American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons (ASBPS)

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Breast Reduction

The purpose of a breast reduction is to reduce the size of the breasts. Many weight loss patients want their breasts smaller. Many weight loss patients have lived their lives with large breasts and want smaller breasts to complete their weight loss journey.  During a breast reduction, the breasts are also lifted at the same time.  There are several different types of breast reductions.  During your breast reduction consultation, the different types of breast reductions will be discussed with your plastic surgeon. Some breast reductions are achieved with just liposuction. Other more extreme breast reduction cases may require resection of breast skin and fat. Depending on your insurance requirements and your anatomy, your medical insurance may cover your breast reduction. Typically, breast reduction surgery takes three to four hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. You should wear a supportive bra for approximately four to six weeks after your breast reduction. Most of the breast swelling should be gone in approximately four to six weeks.  If your breast swelling continues past six weeks after your breast reduction, you may have to wear this bra longer. The recovery from a breast reduction is approximately two weeks. You may be able to return to a sitting job one to two weeks after your breast reduction surgery. You can return to a more active job about two to four weeks after surgery. You should be able to return to light activity two to three weeks after the surgery. You should be able to return to your full gym activity and other heavy activity approximately four to six weeks after your breast reduction. You will have some pain, but the pain will be easily handled with pain medication. It is anticipated you will need pain medication for the first several days. In regards to the different types of breast reductions, there are several different types.  If only breast liposuction is required, the incision can be a small incision underneath the breast or the armpit. Typically, if a more extensive breast reduction is needed, an incision is made entirely around the areola, then down to the inframammary fold.  This is called a vertical breast reduction. Another very common breast reduction is the anchor breast reduction, where an incision is made completely around the areola, down the front of the breast, and underneath each breast. This incision looks like an anchor or an inverted letter “T.” During the breast reduction procedure, your areolas can be made smaller. Typically, drains are not required; however, your chosen plastic surgeon may insert drains. If you do have drains, these drains usually remain for five to seven days. You can usually have sexual relations approximately two to three weeks after your breast reduction. Typically, most patients do not require massages. Once the incisions heal, you can apply scar creams and lotions. Typically, the more the skin around the breast, the more lifting that needs to be done and, therefore, the longer the scar. Sometimes liposuction is used in conjunction with the incisions required for the breast reduction. Nipple sensation and breastfeeding are possible for most patients. 

     

Before: Breast Reduction Front View              After: Breast Reduction Front View

(Courtesy J. Timothy Katzen, MD)

     

Before: Breast Reduction Front View              After: Breast Reduction Front View

(Courtesy J. Timothy Katzen, MD)

     

Before: Breast Reduction QR View              After: Breast Reduction QR View

(Courtesy J. Timothy Katzen, MD)

     

Before: Breast Reduction Front View              After: Breast Reduction Front View

(Courtesy J. Timothy Katzen, MD)

     

Before: Breast Reduction Front View              After: Breast Reduction Front View

(Courtesy J. Timothy Katzen, MD)

     

Before: Breast Reduction QR View              After: Breast Reduction QR View

(Courtesy J. Timothy Katzen, MD)

     

Before: Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)       After: Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

(Courtesy J. Timothy Katzen, MD)