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Breast Reduction

Reduction Mammoplasty (breast reduction)


What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is an operation to make the breasts smaller, by taking away fat, breast tissue and skin. The nipples are lifted and the breasts are reshaped to form smaller breasts.

Why have a breast reduction?

People have this surgery to make their breasts smaller and improve their shape. Some women have larger breasts than they would like. Big breasts can cause problems like back or neck pain, shoulder grooves in the shoulders from bra straps, and rashes underneath the breasts. Women are sometimes self-conscious about their large breasts and feel that they attract unwanted attention. Also, it can be difficult to wear some clothes or enjoy sports, particularly when it is hot.
If you are unhappy with the shape, weight or droop of your breasts, having them reduced can make them smaller and higher. If one breast is larger than the other, this can also be evened out. You may find that after a breast reduction you are more comfortable socially and personally.

What will happen before my operation?


How is the surgery performed?

The operation involves first lifting the nipple into a new position, keeping it attached, and so alive, on a ‘stalk’ of tissue (pedicle). Extra skin and breast tissue is then cut away. The skin and tissue that is left is reshaped into a smaller, higher breast and the nipple is put back in place.
There are different types of reduction. The best type for you depends on the size of your breasts and how much of a reduction you want. The different types make different scars on the breasts. Whichever type of reduction you have, the scars should not be visible when you wear normal clothing, bras and bikini tops.

The anchor-type or inverted-T reduction (diagram 1)

This is the most common type of reduction. The cut starts around the nipple, travels straight down and then along the crease under the breast.

If your breasts are very large or droopy, your nipple might need to be completely removed and then stitched back on in a new position. Your nipple will not feel normal after this.

Diagram 1: anchor-type or inverted-T reduction


The vertical-pattern reduction (diagram 2)

The cut is made around the nipple and travels straight down, but with no cut underneath the breast. Though the scar is smaller with this type of reduction, the skin around it can look puckered. The vertical-pattern reduction is not suitable for very large breasts.

Diagram 2: vertical-pattern reduction