Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery, or a reduction mammaplasty, is a common procedure many women seek out to relieve themselves of the burden of overly large breasts.

Plastic surgeons at the University of Florida Health in Gainesville perform this common procedure to not only help women relieve themselves of the head, neck and shoulder pain overly large breasts can cause, but to help improve their quality of life as well.

How do breast reduction surgeons in Gainesville perform this procedure?

The first step is meeting with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations of breast reduction surgery and if it’s right for you. During this initial consultation, they will examine your breasts to determine what technique they will use.

1. Initial consultation and establishing a plan

The first step in any plastic surgery procedure is meeting with your surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations. Your Florida plastic surgeon will examine your breast composition and the amount of desired reduction and suggest a technique based on your preferences and their recommendations.

2. Administration of anesthesia

Breast reduction surgery is a quick plastic surgery procedure administered under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Your surgeon will recommend the best type of anesthesia to use during your procedure. DO NOT EAT BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

3. Cutting the incisions

After the anesthesia is administered and you are asleep or fully sedated, the plastic surgeon will cut the incisions. Which incision pattern they choose depends on the factors outlined in step one. The remaining incision lines are visible and permanent scars but are well concealed beneath a bra or bathing suit.

Circular pattern around
the areola
Around areola and vertically
down to breast crease
Inverted T or
anchor-shaped incision

4. Remove tissue and reposition

After the Florida breast reduction surgeon cuts the incisions, they will reposition the nipple, which remains connected to its original blood and nerve supply. If necessary, the areola is trimmed by excising skin around the perimeter.

For extremely large and pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be completely removed and repositioned through a process called a free nipple graft.

Next, a certain amount of breast tissue is taken out with the rest being lifted and shaped.

5. Closing the incisions

After removing tissue and repositioning the breasts, the plastic surgeon will bring together the incision lines to reshape the new, smaller breasts. The new breasts are created and supported by sutures layered deep within the breast tissue. Sutures, skin adhesive and/or surgical tape are used to close the skin. Incision lines are permanent but will fade over time.

Reactions to anesthesia can vary from person to person but most people have no problem. You may take awhile to wake up or may wake up abruptly, and when you do, you may feel hot, cold or a bit numb. You may even feel a little nauseous and go through either a crying or giggling spell. Don’t worry, it’s all normal and your surgeon will be watching over you as the anesthesia wears off.

Recovery time is pretty short and you should be able to return to work within a couple of weeks. Several weeks of reduced activity are required to ensure the incisions properly heal. You may wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. Your surgeon will give you instructions on any medications you should take to reduce the risk of infection and aid the healing process.

Bookmark and check back often with the Florida plastic surgery knowledge center for more articles and information concerning breast reduction surgery and a wide array of plastic and cosmetic surgery options available from Gainesville plastic surgeons at the University of Florida

Take the next step to a new you. Call 352.265.8402 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.