BREAST REDUCTION
(Reduction Mammaplasty)
| Procedure: | Reduce enlarged breast using liposuction and/or cutting out excess glandular tissue. (Sometimes covered by medical insurance.) |
| Length: | 1 hour or more. |
| Anesthesia: | Local with sedation, or general. |
| In/Outpatient: | Usually outpatient. |
| Side Effects: | Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks. |
| Risks: | Infection. Fluid accumulation. Injury to the skin. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Asymmetry. Pigmentation changes (may become permanent if exposed to sun). Excessive scarring if tissue was cut away. Need for second procedure to remove additional tissue. |
| Recovery: | Back to work : a few days. Physical contact with breasts : 3 to 4 weeks. Fading of scars : several months to a year or more. |
| Duration of Results: |
Permanent |
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
