Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Reduction at Mayo Clinic

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(Synonyms: Reduction mammoplasty, gynecomastia)

Women with heavy, large breasts often experience upper back, shoulder and neck pain; shoulder grooving from bra straps; and aggravated arthritis in the shoulders or spine. Finding clothing to fit, feelings of inability to participate in sports or exercise, and embarrassment about breast size are other factors that lead women to consider breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction surgery, which decreases the size of the breast and lifts the breast, can minimize or resolve these concerns. Potential candidates should talk with the cosmetic surgeon about their expectations for the surgery. Some loss of sensation to the nipple or hypersensitivity is possible, which may be an important consideration.

Because pain is the primary factor motivating women to consider breast reduction, a summary of the patient's evaluation and preoperative photographs will be submitted to the insurance company for consideration for surgical approval and preauthorization.

Most patients who undergo breast reduction report they are pleased with their results and say they wish they had chosen to have surgery sooner.

What to expect

A new size and position for the nipple and areola is chosen. Excess breast tissue and skin are then removed. The remaining breast is reshaped and the nipple and areola repositioned. A drain may be left in place after surgery and removed within the next several days.

Scars are hidden in the crease under the breast and below the areola. Scars are shaped like an anchor and typically go around the areola, vertically down from the bottom of the areola to the crease and then curve along the crease in the breast. Scars usually fade with time.

Although your surgeon will attempt to achieve symmetry between your breasts, some variation in breast size and shape may result, as well as in the position of the nipple and areola.

Liposuction is sometimes performed to reduce the fullness in the axilla (armpit). Drains may remain in place for one to three weeks if liposuction is added.

Risks

Risks associated with breast reduction include, but are not limited to:

• Problems related to anesthesia
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Healing problems may occur, especially for those with a history of nicotine use or exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking can cause the death of skin, delayed healing and even the loss of the nipple-areolar complex.
• Sensation in the nipple may be lost as the superficial nerves are separated from the breast tissue during surgery. This is usually temporary.

The procedure is performed by specialists in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.