Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center of Houston, Texas

Extra body weight as a result of very large breasts can cause a variety of health problems including back and neck pain, skin irritation and difficulty breathing.

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure used to remove fat, tissue and excess skin from the breast, making the breast smaller, lighter and firmer. The nipple is also repositioned in proportion to the new breast size.

For best results, the breasts should be fully developed before surgery is performed. However, if large breasts are causing serious health problems in younger patients, it may be recommended that this procedure take place sooner. This surgery also should be postponed for women who are planning to breast feed.

The procedure takes about three to five hours under general anesthesia, and your recovery period will last from seven to 10 days. Most women can return to work in about two weeks but should avoid lifting or strenuous exercise for the next three to four weeks. For several weeks following surgery you will need to wear a support bra to help reduce swelling and bruising.
Because breast reduction surgery is usually performed to correct a medical problem, please check with your healthcare provider to determine if your health insurance covers this procedure.

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of large pendulous breasts that are disproportionate to a woman's body and can cause physical pain. Technically called reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction improves breast size, shape and the associated conditions of large breasts that include:

Back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of excess breast tissue.
Shoulder discomfort and indentation from bra straps that support heavy, pendulous breasts.
Restricted physical activity due to breast size and associated discomfort.
Skin irritation beneath the breast crease.
Sagging, stretched skin and low breast profile where, when unsupported, the nipple rests below the breast crease.
An enlarged areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) caused by stretched skin.

Breast reduction can be performed unilaterally (on one breast) or bilaterally (on both breasts). It is generally considered a reconstructive procedure and may be covered by insurance when it is performed to relieve medical symptoms. Many insurers define breast reduction surgery as reconstructive based on the amount of tissue that will be removed. However, pre-certification is often required for reimbursement or coverage.

Breast Reduction Candidates

Breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age; however it is best performed when the breasts are fully developed. Because significant amounts of breast tissue are removed, breast reduction surgery may impair the ability to breast feed. Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations.

In general, good candidates for breast reduction are women of relatively normal, stable weight whose breast development is complete. Breast reduction is best performed on:

Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing.
Non-smokers.
Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving their physical symptoms, breast size and shape.

Breast Reduction Consultations

A consultation is designed to to fully educate you about the procedure in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

Discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case.
Options available for breast reduction surgery.
Likely outcomes of the procedure and any risks or potential complications.
Prescribed course of treatment recommended by your plastic surgeon.

About The Breast Reduction Procedure

Most commonly performed through incisions with surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin that contributes to large, pendulous breasts with a keyhole incision pattern. The nipple, which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply, is then repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary. The vertical incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Non-removable stitches are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Stitches, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape will be used to close the skin.

There are alternative incision patterns that may be recommended depending on the amount of tissue and skin that need to be removed and the quality of skin elasticity. One is a circular pattern around the areola. Another is a racquet-shaped pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may be need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast. In any case, the incision lines that remain are visible and permanent scars, although usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra.

In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with excision techniques. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used for breast reduction. In every case, the technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, as well as patient and surgeon preference.

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