(Reduction Mammoplasty)
Breast reduction surgery removes excess skin and breast tissue to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. This procedure is one of the most common surgeries performed by plastic surgeons in the United States. Plastic surgeons from Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center have advanced training in breast reduction surgery.
Experts at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center have advanced training in breast reduction surgery. When considering breast reduction surgery, always look for a surgeon with significant experience. A good rule of thumb is to see a surgeon recommended by your primary care doctor, family members or friends who have had a positive experience.
You should feel comfortable with the surgeon. You should ask how many such procedures the surgeon has done, and you should review before and after photographs of their past procedures. Make sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon about their credentials, training and how many procedures they have performed.
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a safe and effective option for women with large, heavy breasts. Women with large breasts may not only be dissatisfied with their body image, but also experience physical pain and discomfort, including back or shoulder pain, in addition to suffering from skin irritation, bra strap indentations, concerns with posture, and limitations with physical exercise.
The best candidates for breast reduction surgery include:
A consultation with a plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center is the first step in learning if you are a candidate for the procedure. Our plastic surgeons can explain how a reduction mammoplasty can improve the appearance of your breasts and relieve pain, discomfort and any associated symptoms you may have resulting from large, pendulous breasts.
Preparation for your breast reduction surgery at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center includes:
The success and safety of your breast reduction procedure depends on you being completely open and honest during your consultation. Being able to discuss why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcomes (along with a thorough medical evaluation) will help lead to the best end result.
Breast reduction surgery involves removal of excess skin, fat and glandular tissue through incisions in your breasts. Excess fat may also be removed through liposuction along with various excision techniques used by Cleveland Clinic cosmetic surgeons. If your breast size is due primarily to fatty tissue and excess skin is not an issue, liposuction alone may be used as the key technique for breast reduction.
Plastic Surgeons at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center will determine the best technique to reduce the size of your breasts based on your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired and your personal preferences.
Techniques for reduction mammoplasty include:
The best candidates for the short scar procedure are women who have moderately large breasts. Women with larger breasts are better candidates for the traditional reduction procedure.
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. Be certain to plan for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you at least the first night following surgery.
When your procedure is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You may also wear a support bra at home to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect at the incision sites.
Your Cleveland Clinic cosmetic surgeon will give you specific instructions for recovery that may include:
The results of your breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve pain and physical limitations you experienced prior to surgery (in addition to enhancing your self-image and confidence). View our breast reduction surgery before and after photos to see results from actual patients.
Breast reduction cannot, however, stop the natural effects that can cause your breasts to change over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. Long-term follow-up with your plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center is highly recommended to monitor these ongoing changes.
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Although rare, possible risks associated with breast reduction surgery include:
Women who smoke are at a higher risk for all complications. Poor healing and wider scars are also more common in smokers.
Breast reduction surgery does leave permanent scars that may be problematic, with “raised” or “hypertrophic scars” common. Yet, these are typically hidden by a bra or swimsuit.
Insurance rarely covers the cost of elective cosmetic surgery and procedures. Please call 216.444.4004 and ask to speak with one of our financial representatives who can explain payment options, including CareCredit financing.
