Breast Reduction (Female)

Breast reductions are preformed to reduce the weight of very heavy breasts, making it easier to enjoy a more active lifestyle.  Women often find that this surgery relieves back, neck, and shoulder pain. The primary benefit of the operation is functionality, but most often a breast lift will enhance your appearance and improve your body image.

The incisions for breast reduction are not unlike those used for a breast lift technique. The procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision which circles the areola, and extends downward, to follow the natural curve of the breast.  Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed.  The nipple and areola are then moved to their new position.   The skin from both sides of the breast are brought down and around the areola giving shaping to the new contour of the breast.

In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or hang loosely the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. Unfortunately this usually results in a loss of sensation in the nipple and surrounding tissue.

Another reduction method known as the periareolar or donut shape may also be effective if there is not a large excess of skin. This method has the advantage of hiding scars; however it tends to flatten the breast shape to some degree. In general, the more skin which is cut, the more it is possible to shape the breast and therefore there is a trade-off between the extent of the scars and the extent of the shaping of the breast.