Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction, called reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure in which a plastic surgeon removes breast tissue and skin to reshape and reduce the size of your breasts.

When is it used?

This operation is usually done to relieve strain and pain in the back, neck, or shoulder that can be caused by large breasts. This operation may relieve some discomfort and it may improve shoulder droop. It will not prevent or cure cancer in either of the breasts. It will not change inverted nipples. This surgery is not recommended for women who plan to breast-feed.

The alternative to this operation would be to choose not to have treatment and accept your breasts as they are. You should ask your healthcare provider about this choice.

How do I prepare for a reduction mammoplasty?

Discuss with your healthcare provider the size and shape of breasts you would like to have.

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Allow for time to rest. Try to find other people to help you with your day-to-day duties.

Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers heal more slowly after surgery. They are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery. For this reason, if you are a smoker, you should quit at least 2 weeks before the procedure. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.

If you need a minor pain reliever in the week before surgery, choose acetaminophen rather than aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. This helps avoid extra bleeding during surgery. If you are taking daily aspirin for a medical condition, ask your provider if you need to stop taking it before your surgery.

Follow any other instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

What happens during the procedure?

You are given a general anesthetic. A general anesthetic relaxes your muscles and puts you to sleep. It prevents you from feeling pain.

The surgeon will make a cut around the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple), extending to the underside of the breast. The surgeon will remove fat, breast tissue, and excess skin from the breast. The surgeon will move the nipple and areola to a new position on the breast. The procedure will be repeated on the other breast.

What happens after the procedure?

You will probably stay at the hospital or clinic for a few hours and then go home. Occasionally, some women stay in the hospital overnight. For at least the next 2 or 3 weeks, your breasts may ache and be swollen and bruised. You will wear a surgical bra for several weeks.

You may have some loss of feeling in your nipples and areolas for several weeks or longer. In some cases the loss of feeling may be permanent.

Ask your healthcare provider how to care for yourself during your recovery and when you can return to your normal activities. Also ask when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Your breasts will be smaller and less likely to strain your back, neck, or shoulders. You may be happier about your appearance.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• There are risks associated with general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider.
• Your nipples and areolas may be numb.
• Your nipple tissue may not receive enough blood and turn into scar tissue or die.
• You may not be able to breast-feed, depending on the type of procedure you have, your age, and the condition of your breasts before surgery. There is a small chance you will be able to breast-feed, but it will be unlikely you will be able to give your baby enough milk. You will need to bottle-feed your baby in addition to whatever breast-feeding you are able to do. For more information about breast-feeding after this surgery, call:

  HealthONE Lactation Program
  (303) 320-7081

• Your nipples and areolas may be unequal in size, shape, and position.
• Your breasts may be unequal in size, shape, position, and contour.
• Your breasts may droop.
• You may want further surgery to make the breasts more similar or to lessen the scars or change the position of the nipple or areola.
• Your arm and shoulder movements may be restricted or painful.
• There will be permanent, noticeable scars where the nipples used to be and around the incision site.
• The breast tissue may become infected or bleed.

You should ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your provider right away if:

• You develop a fever, redness, or unusual drainage.
• You have unusual or excessive swelling of the breast.

Call during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.
• You want to make another appointment.