Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that is undertaken to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, breast implants, glandular tissue and skin. It also counteracts sagging of the breasts. This surgery is performed on females, but in special cases it could be performed on males afflicted with gynecomastia. An unprecedented surge has been seen in the recent times in people opting for mammoplasty. As the decision to undergo mammoplasty is a very personal matter therefore it becomes very important to consult a surgeon who makes the patient feel confident as well as comfortable. There are number of reconstructive and plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills who take utmost care of every patient right from the first consultation to the healing post-operative period.

This surgery is mostly selected by women with breasts that are large in proportion to their smaller bodies. These large breasts cause discomfort and may cause pain in back, shoulders, neck and head and may also cause breathing and circulation problems. Even when there is no physical discomfort, some women may feel awkward with large breasts. This procedure is not for women desiring to breastfeed their babies. Men with gynecomastia often feel upset and embarrassed with this condition and opt for this surgery to regain confidence. Surgical techniques in men depend on whether the excess tissue is adipose or glandular in nature and the extent to which this tissue extends on the side of the torso.

Initial recovery from this operation takes a few weeks, but total recovery takes about 6 months to a year. Some discomfort during menstruation may be experienced initially due to swelling of the breasts. The techniques followed mostly are based on the blood supply to the nipple area, also known as the central mound or inferior pedicle technique. This is the most common technique followed in North America and can give predictable outcomes along with large reduction of breasts. The vertical scar technique is gaining popularity as the scarring is shorter and long term results can be obtained. This technique is more suited in smaller reductions in breast size. The horizontal scar technique leaves a shorter scar in women and is mostly performed on women with extra large breast size. The advantage of this procedure is that the scar is not fully visible. Liposuction is mostly used on women who do not have too large breasts. The free nipple graft technique is used mainly for patients with a greater risk of ischemia. Smokers, diabetics and women with longer breasts are suitable candidates for this technique.

Possible risks include difficulty in breast feeding, asymmetry, scarring, delay in wound healing, retention of fluid in the breast, change in nipple sensation and recurring ptosis (sagging). Scarring in some cases is permanent and extensive. Along with the reduction of breast tissue the risk of developing breast cancer is also reduced. Breast reduction not only bestows better shaped breasts, it also restores confidence in the patient.