Breast Reduction Surgery: Mammaplasty

Incisions

There are multiple options for how we make the incisions in your breasts to perform your reduction surgery. These options include:

• A circular pattern around the areola: The first option for incisions in breast reduction surgeries is to move in a circular pattern around the areola. The incision lines that remain will visible and permanent scars, although these scars are usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra.
• A keyhole or lollipop-shaped pattern around the areola: The next incision option in our breast reduction procedures is to move in a keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern around the areola and then vertically down to the breast crease.
• An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern: Another option is to perform incisions in the shape of an inverted T or anchor pattern.

Your incision pattern will be chosen through close consultation with your breast reduction surgeon, weighing your goals with his recommendations for the best results.

Removing & Repositioning the Tissue

After the incision is made, the nipple—which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply—is then repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary.

Underlying breast tissue is then reduced, lifted, and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large, pendulous breasts, the nipple, and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast in a procedure known as a free nipple graft.

We will also usually perform an areola reduction during this time.

Closing the Incisions

Once the breast tissue has been removed and repositioned, the incisions are brought together to reshape the new, smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts, and sutures, skin adhesives, and/or surgical tape are used to close the skin.

Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases, they will fade and significantly improve over time.

The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Your satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover.

When your breast reduction procedure is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube is, in rare cases, placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

As with other breast procedures, we’ll generally recommend you refrain from any kind of strenuous activity for at least three to six weeks following your reduction surgery.

To learn more about your options for a breast reduction procedure at the Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery, feel free to contact us today or call us at (252) 633-1197 to schedule a consultation with our friendly experts.