Breast reduction is most often performed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with large breasts. Most women with large, sagging breasts experience a restriction in their physical activities, as well as physical discomfort such as neck and back pain. Bra straps may leave indentations in the shoulders. Very large breasts can also make a woman feel very self-conscious.
Breast reduction is usually performed after a woman's breasts have fully developed; however, it is sometimes performed earlier under extenuating circumstances. Breast reduction results in a smaller, uplifted breast by removing excess tissue and skin. The incisions vary, depending on the degree of 'sag' that needs correction. Most often, the reduction can be performed using an incision that circles the areola and extends downward to the breast crease. In some cases a circular scar (circum-areolar) may be used. Occasionally, breast reduction can be performed using liposuction only.
In patients with extremely large breasts, the nipple areola complex is removed and sutured back in position as a skin graft. In this procedure, a single incision is made in the breast crease.
Recent studies have shown that breast reduction may reduce the risk of breast cancer. |
