Breast reduction is performed for reduce excessive breast tissue. Excess breasts cause physical restrictions, pain to breast, back, and neck and can be so severe that it leads to neck and back deformities, chronic headaches, and muscle irritation.
Breast reduction surgery is performed for functional rather than cosmetics reasons, the procedure involves excess breast tissue removal and breast reshaping.

The procedure
The incisions for breast reduction involves an anchor-shaped from around the areola , extend downward, and follows the natural crease beneath the breast. Excess breast tissue and skin are removed, re-set the nipple and areola to their new position. The surgical scar is anchor-shape.

The perieareolar breast reduction method may use in some cases and the surgical scar is hidden around the areola; however the breast shape tends to be flat and looks unnatural.

Anesthesia
The procedure is done under general anesthesia

The operation time
Breast reduction surgery generally takes about 3-5 hrs.

How long does the hospital stay?
One night after surgery.

Pain
Even the first day after surgery the pain is usually low; however you will receive IV pain medications an after that the pain will decrease and only slight discomfort is experienced for the first few days after surgery.

Expectation after surgery
The breasts will be wrapped with gauze and tape, and small drainage tubes are inserted to drain any excess fluids and blood.

The recovery period
The tape will be removed within a week. The stitches will be removed at day 5 post-op and you will wear a bra around the clock for several weeks until the swelling subside.
Exercise and routine physical activity should be avoid for 4 weeks.
You may feel random, shooting pain for a few months, this fades in time.

The long term results
For most people the breast reduction usually gives dramatic results. The chronic physical discomfort is gone, and the body shape is better.
The surgical scar is usually inconspicuous and fades; however in some cases the scar become wider from poor wound healing process.

Breast-feeding may not be possible, since the breast tissue and milk ducts are removed.

Possible risks and complications
All surgery has some potential risks, including negative reaction from anesthetic, bleeding, and infection; however, serious complication are quite rare, minor complications such as delayed wound healing is not uncommon in smokers. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their sensation permanently. In extremely rare cases the nipple and areola may lose blood supply and suffer tissue necrosis.

Ideal candidate for breast reduction
1. Realistic in their expectations
2. Wanting to improve their appearance and/or physical discomfort
3. In a good physical and psychological health
4. Not intending to breast feed in the future
5. 18 years of age or older