Breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin to decrease breast volume and reposition the areola and nipple. It results in breasts that are more proportionate to the body, while relieving the symptoms associated with overly large breasts.
What Is Breast Reduction?
Who Is It For?
This procedure is for women with breast hypertrophy, often a source of back, neck or shoulder pain, skin irritation under the breasts, or discomfort during physical activity. It can also be motivated by a purely aesthetic wish to reduce breast size.
How the Procedure Works
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A preliminary consultation assesses breast volume, tissue distribution and associated symptoms.
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The most suitable technique is determined based on this assessment.
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The procedure involves removing excess breast tissue and reshaping the breast, with repositioning of the areola if needed.
What You Should Know
The amount of tissue removed and the technique used depend on the degree of hypertrophy and the desired outcome. Unlike breast augmentation, breast reduction can, in some cases, meet a functional indication (significant back pain), which may affect coverage arrangements.
Recovery
Recovery involves a period of discomfort and swelling in the first few days, along with wearing a compression bra for several weeks. Relief from back pain is generally reported by patients within the first few weeks following the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this procedure leaves scars, the extent of which depends on the technique used; their appearance fades gradually over time.
In some cases, it may be partially covered when a functional indication is documented (significant back pain, for example); this depends on your coverage and should be verified beforehand.
This depends on the technique used and the amount of glandular tissue preserved; this point is discussed during the consultation based on the patient's plans.
Generally once breast development is complete, unless significant functional discomfort justifies earlier treatment.