A Step-by-Step Guide to Breast Reduction Surgery

Many of us are already familiar with what a breast reduction is and why people get them. Also commonly known as a reduction mammoplasty, they are typically for women who have disproportionately large breasts which lead to back and neck pain. However, what many people may not already understand about breast reduction surgery is the step-by-step process from start to finish (after the initial consultation and incision type are selected). To clear some things up for you, we’ve listed the phases of a breast reduction procedure so that you can have a better understanding.

Anesthesia

Breast reductions at Allure Plastics are performed under general anesthesia. This ensures that the patient will be more comfortable during the operation.

The Incision

There are different options for how the incision will be made when undergoing breast reduction surgery. Those options include: a circular pattern around the areola, a keyhole pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down at the bottom, and an inverted T or anchor-shaped pattern. Dr. Walker will have helped you select which incision would be best for you.

Removing the Tissue

Once the incision is made, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin will be removed. This phase of the surgery brings the breast size down to the patient’s desired shape and size.

Nipple Placement

After the tissue is removed from the breasts, the nipple is usually repositioned higher on the breast. Depending on the original size of the breast, the surgeon may need to remove the nipple from the breast and graft it in the correct place.

Closing the Incision

After the nipple is properly placed in its new position on the breast, the incision needs to be closed. The surgeon will close the incision using sutures that are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped, smaller breasts. Incision lines will likely fade and improve over time.

Post-Op Care

After the surgery is complete, the patient will be taken to a recovery area to be monitored by surgical staff. Some patients may need to drain fluid from their breasts through small tubes. Patients are typically permitted to go home a few hours after the procedure is complete.

Every case is different, so healing times, post-op care, and recovery can vary between patients. To learn more about breast reduction surgery at Allure Plastics, click here. If you have specific questions regarding a breast reduction, call Allure Plastics today to schedule a consultation. Individual results may vary.