Breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty is a surgical process to reduce the size of the breast. This is done by removing excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue. Men also have this procedure performed if they suffer from gynecomasia or enlarged male breasts. Most insurance companies don’t consider this cosmetic surgery and will cover the costs.

Enlarged breasts cause a variety of physical health issues such as severe pain of the head, neck, back, and shoulders. Poor blood circulation, difficulty in breathing, and rashes or rubbing result from brassiere straps or the breasts themselves. The sufferer feels self conscious about their appearance and embarrassed when in the public. Breast reduction surgery is a good choice for those who are healthy, have realistic expectations for the results, non-smokers, and whose physical activity has been limited due to their breast size.

There are different breast reduction methods used depending on the size of the breasts prior to the surgery. The vertical scar technique offers shorter scarring and is better for smaller reductions. The horizontal scar technique provides a smaller scar for those who are too large for the vertical scar technique. Liposuction is for patients whose breasts are not quite as large or who are anesthesia risks. This offers the least scarring and healing time. Free nipple graft is for high risk patients such as diabetics, smokers, or those with longer breasts. This procedure completely removes and relocates the nipple and surrounding area.

The resulting lighter, smaller breasts are more in proportion with the body and eliminate the pain and physical limitations endured previously. The patient no longer feels self conscious about their appearance.

When deciding to have breast reduction surgery performed, the patient should have this done for themselves and not for someone else. It is important to choose the right plastic surgeon so that the surgery will be a success and meet or exceed the patient’s expectations. Well-qualified surgeons decrease the chances of complications, infection, and scarring that could occur from the inexperienced doctor. When choosing the right surgeon , price should not be the main concern. Questions should be asked during the consultation such as if the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the years of experience performing this procedure. Patients also have the right to view before and after photos of previous surgeries and check for any malpractice suits.

Many people will already have heard of breast reconstruction surgery but for those that have not a brief description is needed. Breast reconstruction is a type of surgery almost exclusively for women whom have had a breast removed or partially removed. Advances in medical techniques have rendered this a very viable option. The surgery’s aim is to recreate the breast mound in such a fashion that it is the same shape and size as the patient’s former breast or breasts. The entire breast can be reconstituted in such a way that is very convincing; both the nipple and darkened area of skin around it, known as the areola, can be very accurate reproduced as well.

Learn more about other breast surgery procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift and breast revision.