Large breasts have been universally accepted as a sign of feminity and sensuality. But when it is unduly and disproportionately large, it leads to several physical and psychological problems.

These can cause back, neck or shoulder pain, grooves in the shoulder, skin problems between and below the breasts and even postural issues. Physical activities get restricted. One finds it difficult to procure the ideal size for clothing or bras. These ultimately lead to losing one’s self-confidence and self-esteem.

Reduction mammoplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the breast volume by excising excess fat, glandular tissues, skin and thereby improving the shape and size of the breast by lifting it and repositioning the nipple areolar complex to a youthful position.

There are several techniques for breast reduction which is customized to the patient.

1. Vertical scar reduction (lollipop breast reduction) is a very popular option where incision runs around the areolar (the pigmented area) and then runs vertically down the center of the inferior half of the breast giving the procedure the name ‘lollipop’. This improves the shape and projection of mild to moderately large sized breast.
2. Anchor, Inverted-T or Wise Pattern breast reduction. Here the incisions are made around the areolar and continues vertically down the center of the inferior half of the breast and another incision made horizontally along of the bottom of the breast (infra mammary region).
3. Donut or Benelli breast reduction. This is an option for small sized breast which are saggy. Here the incision runs only around the circumference of the areola.
4. Free Nipple Graft. This is usually done for disproportionately large breast (gigantomastia). The drawbacks of this technique are loss of lactation and loss of nipple sensation and contractility.

• An Ideal candidate for a beast reduction, is a healthy adult female with realistic expectations having disproportionately sized breasts which are pendulous and causing physical and psychological problems.
• It is done under general anesthesia.
• Duration of the procedure is 3 to 5 hours depending on the breast size. (Macromastia or Gigantomastia)
• It can be a daycare or overnight procedure.
• Recovery phase is around 2 weeks.
• Most of the swelling and bruising disappear in 2 to 3 weeks.
• One is advised to sleep with head end elevated for 10 days.
• Strenuous and sexual activities are to be refrained from for 6 weeks.
• A customized compression garment in the form of a support brassier is to be worn for 6 weeks.
• One can resume work in 10 to 14 days.
• Numbness felt, post operatively, eventually recovers in few months’ time eventually.
• Lactational capability has the likelihood of being reduced depending on the procedure.

Breast reduction is an extremely gratifying procedure in females. It alleviates all physical discomforts and boosts one’s confidence level and self-image. The breast gets reduced to a comfortably proportionate size and shape along with the nipple areolar complex being lifted to a more youthful position.

In an experienced hand and on an ideal candidate, complications and risks are minimal. Nevertheless, the possible risks and complications can be bleeding, infection, hematoma, seroma, delayed wound healing, wound breakdown, undesirable shape and scarring, inability to lactate, partial or complete tissue or nipple loss (necrosis) partial / total temporary or permanent loss of nipple sensation, fat necrosis and deep vein thrombosis.