Breast reduction is a procedure to reduce the large volume of the breast to suit the individual’s body frame.

Best Candidates:

• All women who express pain in the back, shoulders and neck due to excessively large breasts. These women may develop skin irritation (intertrigo) underneath their breasts and may have indentations over the shoulders due to bra straps.
• Women who have difficulty in finding clothes that fit, because their breasts are too large in size, in proportion to their body frame.
• Women who have one breast larger than the other and who have a low self image due to their large breasts.
  
  

Technique:
The  standard  breast  reduction  procedure involves  removal of breast  tissue  through an incision which  goes  around  the  nipple and  extends down  like an inverted ‘T”. The nipple and areola are relocated a little higher. In cases of breast lift (mastopexy) the desired volume of breast tissue is left intact.

Variations:
Vertical incision technique and periaereolar incision technique are used to avoid a longer inverted T scar. However the choice of technique depends upon the size and shape of the breast.
A minimal scar surgery can be performed in select individuals when relatively small reduction is the goal. Liposuction of sides may be beneficial in some individuals to give a better contour.

Anesthesia:
Breast reduction is usually done under general anesthesia.

Before Surgery :
It is necessary to discuss in detail with the surgeon the following issues.

• The desired new shape and size of the breast
• Desire to bear a child and breast feed after surgery
• Need to combine any other aesthetic procedures
• Medical history

After surgery:

• Supportive dressings should be worn for about 5 days followed by supportive under-garments for about 6 weeks.
• Bruising, numbness, fluid collection, blood collection – these side effects are temporary.
• A temporary or permanent loss of sensation to the nipple.
•  An inconspicuous scar may be seen depending upon the technique and the extent of breast reduction.
• A minor   secondary correction may be required to give the desired form and shape of the breast.

Duration of Results: Permanent.
However the shape of the breast may alter as age advances and also with pregnancy. This may necessitate secondary surgery.

Cost: It depends upon the magnitude of surgery .Its generally between INR 65,000-1,00,000.