Breast Reduction (Mammaplasty)

More Information

Please use these links provided below for more information with respect to:

Other Pages under this section:

The Purpose

To reduce and reshape the breasts.

The Treatment

This procedure should be carried out only by a cosmetic surgeon specializing in this field.

Breast reduction involves a surgical operation to remove fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breast.

The operation usually lasts between two and four hours and is conducted under a general anaesthetic.

A cut is made around the areola (the brownish area around the nipple), vertically down the breast and then along the natural crease underneath the breast, to finally resemble an anchor shape.

The excess tissue and skin is removed and the nipple and areola are moved into their new positions.

Skin from both sides of the breast is then pulled down around the areola, forming the new shape of the breast. Any excess fat is removed. In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves as they are being moved.

However, if the breasts are very large, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position - this will result in a loss of sensation to the nipples and areola. When the shift is greater than 12-15cm, transplantation may be necessary.

The risk of papilla necrosis is low, but breast-feeding becomes impossible and the sensitivity of the papilla is lowered. For these reasons, this procedure is not suitable for young girls and women who plan pregnancy.

Afterwards, surgery drains will be inserted, and bandages applied.

Scars will be hidden by underwear.

Very large breasts can be reduced to a C-B cup.

The Results:

After a breast reduction, the breasts should appear smaller and feel lighter.

After a breast reduction, the breasts should appear smaller.

The results are permanent; however, your breasts may increase in size if you gain weight or your body experiences considerable hormonal changes.

The Risks:

The surgery leaves permanent scars which may, initially, be lumpy and red, but which should eventually fade close to your natural skin colour over several months.

These scars may be more noticeable if you smoke, and may leave a puckered edge on the outside of the scar.

The procedure may also leave you with; breasts that are slightly different in size, asymmetrical nipples, loss of feeling in your nipples and/or breasts.

You may also be unable to breastfeed in the future.

Last update: 8nd April 06