Breast Reduction

Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious.

Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.

Procedure: Anchor shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast.  Removal of excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position.

Length: 2-4 hours.

Anesthesia: General.

In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. Sometimes inpatient.

Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin. Permanent scars.
Risks: Scars; skin loss; infection. Unevenly positioned nipples. Permanent loss of feeling in nipples or breast. Inability to breast feed.

Recovery: Resume normal activity 4-6 weeks.

Duration of Results: Permanent to variable with gravity, hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/ReductionMammaplasty.cfm

Dr. Morwood is a board certified plastic surgeon in plastic and reconstructive surgery.  Please call (831) 646-8661 to set up a consultation.