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Breast Reduction

What is Breast reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure employed to remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts.

Surgical Procedure for Breast reduction

Your surgeon will draw on your breasts, marking the incision lines and making other relevant measurements decided on at the pre-operative consultation. Once you are asleep and lying down, the landmarks change, as the breast assumes a different shape that we observe when you are standing. The diagram demonstrates the 'landmarks' your surgeon uses to achieve the result.

Breast reduction surgery is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will measure the height of the nipple and estimate the volume of the breast to be removed. Excess breast tissue is usually removed from the inner and outer areas of the breast. Skin edges will be approximated after the excess breast tissue is removed.

The nipple is elevated into the new position. It is not detached from the underlying breast tissue. At the end of the operation, a firm dressing or brassiere is placed around your chest. Drainage tubes may be in place to eliminate any blood that may accumulate. These drains are removed within 2-3 days of the surgery.

Risks & Complications of Breast reduction

As with any surgery, breast reduction involves risks and potential complications. The possible risks and complications associated with breast reduction include:

  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Breast asymmetry
  • Loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts, which may be temporary or permanent
  • Potential inability to breastfeed
  • Hematoma (bleeding inside the breast tissue)
  • Poor wound healing
  • Unity
  • South bend Lions
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Saint Joseph Health System
  • Beacon Health System
  •  American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • The American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
  • American Board of Medical Specialties
  • American Board of Medical Specialties
  • American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
  • American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
  • North American Spine Society
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  • American Academy of Physician Assistants
  • Zimmer Biomet
  • Stryker Corporation
  • Arthrex
  • Breg
  • Smith+Nephew
  • DePuy Synthes
  • The Indiana Orthopaedic Society
  • Notre Dame Orthopaedic Society
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  • American Association for Hand Surgery
  • American Board of Plastic Surgery