BREAST REDUCTION  Women with large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems ranging from back, neck or shoulder pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems.  Bra straps may leave indentations in the shoulders.  Additionally, unusually large breasts can make a woman, or teenaged girl, feel extremely self-conscious and limit her ability to take part in sports or workout activities.  Breast Reduction, technically known as Reduction Mammaplasty, is designed for such women.

The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to achieve the look of smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion to the rest of the body.

If you're considering breast reduction, Dr. Connors can provide you specific information on how he would proceed in your particular situation.   

Breast reduction (or reduction mammaplasty) is an enhancement procedure that reshapes the breasts in order to make them smaller, lighter, and firmer.  Reduction is accomplished by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin.  Large breasts can cause physical pain as well as emotional and social anxiety.  Women who take advantage of the breast reduction procedure find that they are able to lead a healthier, more comfortable life, in addition to enjoying a beautiful, more proportionate appearance.

Reasons for Considering a Breast Reduction:

• Back, neck or shoulder pain caused by heavy breasts.
• Sagging breasts produced by their large size.
• Disproportionate body frame attributed to oversized breasts.
• Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of the breasts.
• Painful bra strap marks and/or rashes as a result of large breasts.

General Procedure

Techniques for breast reduction vary; however, the most common procedure involves an incision that circles the areola.  From the areola, the incision goes down and follows the natural curve under the breast.  The surgeon then removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin.  Next, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher position and held in place by stitches.  Occasionally, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size.  The best procedure can be determined during the initial consultation visit.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes.  Patients are pleased with the elimination of physical pain caused by large breasts as well as a better proportioned body, an enhanced appearance, and better fitting clothes.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time.  A supportive bra is applied immediately following surgery to minimize movement of the breasts and to promote healing. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery.  This can be treated with oral medication.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the instructions given after surgery.