It is important to find a highly skilled surgeon who has experience with this procedure. It is important to maintain a good blood supply to the nipple-areola complex as there is a risk of discoloration and loss of sensation when blood flow is restricted. Liposuction removes the excess fat, and the loose skin will be excised and tightened to form the newly shaped breasts. This procedure corrects an issue of breast asymmetry.
The most common incision for breast reduction is what they call “the anchor,” or a vertical T. With this kind of approach, the incision is made around the areola, extends vertically down to the breast crease, and then is followed by another horizontal incision along the direction of the fold. The areola repositions once the breasts have been resized and recurved. A lift will also place the breasts higher on the chest.
Breast reduction is always done in an accredited surgical center under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. For the first several weeks, the surgeon will recommend the use of a compression bra to protect the breasts. Patients may go back to work within 7-10 days and may resume physical activities (such as exercise) between 6-8 weeks post-operative. Results following a breast reduction are usually visible immediately after the surgery. Nipple sensitivity will gradually return within the first year.