Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery in contrast to breast lift surgery is usually performed for relief of medical/physical problems that are caused by the excessively heavy breast. Neck and back pain, skin rashes and breathing problems are medical conditions frequently associated with large breasts. Many women also feel an extreme sense of self consciousness secondary to the unusually large size of their breasts. This may translate to feelings of social outcast. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed to alleviate these problems. The surgical procedure involves the removal of skin, fat and breast tissue from the breasts creating a smaller, lighter and firmer structure. If the size of the areola is also excessive, this may be corrected during breast reduction surgery.

Depending on the size of your breasts, the desired post-operative size and the technique utilized, the procedure may take anywhere from two to three hours. The surgery is usually performed in a hospital setting with a one-night hospital stay. There has been a recent trend toward performing this operation in office-based ambulatory facilities. However, many insurance companies continue to recognize the medical necessity for breast reduction surgery and will finance a hospital stay. Some insurance companies require a minimum volume of tissue to be removed to cover the procedure. This should be pre-determined by Dr. Miller or Mary Lee Cudd and a letter of pre-determination sent to your insurance carrier along with photographs of your condition to demonstrate the necessity for surgery. Various techniques are available to alleviate your condition, which should be discussed at length with your provider. The most common surgical approach is an inferior pedicle procedure which does not separate the nipple from its blood or nerve supply. This technique also leaves no vertical scare. Dr. Miller will inform you if this is the best technique for your situation and should apprise you of the risks and benefits of this technique. In the majority of cases, however, the nipple areola complex is left attached to the underlying skin and blood supply. Your plastic surgeon should also discuss the possible changes in sensation to the nipple areola complex that may occur with breast reduction surgery. Liposuction may be added to the procedure for removal of fat primarily at the outer portions of the breast.

Surgical dressings are removed the days following the procedure. The healing process may be affected by smoking and concurrent medical problems such as diabetes. Occasionally, small areas of open skin at the corners of the incisions may occur. These are typically treated with antibiotic ointments and heal without great concern.

If you have excessively large breasts that either hamper your physical activity, cause physical symptoms, or create a sense of extreme self consciousness, you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery. Contact us for a full consultation regarding the risks and benefits of a breast reduction.