Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Large breasts often cause considerable physical and mental discomfort and can even harm the women who have them — the size and weight of large breasts can result in self-consciousness, improper posture, pain in the back and neck, chaffing and rashes under the breasts, breathing problems and skeletal deformities. Breast reduction surgery is usually done to provide physical relief from these symptoms, and also to improve shape, size and symmetry. Performed under general anesthesia, the three to four-hour procedure removes fat and glandular tissue and trims resultant excess skin to produce smaller, lighter breasts that are in a healthier proportion to the rest of the body.

During the procedure an anchor-shaped incision is made from the new location of the nipple down to and around the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, relocates the nipple and areola, and reshapes the breast. Liposuction may be needed to remove excess fat from the axillary (armpit) area.

Traditional reductions result in an inverted T-scar. Selected patients may be candidates for a “short scar” reduction or vertical reduction mammaplasty where reduction is preformed only with a vertical scar. Dr. Sabry will discuss all options at length with you and based on physical findings and your desires, will tailor the surgery that best suits you.

Drainage tubes are used and may be removed on first postoperative day. Dr. Sabry uses light bandage and recommends using a sports brassier after first 2 weeks of surgery. All stitches used are dissolvable and do not require their removal. Steri strips applied to incisions may be removed after 1 week.

Most patients return to work in about two weeks, although you should avoid heavy lifting for three to four and only gentle contact with the breasts should occur for six weeks.

Risks are rare and usually minor but may include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation to nipple etc.