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By Mayo Clinic staff
Breast reduction surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, either in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility.
During the procedure
The specific technique used to reduce the size of your breasts may vary. With one common technique, the surgeon makes an anchor-shaped incision around the areola, down the breast and then horizontally in the crease under the breast. Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are then removed to reduce the size of each breast. If the amount of tissue to be removed is relatively small, your surgeon may not need to make the horizontal incision.
In most cases, the nipple and areola remain attached to the breast. If your breasts are very large and droopy, however, your nipple and areola may need to be removed and then reattached at a higher position on your breast as a skin graft. Detaching the nipple and areola from their blood vessels and nerves causes a permanent loss of sensation and can result in the inability to breast-feed.
After the procedure
After breast reduction surgery, your breasts will be covered with a gauze dressing or elastic bandages. A tube may be placed under each arm to drain any excess blood or fluid. Your surgeon may prescribe medication for pain and nausea as well as antibiotics to decrease your risk of infection. During the initial recovery period, your breasts will probably feel tender and sensitive. They may also be swollen and bruised. Scarring is permanent but may fade over time.
Talk to your surgeon about when your dressings or bandages will be removed, when — or if — your stitches will be removed, and when you can return to your regular activities.
- Antoniuk PM. Breast augmentation and breast reduction. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2002;29:103.
- Chadbourne EB, et al. Clinical outcomes in reduction mammaplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2001:76:503.
- What is breast reduction? American Society for Plastic Surgery. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Reconstructive_Procedures/Breast_Reduction.html. Accessed July 17, 2009.
- Cruz NI, et al. Lactational performances after breast reduction with different pedicles. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2007;120:35.
- Grassley JS. Breast reduction surgery: What every woman needs to know. Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Lifelines. 2002;6:44.
- Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 29, 2009.
- Walsh MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 18, 2009.
