Breast Reduction

Breasts that are too large or out of proportion with the rest of a woman’s body can cause discomfort, poor self-image and back pain. Reduction surgery involves incisions that allow for the removal of excess tissue, fat and skin, repositions the areola and reduces its size. This procedure historically ranks as among those resulting in the highest patient satisfaction.

If you're considering breast reduction, the following information will provide
you with a good introduction to the procedure.

Procedure:	Removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer in proportion with the rest of the body.
Length:	Two to four hours, but may take longer in some cases.
Anesthesia:	General anesthesia.
In/Outpatient:	Usually outpatient.
Side Effects:	Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
Risks:	Possible complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and after surgery. The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.)
Recovery:	Back to work: can return to work (if it's not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks. Physical contact with breasts: about six weeks. Fading of scars: scars are permanent, but will fade for up to 12 months after surgery.