Classic Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction

What is a Breast Reduction?

Women with extremely large breasts suffer from a condition called breast hypertrophy.  Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure that decreases the volume of tissue in large breasts. The operation is also designed to reshape, tighten and lift the breast. The procedure is commonly performed for medical reasons to alleviate the symptoms of breast hypertrophy. Women also frequently undergo the procedure because they feel self conscious about  the size of their breasts and experience difficulties in everyday activities.

Who are Ideal Candidates?

  • Breast size disproportionate to the rest of the body ( difficulty with exercise and fashion choices)
  • Pain of the neck, shoulders, and upper back
  • Deep shoulder grooves from bra straps
  • Skin rash of the submammary fold
  • Asymetric pendulated heavy breast
  • Difficulty in breathing related to large breast size

About the Procedure

Prior to the procedure a mammography is needed to rule out any breast abnormalities or lesions. Subsequently at the completion of the surgery, the removed breast tissue is submitted to pathology for histological examination to rule out malignancy.

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes from three to four hours depending on the size of the breast. In young, healthy patients with moderately large breasts it can be an outpatient procedure. Older patients, those with health problems or women undergoing extremely large breast reductions are advised to remain in the hospital for an overnight stay. There are different techniques used in breast reduction surgery that require different patterns of incisions. The technique chosen depends on the size of the breasts and the goals for the operation, including nipple sensation and breast feeding capability in younger women. These are discussed in detail with the patient prior to the surgery.

Following the operation women usually experience a significant improvement in their symptoms. They frequently describe an improvement in their self confidence as well as their ability to participate in physical activities.

Breast reduction surgery is an important personal decision. We are committed to educating our patients using the latest information available on plastic surgery. During your personal consultation we will provide you with a thorough explanation of the procedure and perform detailed breast measurements to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. You may also be shown videos or photos explaining the surgery and given literature describing the operation to further enhance your education on the subject.

An alternative to the Classic Breast Reduction, Dr. Stamatiou offers the Breast Reduction using Liposuction only, without visible scars (Scarless Breast Reduction) in the following cases:

  • Breast with high fat content ⁃Breast with nipples pointing forward
  • Obese patients
  • Post menopausal women
  • Patients with good skin elasticity without stretch marks
  • Asymetric breast
  • Patients that are interested in reduction of the breast volume and not in changing the shape
  • History of hypertrophic scars and keloids

A simpler procedure under local anesthesia and IV sedation for women with functional problems related to their breast size and have significant medical problems or are elderly

Breast reduction with  liposuction does not change the shape of the breast and results in lighter breast with significant breast lift without scars.

What is the Recovery Like?

After the procedure, ALL women are relieved from the breast weight and everyday activities and exercise become easier. Postoperative pain is minimal. Return to work is possible after 3 days. Stitiches are removed in 7-10 days. Wearing of a bra is optional after the first week. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications and occasionally analgesics are given for the first 2 days after surgery.

If you are interested and would like more information about the procedure, please contact our office for an appointment.