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By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Zeynep Sevim, on Apr 17, 2023

Who is not qualified for breast reduction?

Reduction mammoplasty surgery or breast reduction surgery is not recommended for patients with serious health conditions such as heart problems, lung disease, or diabetes. Surgeons can decide if the patient is eligible for the surgery through the appropriate tests and examinations. 

How long should you stay in the hospital after the surgery? 

The patient is required to stay 1 night in the hospital. 

How long is the procedure? 

The surgery will take between 2 to 3 hours if there is no complication. 

What you should avoid before the surgery? 

Patients should stop smoking for at least a month before going in for breast reduction surgery. The usage of aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements is prohibited at least two weeks before reduction mammoplasty surgery.

Patients should also prepare aftercare requirements before the surgery, such as plenty of ice and gauze and clean washcloths and towels.

How breast reduction is performed?

Firstly, the patient will be put to sleep, under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Then the surgeon will begin marking the incision spots. Usually, the surgeon will create an incision around the nipple, and then down to the crease where the breast meets the chest wall. A circular, keyhole or an inverted “T” shape pattern incision around the areola could be used.

Once the incision is created, the surgeon will proceed to remove the patient's extra fat, skin, and mammary tissue from the breast, and the underlying breast tissue is lifted and shaped.

After that, the surgeon repositions the nipple to a more appropriate level. Breast reduction scars are usually permanent, or if visible they can be usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra.

Drains are then placed, and the incision is stitched up before being wrapped in bandages. The surgery is completed at this point, and the breast reduction recovery period can begin. 

The Recovery Timeline

The breast reduction recovery period lasts around 2 weeks but it may take more time for the breast reduction scars to become less visible. Patients will be required to wear a special medical support bra during the breast reduction recovery period. Sleeping on the stomach is not allowed during this period.

Patients can usually return to work in around 1-2 weeks but sports should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks. Clinics usually provide patients with a full set of instructions in order to make the breast reduction recovery period easier to handle.

The breast reduction recovery period generally lasts around 2 weeks, but it may take more time for the breast reduction scars to become less visible.

Patients will be required to wear a special medical support bra during the recovery period. Patients need to stop physical activity for at least one month after surgery, and sleeping on the stomach is not allowed during this period.

Patients can usually return to work in around 1-2 weeks. Surgeons set follow-up appointments for removing bandages and stitches and provide patients with a full set of instructions in order to make the breast reduction recovery period easier to handle.

Breast reduction side effects 

Reduction mammoplasty side effects can include changes in nipple or breast sensation, swelling, pain which can be relieved with prescribed painkillers, numbness in the chest area, feelings of discomfort, and temporary bleeding. 

These post-operatory effects will gradually subside after the first week of the breast reduction recovery period.

Breast reduction success rate

The average breast reduction surgery success rate is around 98% according to studies conducted. Patients have a lower chance of developing complications after reduction mammoplasty surgery.

What to expect after breast reduction?

Reduction mammoplasty surgery patients enjoy a more active lifestyle after the procedure. This procedure is a relief for women suffering from chronic shoulder, neck, and back pain arising from the size of the breasts. The effects of reduction mammoplasty are practically indefinite – the procedure is life-changing for most patients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I breastfeed after reduction in Mammoplasty surgery?

There is no definitive answer to this question. If the ducts and glands that produce milk are damaged, there may be problems with breastfeeding in the future. During breast reduction surgery, some of the nerves responsible for sensation and reflex, which stimulates your brain to produce milk when a baby sucks on your nipple, can also be interrupted. These are the risks, but with a skilled and experienced surgeon, the risks of affecting breastfeeding can be minimized.

Can reduction Mammoplasty surgery be combined with other procedures?

Yes, patients can combine reduction mammoplasty surgery with a tummy tuck procedure for a better result. Besides, women may get the best results by receiving a combination of breast reduction and breast lift procedures. 

Can Liposuction be used alone for Reduction Mammoplasty surgery?

Yes, in some cases, surgeons decide that liposuction is enough to bring the desired results, but most circumstances require the excision of skin tissue as well.