Breast Reduction (reduction mammoplasty)

Breast reduction to correct very large heavy sagging breasts is normally classified as a “reconstructive” procedure, since oversized breasts interfere with normal function and physical activity by causing back pain, postural problems, deformities of the back and shoulder, skin rashes under the breasts, and breast pain. Therefore, insurance carriers often cover this surgery.

Dr. Arons also views breast reduction surgery as an operation with an important aesthetic component — in addition to alleviating physical problems, it can improve the shape of the breasts and nipple areas. Breast reduction can also enhance the overall appearance by making breasts more proportional to the rest of the body. This can result in enhancement of a woman’s body image and self-confidence.
The treatment for large breasts is surgical. Weight loss, while certainly encouraged for overall body health, is rarely, if ever, effective. Numerous scientific studies have documented the positive outcomes of breast reduction surgery. Following breast reduction, patients go on to lead healthier lives. It is actually only after the surgery that patients are now able to enter the gyms, to workout, to lose more weight, and to live healthier lifestyles. Prior to surgery, large breasts are not only an embarrassment to a patient whom may want to exercise in the gym, but they also physically interfere with exercise. Men may also benefit from breast reduction surgery. Following the surgery, women are almost universally satisfied. The surgical procedure involves removing excess breast tissue and skin, repositioning the nipple and areola, and reshaping the remaining breast tissue.

The operation requires a general anesthetic, and you will most likely spend at least one night in the hospital in an observation status. Although we make every effort to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible, the usual incisions will ultimately leave permanent, very visible and noticeable scars in the lower portion of your breasts, usually described as the shape of an anchor or inverted “T.” The most significant “problem” with breast reduction surgery is the length and visibility and permanency of these scars. These scars are a necessary tradeoff to achieve the desired aesthetic result of a smaller more proportioned and better-shaped breast.

Other complications include wound healing problems, disturbance of skin sensation, asymmetry, bleeding, infection, inability to breast feed, nipple loss, pain, firmness, and unsatisfactory result. The ideal patient is a nonsmoker (as with any and all elective plastic surgical procedures), who has completed childbearing. Breast reduction surgery can be performed on young patients and even teenagers, but when performed at a young age, the breasts can be anticipated to enlarge again, to some extent, with maturity, normal weight gain, childbearing, and breast-feeding. After surgery, a surgical bra or support bra is worn for six weeks. Patients can usually return to work in approximately 3-4 weeks, and to full unrestricted activity usually after six weeks.