Breast reduction is also known as reduction "Mammaplasty", and is designed to reduce the weight and size of the breasts. A number of women with very large breasts suffer from back and neck ache, rashes underneath the breasts, and difficulty with finding a suitable wardrobe, The operation reduces the overall size of the breast by removal of breast tissue and skin. It also usually involves re positioning of the nipple site to the correct level. You may be a candidate for breast reduction if you fulfill some of the following criteria : - dissatisfaction or self consciousness about the largeness of your breasts - pain in the back, neck or shoulders - Indentations on your shoulders by pressure from bra straps - asymmetry of the breasts (one larger than the other) - Intertrigo, or skin irritation/ fungal infection underneath your breasts- size and weight of your breasts interfering with your physical activity. The operation may be performed at any age, but generally it is better to wait until breast development has stopped.

Although childbirth and breast feeding do have an effect on the size and shape of your breasts, some women prefer to have the operation done before starting a family, Your consultation will involve a full medical history, and developmental history of your breasts.Any breast biopsies or family history of breast cancer is also significant You should inform your surgeon if you have a tendency to decrease or increase the size of your breasts with body weight fluctuations. It may be necessary in this case to reach your ideal weight prior to surgery. An examination of the breasts is done noting the size, presence of any lumps, position of the nipple, and quality of the skin. You will be asked about your desired breast size, and any other aspects you would like to improve. The operation involves an incision which runs around the areola, and then from the lower edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast, From here it runs under the natural curve of the breast , lying within the crease.

Breast tissue and skin are removed, and the nipple areola complex is brought up to its new position usually attached to the breast tissue underneath. It thus can maintain its sensation, and the ability to breast feed may also be preserved, however this cannot be guaranteed, In the first instance one would consider that the operation does involve a considerable number of surgical scars, however it is surprising to note how little concern this is to most large breasted women who are very satisfied with the reduction in breast size.In fact the level of patient satisfaction resulting from breast reduction is amongst the highest of any plastic surgery procedure.

At the time of your consultation, potential complications will be discussed with you and these are generally bleeding, infection and the possible need for blood transfusion. Following reduction, minor imperfections of size or height of the nipple may be evident when comparing the two breasts, however these are easily adjusted at a later date. Breast reduction does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, then I may recommend a mammogram before surgery, and another some months after surgery.The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthesia and small drainage tubes are placed In your breasts at the end of the operation to carry away excess accumulation of fluids.

These are removed in 48 hrs or so. You will be encouraged to ambulate the next day, and wear a support bra for two weeks. Your breasts will be bruised and swollen, but this should subside In two weeks.Stitches are removed by two weeks.You may resume normal activities by six weeks and are usually back to work in two weeks. Unless you lose or gain significant amount of weight or become pregnant your breast size should remain fairly constant. Gravity and the effects of age will alter the shape of every woman's breasts with time, and you may like to undergo a breast "lifting" procedure after some years to restore the more youthful contours. Since the scars will essentially lie in the same place, no additional scarring will take place.