Breast Reduction Surgery

What is Breast Reduction

A breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure done to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue and skin. The areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple) may be reduced and repositioned as well. This is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures.

Who is a good candidate for Breast Reduction?

First and foremost, you must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and you must have realistic expectations of the outcome of your surgery. Many patients with overly large breasts choose breast reduction in order to achieve a greater sense of freedom in their physical activities, clothing styles, and to gain a greater feeling of self-confidence. Other important reasons patients choose breast reduction are problems including neck, back, and shoulder pain, headaches, shoulder-grooving (where the bra-straps dig in), and postural problems (which contribute to upper extremity nerve problems). As a result, many women with large breasts are often in chronic pain.

NOTE: If you smoke, recently quit smoking or have been unable to stop completely, or you are exposed to second-hand smoke, you may not be a candidate for surgery. Primary and secondary smoking decreases blood supply to the body's tissues, resulting in prolonged wound healing, skin loss, infection, increased scarring, and a number of other complications related to the kind of procedure performed. Click here for more information related to smoking.

How is the procedure performed?

The specific method chosen for your breast reduction will be determined by your anatomy, your surgeon's preferences and your desired results.

The most common method uses a three-part incision. One part of the incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third part is a horizontal incision beneath the breast, which follows the natural curve of the breast crease. After the surgeon has removed the excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which is usually larger than ideal, is reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

Options to Enhance the Procedure

Your surgeon may recommend liposuction to improve body contour, especially on the sides of the breasts. This procedure would be done during the breast reduction.

List of Physicians Who Perform Breast Reduction

For details about education, experience, and specialty in this clinical area, please visit these physician profile pages:

Planning for Your Surgery

The first step is to schedule a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. Communication is crucial in reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to express your goals and the results you'd like to achieve. Together, you and your surgeon will reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and the long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you. During the initial consultation, you should expect:

To provide a complete medical history, including information about previous surgical procedures; past and present medical conditions; and any medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
Your surgeon to conduct a physical examination of the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of skin and placement of the nipples
To have measurements and photographs taken for your medical record.
To discuss possible risks and complications of the procedure.

Preparing for Your Surgery

You will be given a pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.

Where Your Surgery Will be Performed

Your procedure will take place at the University of Michigan Hospital which provides state-of-the-art surgical suites and recovery areas. The majority of these procedures are completed on an out-patient basis.

Types of Anesthesia

You'll remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure. In most cases, general anesthetic is used so that you will sleep throughout the procedure; although local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option for some patients.

After Your Surgery

Click here for information about how to care for yourself after the surgery and what to expect during your recovery. It is very important that you follow your surgeon's instructions in order to promote healing and progress towards your new physical appearance. Also, it is important that you attend all follow-up appointments scheduled so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.