Breast Reduction (women)

Breast reduction for women combines a reduction in breast size with a breast lift. The central part of the breast is preserved with the nipple. The surrounding excess tissue is removed after the skin is elevated off the breast.  The result is a smaller, more shapely breast with more ideal placement of the nipples. Although the more breast tissue removed, the higher the risk of loss of nipple sensation, the breast reduction is performed in a way that maximizes the chance for retaining nipple sensation and even the ability to breast feed.

Many women who present for breast reduction complain of back, neck, and shoulder pain and impaired ability to exercise. They often experience rashes and skin breakdown under the breasts. Depending on their size and the severity of symptoms, and unresponsiveness to conservative measures such as weight loss and skin care, these women may be eligible for insurance coverage as medical necessity.

Recovery from breast reduction is about a week for a desk job and up to one month for more strenuous jobs.  The procedure has one of the highest satisfaction rates among plastic surgery procedures and a very high rate of symptomatic relief and improved exercise tolerance.