Reduction Mammoplasty

The growth of the breasts occurs during puberty and throughout adolescence and is the reason that many young women have very large breasts.  It is important to point out that the breasts are formed primarily out of fat tissue – yes, fat – and, to a lesser extent, of mammary gland tissue.  (Mammary gland tissue is responsible for producing breast milk.)

The mammary gland is in and of itself quite small and only increases in size during breastfeeding and the preparatory time prior to nursing (from the initial stages of the pregnancy).  And this is the reason that the breasts grow during pregnancy and diminish at the end of lactation because the mammary gland is done serving its purpose and thus returns to its original size.

However, in some women, although the size diminishes, significant fat and fibrous tissue remains and the breasts appear and feel larger.

Why would you choose this procedure?

There are various reasons, but the primary one is simply because one has overly large breasts that are causing intense back pain and due to the fact that this type of patient has to carry this extra weight throughout all of her day without resting for even a minute and cannot say, “Ugh, I am tired; I am going to remove my breasts for awhile and carry them around later.”  The patient is actually only going to resolve this problem by removing the extra weight that they have on their upper body.

If the breasts also appear fallen, surgical techniques can be employed which allow lifting them back in place to their original location.

If the patient is young and has overly large breasts, by doing this surgery prior to pregnancy she can actually prevent the breasts from becoming  overly large after nursing.

Will I be able to nurse after this procedure?

Yes, but you should warn your surgeon if you think that you want to have children and possibly breastfeed, because there are techniques that can be employed through which the mammary gland can retain its ability to produce breast milk.

What size is the scar?

The size of the scar is proportional to the size of your breasts.  If your breasts are fallen, and nothing more, we can accomplish what we need to through a breast lift and the scar will be limited to only the areola.

However, if your breasts are very large, it will be necessary to do incisions that will leave some scars in the areola, in the fold where your breast meets your upper torso and along a small line that is aligned in the center of your breast in the shape of an inverted “T” which will be proportional to the size of your breasts. 

Planning for the surgery.

During the first consultation, the size and shape of the breast will be evaluated along with one’s general state of health and skin firmness.  An exploratory examination of the breast will first be done and in some cases followed up with a mammography.  Different surgical techniques will be discussed along with the size and shape that your breasts will have as well as the options and combination of procedures that will be best for you.  You should reveal your expectations openly and sincerely so that the available alternatives for any concerns can be presented to you with all the risks and limitations of each.

It is normal to experience some fatigue for a few days after breast surgery, but you will be able to return to almost normal life after just 24-48 hours.  The majority of the small annoyances can be easily controlled with a medical prescription as the breasts can be tender for two weeks.  The dressings can be replaced in a few days with a special bra.  It is also normal to feel a certain burning sensation in the nipples during the first couple of weeks as well.   

After the mammoplasty you will be able to return to work after just a few days, depending on the amount of activity that you need to accomplish.  You will also need to avoid raising anything above your head during the first two or three weeks.  Initially, the scars will be pinkish but will improve steadily over the next six weeks.  Post-operative instructions will be given for each woman according to her age and situation. The breast lift will leave indistinguishable scars under your bra or bikini. 

If you are interested in reading more about breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, please click on this link