Breast Reduction: Indications, Procedure & Recovery

Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure used to reduce the size and volume of the breasts. It may be recommended for women with constant back or neck pain or a hunched posture caused by the weight of the breasts.

In general, breast reduction can be done from age 18, since in most cases the breasts are already fully developed by then. Recovery usually takes about 1 month, and a bra must be worn during both the day and night.

Results are often better and the breasts may look more lifted when breast reduction is combined with mastopexy during the same procedure. Mastopexy is another type of surgery that is done to lift the breasts.

When it is recommended

Breast reduction is indicated in the following situations:

• Back, shoulder, or neck pain due to the weight of the breasts

• Dissatisfaction with breast size for aesthetic reasons

• Sagging breasts or enlarged areolas

• Chronic skin irritation under the breasts

In addition, breast reduction may be indicated when a person is unable to participate in certain activities, affecting quality of life.

A plastic surgeon may recommend breast reduction surgery after thoroughly evaluating your breasts.

Breast reduction surgery in men

In men, breast reduction is performed in cases of gynecomastia, which is characterized by enlarged breasts. In these cases, the procedure usually removes excess fat from the chest area.

Preparing for surgery

Before breast reduction surgery, the doctor will order blood tests and a mammogram.

In addition, the doctor may adjust the doses of some medications you are taking or tell you to stop taking anticoagulants or herbal supplements, since they can increase bleeding.

It is also important to stop smoking about 1 month before breast reduction surgery because, according to the World Health Organization, smoking delays healing and increases the risk of infection after surgery.

Procedure steps

Breast reduction surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon under general anesthesia and takes about 2 hours on average.

To perform breast reduction, the surgeon typically follows these steps:

• Marks the breast skin with a surgical pen

• Gives general anesthesia

• Cleans the breast skin with antiseptics

• Makes incisions in the breast to remove excess fat, breast tissue, and skin

• Repositions the breast and reduce the size of the areola

• Closes the incisions with stitches or surgical glue

• Applies a dressing to the incision and wraps the area

In most cases, the patient needs to stay in the hospital for about one day to make sure they are stable.

In some cases, the doctor may place a drain for about 3 days to remove any excess blood or fluid that may build up, helping prevent complications such as infection or seroma.

Breast lift vs breast reduction

Both a breast lift (mastopexy) and breast reduction remove excess skin and lift the breasts.

The difference is that breast reduction decreases breast size, while mastopexy does not change the size or shape of the breasts and may even include breast implants to add more volume.

Recovery time

After surgery, some precautions are important, such as:

• Wearing a supportive bra during both the day and night

• Sleeping only on your back

• Taking the pain relievers prescribed by the doctor, such as acetaminophen or tramadol

• Resting and avoiding too much movement of the arms and torso

• Avoiding physical activity for about 4 to 6 weeks, according to medical advice

In general, the stitches are removed by the doctor about 8 to 15 days after surgery.

During the first 6 months after surgery, it is also recommended to avoid more intense exercise, especially activities that involve arm movements, such as weightlifting or strength training.

Does breast reduction surgery leave scars?

Breast reduction can leave a small scar at the incision sites, usually around the breast, but scar size varies depending on the size and shape of the breast and the surgeon’s skill.

Some common scar patterns may be in an “L” shape, an “I” shape, an inverted “T,” or around the areola.

Possible complications

The risks of breast reduction are related to the general risks of any surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia, including tremors and headache.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction risks can also include infection, poor wound healing, changes in nipple or breast sensation, skin discoloration, swelling, bruising, and unfavorable scarring.