Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that removes fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts making them smaller and firmer. Breast reduction surgery can also reduce the size of your areolas and help to restore sagging breasts to give them a more youthful appearance. Some women choose to have breast reduction in order to satisfy their own desire for a smaller bustline or because of back and neck pain that is sometimes associated from having overdeveloped breasts. Whatever the reason may be, Dr. Rohrich can help you become more comfortable with your body by making you better-proportioned with smaller breasts.

Dr. Rohrich is a *board-certified, world-renown, plastic surgeon and has spent over 15 years specializing in cosmetic surgery. He has written numerous articles for scientific journals and magazines and lectures internationally on plastic surgery. He is Chairman of The Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

If you're considering breast reduction surgery, the information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure but it can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask Dr. Rohrich if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure. For more information, please visit the "Frequently Asked Questions" for more information about the surgical procedure.

* American Board of Plastic Surgery

Am I a good candidate for the surgery?

Your visit with Dr. Rohrich will determine if you are a good candidate. If you are in good physical and mental health, have no breast disease and have reasonable expectations, you may be an appropriate candidate. You may be required to have a mammogram before your surgery.

Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Rohrich.

Back to top

What should I expect from my consultation?

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size and anything else related to the appearance of your breasts that you feel is important. This will help Dr. Rohrich understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. He will examine your breasts and will consider such factors as the size and shape, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas. Measurements will be taken which are necessary for insurance approval and planning of the surgery. He will explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. After your consultation, Dr. Rohrich's photographer will take photographs for your medical record and you will meet with his secretary to discuss the cost of the surgery and scheduling dates.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries including breast biopsies, and medications that you currently take. You will be asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer and about results of any mammograms. It is important for you to provide complete information.

Back to top

How is the surgery performed?

Techniques for breast reduction vary but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The skin from both sides of the breast is brought down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Dr. Rohrich uses a breast reduction technique called "wetting solution with sharp dissection." This technique allows for accurate and precise breast contouring and helps to minimize blood loss. Dr. Rohrich will also utilize the latest techniques to minimize the length of the incision necessary for your surgery. He may also use liposuction to remove fat from the armpit area. Occasionally in breast reductions when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction can be used to reduce the breast size leaving minimal scars.

In most cases in breast reduction surgery, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and positioned into a higher position. This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areola tissue.

Back to top

What happens the day of surgery?

Your breast reduction surgery will be performed at either one of our specialty hospitals or an accredited outpatient surgery facility.

Prior to the procedure, medications are administered for your comfort and to lessen the anxiety if need be. General anesthesia is typically used for patients undergoing breast reduction surgery. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the technique used. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored. A surgical bra will be placed around your chest to reduce swelling. You may be permitted to go home the following day.

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you to assist you the first couple of days while at home. The "Patient Care" section of this website provides instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, medications to avoid, drinking and smoking. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

Back to top

What is the recovery like?

You will have some discomfort and/or pain following surgery. While you are in the hospital your pain is controlled intravenously for the first 24 hours. When you are discharged, you will be given prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics as well.

The surgical bra will be removed after 2 to 3 days and you will be permitted to shower after removal of your drains. Your sutures will come out in 7 to 10 days. Steri-strips should be worn to decrease the appearance of scars. You may have drains that will require you to measure and record the fluid that your body expresses. You will be given instructions on how and when to report it during your recovery.

Plan on having limited physical activity for at least six weeks. No lifting over ten pounds for 4 to 6 weeks and no workouts or activities that increase your heart rate above 100 beats per minute or stretching exercises for at least 3 weeks.

Back to top

What should I know about my results?

Whenever surgery is performed on the body a scar will result. Your incision will be around your nipple and down the center of your breast. These scars will become pale-pink to white in color, depending on your skin color, in 6 to 12 months.

Dr. Rohrich may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammography examination some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast reduction, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination.

Back to top

What does the surgery cost?

Some medical insurance companies may pay for this type of surgery if your internist or Primary Care Physician determines it is "medically necessary." Dr. Rohrich's secretary will assist in coordinating insurance approval by sending photographs and preparing information for predetermination. You will be responsible for paying any co-payment or services not covered by your insurance company.

Back to top