Breast Reduction
Reduction Mastopexy

Introduction
Reduction mastopexy is a surgical procedure to reduce, raise and reshape sagging large  breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

What are the risks involved?
A breast reduction is normally safe. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, bleeding and infection.

Before the surgery
Depending on your age and family history, your surgeon may ask you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery.

The surgery
Breast reductions are usually performed under anesthesia in a hospital where you can expect to stay one or two days. It usually takes four to five hours. The procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast.
When the excess skin and breast tissue has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is the brought down and stitched together to reshape the breast. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.
Some patients, especially those with smaller breasts may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions.

After the surgery
Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day to two, but the pain shouldn’t be severe. You can expect some numbness in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. Don’t plan on returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel and avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks.
If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breast-feed.