Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is designed to reduce the size of a woman's breasts. It may also improve the overall appearance or shape of the breast and help balance breast asymmetries. It often also helps in treatment of physical complaints such as neck, shoulder and back pain experienced by many women with very large breasts.

Skin, along with breast tissue and fat are removed to create smaller, more balanced breasts. An added benefit where ptosis (droopiness) exists is a simultaneous uplift of the nipple areolar complex to a more normal position. The areolae (darker skin which surrounds the nipple) may also be reduced in size and made more symmetric.

Who is a Candidate?

• Patients who want smaller breasts.
• Patients with extensive breast asymmetry.
• Healthy patients without breast cancer.
• Patients who possess realistic expectations.
• Patients who will tolerate breast scars.
• Patients who complain of chronic neck, shoulder and back pain from excessive breast size.
• Patients with large breasts who experience chronic skin irritation along their bra straps and under the breast folds.

Intended Results

• Smaller breast size.
• Improved breast contour.

Procedure Description

• Breast reduction is performed in an accredited outpatient surgical facility or in the hospital under general anesthesia or conscious sedation with local anesthesia.
• Depending on several factors, breast reductions are performed using surgical techniques that preserve breast tissue and maintain a healthy blood supply to the breasts.
• In most cases, incisions are made around the nipple areolar complex and in front of the breasts under the nipple. Incisions may then extend into the breast fold. 
• Breast tissue is submitted for biopsy (pathological examination).

Recuperation and Healing

• Discomfort is controlled with oral medications and long-acting local anesthesia.
• A soft bra or compression garment is usually worn for two weeks postoperatively.
• Patients are usually discharged the same day to the care of a responsible adult and recover at home.
• There are no stiches to remove as all sutures dissolve spontaneously under the skin.
• Light activity may be resumed in 3 days. Sports activities may be resumed in 3 weeks.

Note

• The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation with Dr. Moreano. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the overall outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual, but they will be discussed during your pre-operative visits with Dr. Moreano.