It’s not uncommon for women to be unhappy with the size of their breasts. Breast reduction surgery removes fat, skin, and breast tissue to help you achieve a smaller, lighter breast that is less cumbersome and more visually appealing.

How breast reduction surgery is performed

Breast reduction surgery is done under general anesthesia, and involves a combination of liposuction, excision of glandular tissue, and skin removal.

Some breast reductions may be accomplished with liposuction only. Your surgeon removes fat from your breasts using a liposuction tool called a cannula, which is a thin tube connected to a medical vacuum. Your surgeon inserts the cannula into your breasts and uses it to break up and suction away fat.

If your breasts are very large and sag significantly then you may also need glandular tissue removed and skin trimmed away to achieve better looking results. Your surgeon will make careful patterns of incisions on your breasts, excise glandular tissue, and remove excess skin. Your nipples and areolas may also be moved higher up on your breasts. The incisions are then closed with stitches.

Recovery

Recovery time depends on the extent of your surgery. Most women can return to work one day after liposuction-only breast reduction. Surgery that involves significant incisions and tissue removal will have more down-time from one to two weeks, and you’ll have to avoid strenuous activity for about one month. Pain, swelling, and bruising should subside after a few days.

Costs

The costs of breast reduction surgery vary by the extent of work done, your surgeon, and location. Since your breast reduction surgery can involve multiple procedures, your surgeon and health insurance provider can help with more specific cost information.