How is breast reduction performed?
A breast reduction is usually performed in an outpatient surgical setting under sedation or general anesthesia. Prior to surgery, a complete breast examination is conducted and may include a mammogram. One of several techniques may be used to perform a breast reduction, the most common being a brassiere pattern skin reduction. This technique may involve a combination of vertical and horizontal incisions which resemble an upside down “T”, as well as an incision around the nipple area. In selected patients, there may only be the need for a vertical incision and the horizontal portion may be minimal or nonexistent. Excess fat, tissue are removed from the sides of the breast, usually by using fine cannulae liposuction. Following the excision, the nipple, areola (the pigmented area circling the nipple) and tissue below are relocated but not detached. Small sutures are used to close the incisions. A second procedure, used on patients with extremely large breasts, includes complete detachment
