WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?
Many women are surprised to learn that a breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. Larger-than-desired breasts can cause neck and back pain, grooving where the bra strap sits, social self-consciousness, and impair activities like running and dancing. In fact, it is not uncommon for women considering a breast reduction to experience weight loss and enhanced self-esteem after a reduction procedure. While not all breast lifts involve size reduction, all breast reductions also bring about a breast lift, or mastopexy.
The breast is made up of skin, fatty tissue, and glands; all three are modified in a reduction mammoplasty. Some things that a breast reduction can help accomplish are:
- Decreased breast size
- Decreased areola and/or nipple size
- Lifted breast position on the chest
- Increased symmetry of breasts that significantly differ in size or shape
- Decreased neck, back, or shoulder pain
- Decreased functional impairment related to breast size
- Increased self-confidence
If you are interested in a breast reduction, remember that this procedure requires surgery in an operating room and you should expect some recovery time. Breast tissue is also routinely screened for cancer with a mammogram, ultrasound, or other imaging study, which is important to complete prior to performing surgery on the breast. Breast reduction is usually performed by a surgeon with advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In good candidates, the procedure can be performed as an outpatient in an ambulatory surgical center, though complex procedures may take longer and require more recovery time. Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery are quite pleased that they made the commitment to becoming their best self.
If you would like to learn more about a breast reduction, reach out to Kristopher M. Day, MD, FACS by emailing Info@KrisDayPlasticSurgery.com to schedule a complementary consultation. Dr. Day has extensive experience in breast reduction of all shapes and sizes and would be excited to speak with you about your goals!
