Breast Reduction

Women who have breasts that are too large for their body size can experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms, such as back and shoulder pain, skin irritations and difficulty exercising. Breast reduction surgery can not only improve the proportion of your breasts, it can also alleviate many painful conditions caused by overly large breasts.

The board-certified plastic surgeons at The University of Kansas Health System offer breast reduction surgery to women who are unhappy with the size and shape of their breasts. They'll work closely with you to ensure a flattering final result that meets your appearance goals.

During breast reduction surgery, fat, skin and glandular tissue are removed using liposuction and surgical excision. As with a breast lift, the remaining breast tissue is then raised, reshaped and made smaller and firmer. Breast reduction surgery is sometimes performed along with other body contouring procedures following major weight loss.

Women who receive breast reduction surgery commonly have large, pendulous breasts, a condition also referred to as breast hypertrophy or macromastia. Women who are considering breast reduction surgery often suffer from neck, shoulder and back pain, as well as shoulder grooving and inframammary fold infections. A large breast size may also cause you to feel self-conscious.

Other important indications for breast reduction surgery include:

• Nonsmoker
• Good general health
• Realistic expectations for surgery

Breast reduction involves the removal of excess breast tissue to make the breasts smaller and lighter. The breasts are also reshaped and lifted to a more aesthetically pleasing position on the chest for a proportionate final look.

Before your breast reduction surgery, you can talk with your surgeon about your ideal end result. Each breast reduction procedure is completely customized to the your needs and preferences.

Reducing breast size can also reduce back, neck and shoulder pain, and increase self-confidence. Many women who choose breast reduction surgery say that are more likely to engage in physical activity and wear form-fitting clothing.

The scars left behind from breast reduction are noticeable, although they do fade with time. Other potential complications from breast reduction surgery are similar to those of any surgery, such as infection, bleeding or anesthesia risks.

Your breast reduction surgery will most likely take place in an outpatient setting, and will last approximately 2-4 hours.

After general anesthesia is administered, your surgeon will make an inverted T or keyhole-shaped incision pattern that circles the areola and extends down to the breast crease. Next, excess skin and glandular tissue will be excised, and fat is removed through liposuction. Your surgeon will reshape the underlying tissue, then lift the breast once the excess skin is removed. Finally, the nipple and areola are elevated and the incisions are sutured.

Recovery from breast reduction surgery is estimated at 1-2 weeks. You will likely be asked to wear a surgical bra as your breasts heal. Common symptoms are aching, swelling and bruising, and sometimes a loss of sensation in the nipples and skin. Over time, swelling will diminish and feeling should return. A drain consisting of a small tube may be placed under the skin to remove excess fluid that collects during the healing process.