Reduction Mammaplasty

Understanding what's involved in breast reduction surgery and weighing the benefits and risks of surgery can help you decide if it's right for you. Breast reduction surgery may be the solution to the discomfort caused by excessively large breasts. Find out what the procedure involves and what you can expect from the surgery.

Constant back and neck pain, gouges in your shoulders from bra straps, deteriorating posture and an inability to participate in certain activities rank among the common complaints of women with large breasts.

Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) may help relieve these symptoms. As technology advances and surgical techniques improve, more women are seeking consultations from plastic surgeons to discuss options for adjusting their breast sizes to a healthier and more comfortable size.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 104,000 breast reduction surgeries were performed in 2006.

Possible Complications

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Adverse reaction to the anesthesia
  • Loss of sensation in the nipples and areolae
  • Impaired blood supply to the nipples, leading to loss of the nipples and scarring
  • Inability to breast-feed
  • Asymmetry in size, shape, position and contour of the nipples or breasts
  • Altered body image and a period of adjustment to get used to the change in your appearance

Surgery benefits

  • Relief of pain in your upper back, neck and shoulders
  • Reduced shoulder pressure from bra straps
  • Increased ability to exercise and participate in physical activities
  • A more positive self-image
  • Improvement in breathing and sleeping