Candidates

If you have problems with breasts that are disproportionately large for your body, have chronic back pain from the weight of your breasts, or are experiencing related psychological side effects (e.g., embarrassment, anxiety, depression), breast reduction may provide relief.

Other signs you should consider breast reduction include: irritation of the skin under the breasts, difficulty breathing due to the weight of the breasts, poor posture when walking, indentations in the shoulders from bra straps, and difficulty performing athletic activities .

Post-surgery

Most complaints are well controlled with prescribed medication. It is normal to have a burning sensation in the nipples during the first two weeks. The stitches are removed between 7 and 14 days; the edema does not subside completely until 3 or 6 weeks.

After a breast reduction you will be able to return to work in 2 or 3 weeks, although in a few days you will be able to lead an almost normal life. You should limit vigorous physical activities for a few weeks, until you recover from the operation.

Recovery

During the first consultation, the board-certified plastic surgeon will assess the size and shape of the breasts, the firmness of the skin, and your general health. A breast examination will also be performed and studies will be requested. The different surgical techniques will be explained, the size and shape of your breasts and the options or combination of procedures that are best for you will be discussed.

A breast reduction has three different incision locations, depending on the extent of the lift and reduction needed, the anchor incision, the keyhole incision, or the periareolar incision. If necessary, he can reduce oversized areolas, correct downward-pointing nipples, and move the nipple-areola complex higher on the breast.

You will also be told what type of anesthesia will be used, and where the procedure will take place. A breast reduction lasts between 2 and 4 hours, although in certain cases it can be longer.