You may be a candidate for breast reduction if:

• You have excessively large breasts that cause backache, shoulder and neck pain, breathing difficulties, poor posture, bra-strap indentations and/or chafing under the breasts
• Your breasts are way too large for your frame
• You have one breast that is much larger than the other
• You have restrictions in physical activity due to the size of your breasts

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Incisions are made around the nipple-areolar complex and extend vertically below the nipple and then horizontally along the bottom crease of the breast. This is referred to as an “anchor” incision. The nipple-areolar complex is moved upward to the desired location and excess breast tissue, fat and skin are all removed to create a smaller, more attractive breast. The size of the areolar is reduced during the procedure. With limited breast reduction procedures the scar can sometimes be reduced to a “lollipop” type scar.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Dr. Kearney performs breast reduction under general anesthesia and you may go home the same day. The procedure itself usually takes about three hours and patients go home in a surgical bra and light dressings on the incisions. Initial discomfort can be controlled with medication which Dr. Kearney will prescribe for you. Most patients are able to return to work within 5 days and resume normal activities within 3 to 4 weeks. Breast reduction surgery may reduce but not necessarily eliminate, the ability to breast feed.

Last updated by Robert Kearney at March 6, 2012.