Breast reduction can offer relief from the physical discomfort caused by large breasts. The procedure can also improve the size and shape of the breasts.

While breast reduction can be performed at any age it is recommended that the procedure be undertaken only when breast development has stopped.

Childbirth and breast-feeding can have a significant effect on the size and shape of your breasts. Though some women decide to have breast reduction before having children, you should discuss any plans to breast-feed with Dr. Haywood.

In assessing you as a candidate for breast reduction, Dr. Haywood will carefully check the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas. If you are overweight, Dr. Haywood may suggest that you stabilize your weight before having surgery.

There are many variations to the incisions used for breast reduction. The traditional method of breast reduction uses 3 incisions: one around the areola, the second vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease under the breast and the third along the natural curve of the breast crease.

After breast tissue, fat and skin are removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. Skin that was located above the nipple pre-surgery is pulled down and together to give a new shape to the breast. Liposuction may also be employed to contour under the arm.

Because the nipples and areolas remain attached to the breast tissue, sensation can usually be preserved. While breast-feeding may still be possible, this cannot be guaranteed.

There are occasional complications from breast reduction surgery. Some of the possible complications include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing and reactions to anesthesia.

The breasts may not be symmetrical or nipple height may vary after surgery. Loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts may be permanent though this is rare.

Several days after surgery you will be able to move about comfortably.

After breast reduction surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a couple of weeks. Usually normal activities can be resumed after several weeks.

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