Breast reduction is a common plastic surgery procedure that’s performed on both men and women to decrease the size of the breasts. Breasts that are too large for the body can lead to discomfort for men, and serious complications for women, such as chronic back pain. There are multiple breast reduction techniques used in plastic surgery, and if performed properly it’s a safe and effective procedure.

Breast Reduction Surgery: The Basics

Breast Reduction Techniques

In North America, the most commonly-used of the breast reduction techniques is referred to as the inferior pedicle technique, or the modified central pedicle technique. This is the reduction process where the areola and nipple are moved higher up on the breast, but not disconnected from it. This keeps nerves, milk ducts, and veins to the nipple intact. This is preferred by many patients because there are good odds that they can continue nursing afterwards. It also tends to have fewer side effects than other methods.

A free nipple graft is another procedure done by cosmetic surgeons when it’s either not possible, or not desired, to leave the nipple attached. In this case, it’s severed completely from the breast and moved elsewhere. This procedure is usually recommended in cases of extremely large breast reductions, and is rarely performed.

In some situations, liposuction may also be used in conjunction with other breast reduction techniques, or on its own, to reduce breast size. Liposuction, most commonly used in plastic surgery to remove excess fat from the body, will work in certain situations but is not the most common technique for breast reduction. If a woman has smaller, denser breasts, does not need drastic size change, or perhaps cannot medically undergo the anesthesia required for other breast reduction techniques, liposuction may be an option.

What to Expect from Breast Reduction Surgery

As with any cosmetic surgery, there are certain risks and side effects associated with any of the breast reduction techniques; whether or not they will affect you is difficult to predict. The key thing to remember in keeping risk and side effects to a minimum is to carefully follow all surgeons’ instructions regarding care of the incision site afterward, and know what to look for in terms of abnormal swelling, weeping of the incision, pain, or other symptoms. It’s important to respond to any signs of an infection, since incisions are quite vulnerable and the problem can grow quickly.

Breast reduction surgery can and does typically lead to some form of scarring; how noticeable and extensive it is depends on the skill of the Plastic Surgeon as well as the size and placement of the incisions. In a typical pedicle technique, the incisions are made in a circle around the auroela, and then in a single line, which the surgeon places along the underside of the breast for the least amount of visibility. For some time after the surgery, the scars will probably be very noticeable and prominent, but they will fade over time to very thin lines provided the incisions heal properly.

Further, choosing a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in breast reduction surgery can help you increase your chances of having minimal side effects and a final result you are happy with.

Rewards of Breast Reduction Surgery

While breast reduction is used for both medical and aesthetic reasons, it tends to have an effect on both – which only makes sense. Heightened confidence and comfort with one’s body come along with the surgery for most patients, as they stop feeling self conscious about their breasts and how they affected the look of their bodies overall. Posture improves, chronic pain may be reduced or eliminated, and discomfort caused by the weight and size of the breasts is a thing of the past.

In most cases, breast reduction surgery is covered by medical insurance carriers.

Some patients have lived with the problem of over-sized breasts for years, and the surgery is a major medical and emotional experience. What’s more, if the surgery benefits you in a physical way and is recommended by your doctor, it may even be covered by insurance.

Work with qualified cosmetic surgeons, as you would with any plastic surgery, and involve your medical doctor in the decision process if you are considering breast reduction surgery. Done properly, it has a minimum of risk, is serious but simple, doesn’t take long, and can literally change your life in more ways than one.