Breast Reduction Information provided by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

How Breast Reduction is Performed

Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to reduce the size of your breasts.

Where are the incisions placed?

The most common method of reducing the breasts involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision follows the natural curve of the breast crease.

After the surgeon has removed excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in large breasts usually has been stretched, also is reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour under the arm.

One common breast reduction technique removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin through the incisions shown. The nipple and areola remain attached to the underlying tissue but are shifted to a higher position. The size of the areola is often reduced at the same time.

Usually, the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this allows for the preservation of sensation. The ability to breast-feed may also be preserved by this method, although this cannot be guaranteed.

Skin that formerly was located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

What are some variations to the common breast reduction technique?

There are many variations to the design of the incisions for breast reduction. The size and shape of your breasts, as well as the desired amount of reduction, are factors that will help your plastic surgeon determine the best technique for you.

In some instances, it may be possible to avoid the vertical incision that runs from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease or the horizontal incision underneath the breast.

Rarely, if your breasts are extremely large, the nipples and areolas may need to be completely detached before they are shifted to a higher level. In such a case, you will need to have made the decision to sacrifice sensation and the possibility of breast-feeding in order to achieve your desired breast size.

Understanding Risks

Fortunately, significant complications from breast reduction are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of women undergo successful breast reduction surgery, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and the risks.

Continue reading about Breast Reduction surgery.

For Breast Reduction Surgery in San Diego choose Stuart Kincaid.

Procedure Information Courtesy of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Copyright © 2005 LookingYourBest.com Disclaimer Patient Privacy Sitemap Resources San Diego Plastic Surgeons