• Reduction Mammoplasty
• Ideal Breast Reduction Candidates
• Your Personal Consultation
• The Breast Reduction Procedure
• Safety of Breast Reduction
• Breast Reduction Results

Breast Reduction reduces the size and recontours large, heavy, pendulous, and painful breasts. Usually, weight-bearing pain in the breasts, neck, shoulder and back is relieved, allowing more comfortable activity as well as improving body proportion and appearance.

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, you should discuss this with your surgeon.

You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

• Back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
• Heavy, sagging breasts with very low nipples and areolas
• Breasts that are too large in proportion to your body frame
• Skin irritation beneath the breasts
• Indentations in your shoulders caused by tight bra straps
• Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
• Feelings of self-consciousness about the large size of your breasts
• One breast that is much larger than the other

A personal consultation is the first step. Dr. Pearl will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

• Previous surgeries
• Past and present medical conditions
• Treatments you have received
• Medications that you are taking, including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies
• Past experience with weight loss and pregnancies and the effect it had on your breast size
• The results of mammograms you have had
• Any history of breast cancer in your family

The specific method chosen for your breast reduction will be determined by your anatomy, your surgeon's preferences, and your desired results.

The most common method uses a 2 or 3 part incision. One part of the incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. When the breasts are very large, sometimes a third part is necessary which results in a horizontal incision beneath the breasts following the natural curve of the breast crease.

After the surgeon has removed the excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which is usually larger than ideal, 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, especially on the sides of the breasts.

The nipples and areolas usually remain attached to the underlying breast tissue as they are moved to their higher position allowing for a greater chance of preserving nipple sensation. This method may also preserve the ability to breast-fed, although it is not guaranteed.

The type of incision used for your breast reduction may vary, depending on the size and shape of your breasts and the desired amount of reduction. Women who seek a smaller reduction in size may be able to avoid the horizontal incision that runs underneath the breast. Other incisional techniques may be used in some instances. Women whose breasts contain a significant amount of fatty tissue may find that liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size with only minimal scars.

Each year, thousands of people have breast reductions and experience no major complications. However, it is important for you to be informed of the risks as well as the benefits.

Dr. Pearl will inform you of the possible complications of breast reduction surgery. In addition to listening carefully to what he tells you, be sure to raise any questions you may have about the safety of the procedure.

By carefully following our advice and instructions - both before and after surgery - you can minimize some of the risks.

Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.

Dr. Pearl will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it's important to remember that breast reduction scars are permanent. They gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.

However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you'll need time to adjust to your new image-as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you'll be pleased with the results.

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