Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery in a procedure in which fat and glandular tissue are removed from the chest and the skin is pulled tight around the remaining tissue to form smaller, more manageable, and more aesthetically pleasing breasts. Women often seek breast reduction surgery because their breast size causes them embarrassment, inconvenience, or medical problems (examples include skin irritation, back pain, and inhibition of breathing).

The Procedure
Breast reduction has many variations, but the most common begins with an incision that begins at the areola (patch of skin surrounding the nipple) and runs down the center of the breast. Through this opening, Dr. Chin removes fat and glandular tissue. Often, the nipple is moved higher up on the breast, and the skin on the sides of the breast is pulled down and around it. Excess skin is taken off, and the incision is closed.

Post-Op
Dry skin, bruising, swelling, and general discomfort in the chest are all normal effects of breast reduction. Pain medication may be prescribed and a moisturizer recommended. After a few weeks, the patient should be feeling better again. Stitches are usually removed within a week to ten days. There may also be more extended effects of which the surgeon can warn the patient.

Health Concerns
It is important that a prospective patient for breast reduction have fully developed breasts. It is also inadvisable to have breast reduction surgery if the patient anticipates future pregnancy, since breast reduction can sometimes inhibit milk production.