Nederlands
HrvatskiBreast reduction (formally referred to as reduction mammoplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure for women with excessively large, pendulous breasts, a condition known as breast hypertrophy. Overly large breasts can cause both physical and psychological problems, including:
Back and neck pain
Inflammation beneath the breast folds
Soreness from bra straps digging into the skin
Limitations on physical activities
Increased self-consciousness
Emotional discomfort resulting from unwanted attention
Decreased self-esteem
By removing excess skin, fat and breast tissue, and repositioning and reshaping the breasts, reduction mammoplasty can relieve the physical and psychological strains of overly large breasts and help women attain a more comfortable, proportionate and visibly appealing bustline.
Breast Reduction Candidacy
The best candidates for the procedure are women in good health at or near their ideal weight. Candidates also must have realistic expectations, be nonsmokers (or at least be willing to quit smoking for a time) and be able to follow pre- and postoperative surgical instruction.
Teenagers who have excessively large breasts also may be candidates for breast reduction. However, surgery can only be performed after the breasts have finished developing.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with all types of breast surgery. To get started on your search for the right surgeon, visit our plastic surgeon directory, which exclusively lists surgeons who are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Surgeons who are certified by the ABPS have achieved the highest levels of education, training and experience and are held in high esteem by their medical colleagues. By exclusively listing ABPS-certified surgeons, the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery Directory can help ensure you find the best doctor to assess your candidacy and perform your surgery.
During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will measure your breasts in relation to your frame and take “before” photos of your breasts. He or she may also request a breast X-ray (mammogram) before surgery to rule out breast cancer or any other anomalies. You will also discuss your potential candidacy, expectations, risks, breast reduction costs and benefits with your surgeon. The procedure should be explained in detail, and all your questions should be answered. Also ask to see before and after breast reduction photos to get an idea of what type of results you can expect.
The Procedure
Breast reduction procedures are typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Three main incision types are available:
Around the areolas (the dark-colored skin encircling the nipples) – The surgeon makes incisions around the areoles and removes excess skin, fat and tissue before closing the incisions. This option is available only for women whose skin is highly elastic and will shrink to the breasts’ new shape.
Keyhole incision – The incisions encircle the areolas and extend down to the breast folds in a flared pattern, similar to an old-fashioned keyhole shape. The surgeon removes the extra skin, tissue and fat and sutures the incisions. These incisions will leave vertical scars from the areolas to the breast folds.
Anchor incision – As the name suggests, this incision is shaped like an anchor, encircling the areola, extending vertically to the breast fold and then continuing in both directions along the breast fold.
Your surgeon will help you decide which incision is best based on your unique considerations and goals.
Regardless of incision type, the nipple is typically moved to a higher location on the breast, although it usually remains connected to the underlying blood vessels and nerves. In some cases, the nipples may need to be removed and grafted to their new position.
