Large breasts can result in self-consciousness, improper posture, pain in the back and neck, indentations from bra straps, skin rashes, and skeletal deformities. Breast reduction surgery is usually done to provide physical relief from these symptoms. Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure removes fat and glandular tissue, and trims excess skin to produce smaller, lighter breasts that are in a healthier proportion to the rest of the body.

How is a Breast Reduction Performed?

Breast reduction surgery, which usually takes from three to four hours, is performed under general anaesthesia. After Dr. Kim removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola (colored skin around the nipple) are shifted to a higher position. Skin that was located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast, and the areola is reduced in size.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Reduction?

Women who seek breast reduction often have had children, are overweight, have a predisposition for large, disproportionate breasts, or are sensitive to estrogen. Big breasts often run in a family, inherited from mothers and grandmothers. Since breast feeding and pregnancies exaggerate large breasts, Breast Reduction Surgery is not recommended for women who intend to have more children.

Recovering from Breast Reduction

As with any operation, breast reduction surgery results in a recovery period during which patients may experience some discomfort. After surgery, the breasts will be supported with dressings and will not be bound by a bra. The breasts need to undergo a period of settling while the overlying tissue adjusts to the decreased volume underneath. Activities are as tolerated; some people return to normal activities in a few days and others in a week to 10 days.

There is a small chance of infection or bleeding after breast reduction surgery. In some instances, the sensation to the breast may change.

Breast Reduction Results

Breast size is reduced and reshaped so that they are proportionate to the rest of your body and are no longer a source of physical discomfort. Many women enjoy an improved appearance while are relieved of the physical and emotional burden of overly large breasts.