From the Research
The proper medical name for a breast reduction is reduction mammoplasty. This surgical procedure removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. During the procedure, the surgeon typically makes incisions around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease (often called an anchor or inverted-T pattern) 1. The nipple and areola usually remain attached to the underlying tissue to preserve sensation and blood supply. Reduction mammoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2-5 hours, with a recovery period of 2-6 weeks before returning to normal activities. This surgery is often sought for relief from physical symptoms like back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and posture problems caused by overly large breasts. It may be covered by insurance when performed to alleviate medical issues rather than for purely cosmetic reasons. The procedure results in smaller, lighter, and more proportionate breasts, though it does leave permanent scars that fade over time.
Key Points
- Reduction mammoplasty has long-lasting benefits for patients with macromastia, with marked symptom relief sustained for as long as 15 years after surgery 2.
- The surgical technique maintains a reliable blood supply to the nipple-areola complex (NAC) from the internal mammary artery and its perforators, and involves minimal transposition of the NAC 3.
- Patients can be offered repeat reduction mammaplasty with the possibility of nipple sensation preservation and a normal-appearing NAC regardless if the primary vascular pedicle is known 4.
- Secondary reduction of autologous free flap-based breast reconstruction is safe to perform when scheduled at least 2 months after the index procedure and can be accomplished utilizing various reduction techniques depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed 5.