Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that removes glandular tissue and fat from the breast, making it smaller. The areola can also be reduced in size. This surgery is available to women with extremely large breasts, who wish to reduce the size for either cosmetic or health reasons.

Excessive weight in the breasts can lead to respiratory problems as well as skeletal deformities and back pain. Reduction mammoplasty is designed for women who, for whatever reason, feel their breasts are too large and wish to have them reduced.

Procedure information
Before breast reduction surgery, you may be required by your physician to undergo a mammogram. The surgeon will also consult you about what to eat and what to avoid leading up to surgery.

The surgery usually takes between 2 to 4 hours and general anesthesia is always administered to patients. The most common way to perform the surgery is to make an anchor-shaped incision around the nipple that extends to the crease at the bottom of the breast. When the fat and excess tissue is removed, the skin is brought to the middle where it is rejoined.

Except with extreme cases, the blood vessels and nerves will remain attached to the nipple, keeping sensation and sensitivity intact.

Recovery time
After the breast reduction procedure, the affected areas are wrapped in surgical bandages for a few days. Patients are required to wear a surgical bra for several weeks afterwards. After 2 or 3 weeks, the stitches can be removed.

The first menstruation after surgery may cause the patient pain as the breasts swell. Some nipple sensitivity may be lost and random shooting pain is normal for the first few weeks. Any strenuous physical activity should be avoided a few weeks after the procedure.