Breast Reduction
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, medically referred to as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to reduce the overall size and weight of the breasts. The procedure aims to address the physical symptoms associated with disproportionately large breasts and alter the breast contour to achieve a smaller, proportional appearance. It involves reshaping the remaining breast tissue and repositioning the nipple and areola complex to accommodate the modified breast size.
What makes a suitable candidate for Breast Reduction?
A suitable candidate for breast reduction is typically an individual experiencing persistent physical symptoms associated with large breast volume, such as neck, back, or shoulder discomfort, skin irritation beneath the breast crease, or deep indentations from bra straps. Candidates should be in good general physical condition, non-smokers, and maintain a stable weight. During a consultation, Dr Mirkazemi will evaluate the patient’s medical history and anatomical proportions to determine if surgical intervention is an appropriate option to address their specific concerns and modify their breast volume.
What are the Breast Reduction options?
Options for breast reduction depend on the volume of tissue to be removed and the patient’s existing breast anatomy. Potential options include traditional excisional surgery, which removes skin, fat, and glandular tissue. In specific cases where excess fat is the primary concern, liposuction alone may be considered as an alternative approach. Additionally, breast reduction can be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) approach if significant reshaping and alteration of the nipple position are required alongside volume reduction.
Breast Reduction surgical techniques
There are several surgical techniques utilized for breast reduction, chosen based on the patient’s anatomy and the amount of tissue removal required:
- Inverted-T or Anchor Pattern: This technique involves three incisions: one around the areola, one vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and one horizontally along the inframammary fold. It is commonly used for significant tissue removal and extensive alteration of the breast contour.
- Vertical or “Lollipop” Pattern: This technique uses an incision around the areola and a vertical incision running down to the breast crease, avoiding the horizontal incision. It is typically suitable for moderate volume reduction and reshaping.
- Periareolar or “Donut” Pattern: This approach involves a single circular incision around the perimeter of the areola. It is generally reserved for patients requiring only minor volume reduction and slight lifting of the nipple-areolar complex.
Before & Afters
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Procedure: Breast Reduction
Disclaimer: All surgeries before & afters shown on this website are performed by Dr Mirkazemi and are published with consent by our patients. They are not guarantees that your results will be the same or similar as results will vary between individuals. The content on our page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risks and has a recovery time. Before proceeding, please seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner. During your consultation, Dr Mirkazemi will carefully evaluate each individual and provide an honest and realistic assessment of what can be expected from the procedure.
Recovery after Breast Reduction
Recovery following breast reduction surgery is a gradual process that varies for each patient. In week one, patients typically experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, requiring rest and the use of a supportive surgical bra. Drains may be present initially and are removed during early follow-up appointments. By month one, swelling generally begins to subside, and patients may slowly resume light daily activities, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting must still be avoided. Around month three, the breasts will continue to settle into their modified shape, and most normal physical activities can usually be resumed, pending Dr Mirkazemi’s specific medical clearance.
How much does Breast Reduction cost?
The cost of breast reduction surgery varies on a case-by-case basis and depends on the complexity of the surgical technique required for the individual patient. A comprehensive fee estimate will encompass the surgeon’s fee, hospital or facility costs, anaesthetist fees, and any necessary post-operative garments. Following a thorough consultation and physical examination, Dr Mirkazemi will provide a detailed and personalized breakdown of all associated costs based on the specific surgical plan.
Frequently Asked Questions for Breast Reduction Surgery
Yes, all surgical incisions leave scars. The extent and location of scarring depend on the surgical technique used, such as the anchor, vertical, or periareolar patterns. Scars typically fade over time but will remain permanently visible.
Breast reduction surgery may affect a patient's ability to breastfeed in the future, as glandular tissue and milk ducts are removed or altered. Patients who plan to breastfeed should discuss this during their consultation, as certain techniques may be more suitable.
Yes, breast reduction surgery is a major invasive procedure and is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital facility.
Some patients experience changes in nipple sensation, which can include numbness or hypersensitivity. This may be temporary or permanent, depending on the surgical technique and individual healing factors.
The required time off work depends on the physical demands of the patient's occupation. Generally, patients require at least one to two weeks of initial rest, with longer periods needed for physically demanding jobs.
While the removed tissue will not return, the modified breast size and contour can be influenced in the future by factors such as significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the natural ageing process.
Specific Risks and Complications For Breast Reduction
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address the presence of excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin in the breasts. The procedure involves incisions to allow for tissue excision and reshaping to modify the breast contour and address physical discomfort. As with any surgical intervention, patients must be aware of the potential clinical risks and complications before deciding to proceed.
The following list outlines possible complications associated with breast reduction surgery. These risks are not exhaustive, and the likelihood of experiencing them depends on individual anatomy, health status, and the extent of tissue removal.
Procedure-Specific Complications
- Nipple and Skin Sensation Changes: Temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensitivity in the nipples, areolae, or breast skin is a known risk. While sensation often returns over several months, permanent loss of feeling can occur.
- Asymmetry: While the goal is to achieve balanced proportions, differences in the shape, size, or nipple position between the two breasts may persist or develop during the healing phase.
- Contour Irregularities: Visible or palpable irregularities can occur if the underlying tissue heals unevenly or if the skin does not contract smoothly over the modified contour.
- Fat Necrosis: Fatty tissue deep within the breast may lose its blood supply and die, resulting in firm lumps. While usually harmless, these may require clinical evaluation or aspiration if they cause discomfort or interfere with mammographic imaging.
- Nipple/Areola Loss (Necrosis): In rare cases, particularly those involving significant tissue excision, the blood supply to the nipple or areola may be compromised, leading to partial or total tissue loss. This may require specialized wound management or secondary reconstructive surgery.
- Inability to Breastfeed: Because glandular tissue and milk ducts are excised and altered during a reduction, patients may face a reduced or complete inability to breastfeed in the future.
Long-Term Considerations
- Permanent Scarring: Incisions result in permanent scars. While these are typically placed in specific patterns (such as anchor or vertical shapes) to minimize visibility, their final appearance is heavily influenced by individual healing and genetic factors.
- Tissue Changes Over Time: The modified breast size and contour can be influenced in the future by factors such as significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the natural ageing process, potentially leading to recurrent tissue laxity or sagging (ptosis).
- Unsatisfactory Anatomical Outcome: There is a possibility that the surgical result may not align with the patient’s anatomical expectations, or that secondary surgery may be required to further modify the breast contour or address complications.
- Need for Secondary Procedures: Revision surgery may be necessary to address asymmetry, manage scarring, or further modify tissue if required.
General Surgical Risks
All surgical procedures, including plastic and cosmetic surgery, carry inherent risks and potential complications.
These may include infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, delayed wound healing, scarring, nerve changes, anaesthetic risks, blood clots, and procedure-specific complications. Individual factors such as smoking, elevated BMI, underlying medical conditions, and certain medications can further influence your safety profile and recovery. A thorough consultation and strict adherence to pre- and post-operative instructions are essential to minimise risks.
To learn more, please read our detailed Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page here.
