Reduction Mammaplasty (Breast Reduction)

The following "Guide to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery" is an overview to cosmetic plastic surgery and was published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.

Breast reduction, also called reduction mammaplasty, enhances your overall appearance by making your breasts more proportional to the rest of your body.

Large, sagging breasts often interfere with normal physical activities. They can cause back pain, postural problems, deformities of the back and shoulders, skin rashes and breast pain. For these reasons, breast reduction generally is considered a reconstructive plastic surgery procedure. In addition to alleviating physical problems, however, it improves the shape of your breasts and nipple areas.

The operation usually is performed under general anesthesia and may be done on an outpatient basis or during a brief hospital stay. During the procedure, excess breasts tissue and skin is removed, your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) are repositioned, and your remaining breast tissue is reshaped.

A commonly performed breast reduction technique (see illustrations) uses incisions that encircle the areola and then extend vertically down the breast and horizontally along the crease underneath the breast. There are other breast reduction techniques that may eliminate the horizontal incision, the vertical incision, or both. The use of any particular pattern of incisions depends on individual patient factors and the surgeon’s recommendation. In some cases, lipoplasty alone, which leaves only small scars, may provide a sufficient amount of reduction.

After surgery, your breasts will be wrapped in a gauze dressing or placed in a surgical bra. You may be instructed to wear a supportive bra for several weeks. Loss of breast or nipple sensation is possible, but usually is not permanent. You should avoid strenuous exercise and overhead lifting for at least a few weeks. You should be able to return to work within two weeks.

Illustrations from left to right:     1. Breast reduction surgery relieves the painful physical symptoms caused by large breasts.     2. Using this common technique, incisions following the breast's natural contour define the area of excision and the new location of the nipple. Breast tissue, fat and skin in the lighter shaded area are then removed. Skin is removed from the darker shaded area, and the nipple is elevated. Variations in the placement of incisions may be used, depending on individual patient factors and your surgeon's recommendation.     3. Skin formerly located above and to the sides of the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast.     4. After surgery, your breasts will be more proportional to the rest of your body. The resulting scars are permanent but will fade to some extent over time.

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The Plastic Surgery Center of Manchester, New Hampshire specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, including body lifts, breast enlargements, breast lifts, breast reductions, eyelid surgery, ear surgery, facelifts, fat grafting, liposuction, neck and chin surgery, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), surgery after massive weight loss, and tummy tucks. We also offer facial rejuvenation (chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, Obagi Blue Peels, Glycolic Peels, Microdermabrasion), injectables (Botox) and facial fillers (Radiesse and Restylane) and advanced skin care to patients from all over New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts). While no responsible practitioner gives guarantees for the work they do on the human body, we can at least reassure you that you will receive the expertise and dedication of over 30 years in practice. Our patients become an important part of our family and we try to get to know each patient individually and customize their treatment to meet their desires.