Breast Reduction

Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed to help patients who experience pain and discomfort from overly large breasts. The goal of the surgery is to remove excess breast tissue and skin, creating smaller, lighter breasts that are more proportional to your body.

Many patients seek a breast reduction to find relief from common issues such as chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, discomfort during daily activities, and skin irritation or infections under the breasts.

Common Breast Reduction Techniques

The right surgical approach is chosen based on your unique anatomy and desired outcome. Here are the most common techniques used:

• Anchor or Inverted-T Reduction: This is the traditional and most frequently performed breast reduction technique. It involves incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the fold of the breast. This method allows for the significant removal of excess fat, skin, and breast tissue. The nipple and areola are typically reduced in size and repositioned higher on the new breast mound. This technique is ideal for women with extremely large and sagging breasts, though it does result in more extensive scarring.

• Vertical or "Lollipop" Reduction: A more recent technique, the vertical reduction involves less scarring. The incision goes around the areola and then straight down to the breast crease, resembling a lollipop. This approach is well-suited for women with moderately to very large breasts who do not have significant sagging.

• Free Nipple Graft: In very rare cases of extremely large and low-hanging breasts, this technique may be necessary. It involves removing the nipple-areola complexes and grafting them onto their new, higher position after the breast tissue has been reduced. This is typically reserved for situations where blood flow to the nipple may be compromised with other techniques.

The risk of nipple sensation changes or partial loss exists with any technique, but your surgeon will take every precaution. The potential for total nipple loss is extremely rare.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction

Who is a good candidate for breast reduction?
The best candidates are healthy individuals with realistic expectations for their surgical outcome. We strongly recommend that patients are at a stable weight for at least six months and have a BMI below 30 before surgery. Being close to your ideal weight helps minimize the need for future revisions and reduces potential complications.

How is a breast reduction performed?
The procedure is tailored to your needs. Depending on the amount of excess skin and the position of your nipples, your surgeon will use either a vertical (lollipop) or an anchor (inverted-T) incision pattern. Your safety and final result are the highest priorities.

What is the recovery process like?
Recovery can vary, but here is a general timeline:

• Downtime: Most patients require one to two weeks of recovery time.

• First Week: Expect moderate swelling and some minor bruising.

• After One Month: The majority of the swelling will have resolved. A supportive post-operative bra is often recommended for the first month.

• Common Discomfort: Discomfort from swelling and some pain along the incision lines are the most common complaints after surgery. Changes in nipple sensitivity may also occur.

​​​​​​​Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
This is a common and important concern. Breast reduction surgery does remove some breast tissue, which could affect milk production. However, both the anchor and vertical techniques are designed to preserve the main milk ducts and their connections to the nipple. As a result, it is often still possible to breastfeed after a breast reduction.

If you’re ready to explore your options, consult with Dr. Han Hoang, a board-certified, UCLA-trained plastic surgeon, to create a customized plan tailored to your unique needs.

📞 Call us at 714-584-3507
 📧 Email us at hanhoangmd@gmail.com