type B

(B) The “vertical” or “lollipop” breast reduction technique, like the anchor-pattern technique, produces a scar around the areola as well as vertically along the lower central portion of the breast, however, with this approach, a scar in the lower breast crease is avoided. This approach is generally optimal for patients with moderate sized breasts who desire a decrease in overall breast volume.