Breast Reduction Surgery: Procedure, Recovery, Risks & More

While large breasts are simply a cosmetic concern for many women, they can also be painful and physically limiting. Common complaints include chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin rashes underneath the breasts, grooves from bra straps, and problems with exercise and comfort in general. For the women in question, breast reduction surgery relieves these challenges by reducing breast size and reshaping the breasts to reposition the nipples for a more proportionate appearance.

The editorial team of Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr Rajni Mittal, Chief Medical Officer at Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, about what the procedure involves, what recovery looks like and the risks to consider. Here is everything she shared with us and you need to know.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

According to Dr Mittal, breast reduction is a surgical procedure for removing extra fat, glandular tissue, and skin of the breast to reduce it to a smaller, lighter, and firmer size. The goal is both functional and aesthetic, relieving physical discomfort and creating a size proportionate to the woman’s body. The surgery can be performed for the following reasons:

• Chronic pain in the back, neck, or shoulders
• Skin irritation or infections of the inframammary fold
• Difficulty with physical activities
• Poor posture because of excess weight on the chest
• Emotional unease or self-consciousness

Also Read: How Long After Pregnancy Does The Breasts Hurt? Expert Shares Management Tips

Procedure of Breast Reduction Surgery

Normally, the duration for breast reduction surgery is two to four hours, under general anesthesia. Here is a step-wise guide of what goes in:

1. Incision Placement

Surgeons typically choose one of the three following incisions:

• The region around the areola
• Around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease
• Anchor-shaped incision, most commonly used in large reductions

2. Excess Tissue Removal

In this step, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed.

3. Reshaping and Lifting

The remaining breast tissue is reshaped to provide firmness, while the nipple-areola complex is transposed to a higher position on the breast.

4. Closure

The incisions are then closed with sutures and dressed with bandages or dressings. "In some patients, liposuction may be combined with the surgery to further define the contours of the breast," Dr Mittal said.

Also Read: Is It Possible to Tighten Breasts Naturally? Know It From an Expert

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Recovery from breast reduction surgery is gradual, but Dr Mittal said that it is also manageable. Here is a week-wise guide she explained to us.

Immediately after surgery, you may feel soreness and swelling. Dr Mittal added, “A supportive bra or compression garment will be fitted to help support the breasts and control swelling, and temporary placement of drainage tubes may remove the excess fluid.”

Then, during the first and second week, avoid heavy lifting and physical exertion. Sleep on your back to prevent putting pressure on your chest.

From week four to sox, normal activities can be resumed gradually. Exercise and gym workouts can resume when your surgeon says it's OK.

“Most women can return to work within one to two weeks, depending on their job,” shared Dr Mittal.

As for the initial scars, it fade significantly over six to 12 months with proper care and sun protection.

Risks and Possible Side Effects of Breast Reduction Surgery

Like all surgeries, breast reduction surgery also carries risks. Accoding to Dr Mittal, among them are:

• Temporary numbness in the nipples or breast skin
• Scarring, which generally fades with time
• Difficulty breastfeeding, especially if the ducts are affected
• Infection or delayed wound healing
• Asymmetry in the shape and/or size of the breasts

Still, she added that most women are satisfied with results and report long-term relief from pain along with improved posture, confidence, and mobility.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Dr Mittal concluded that you may be a good candidate if:

• You have physical discomfort because of your large breasts
• Your breasts limit your physical activity
• You are distressed emotionally about your breast size
• You are healthy and don't smoke, as smoking impairs the healing process

Bottomline

More than a cosmetic procedure, reduction mammoplasty is life-changing for women who bear up under the physical and emotional burdens of disproportionately large breasts. When combined with realistic expectations, good care, and the appropriate skills of a surgeon, it offers effective long-term relief and an improved quality of life.