Breast Reduction Techniques

Breast reduction surgery describes an array of surgical approaches for reducing the size of the breast by removing skin, fat and glandular tissue.

The nipple areolar complex is usually repositioned and sometimes the areola is reduced in size. The majority of breast reductions are performed to relieve chronic pain that can be caused by overly large breast, but some may be performed on males who suffer from gynecomastia, a condition that causes more feminine-looking breasts.

A variety of techniques exist when it comes to breast reductions and there is still some debate over which ones provide the best quality of life for the patient long term. Surgical techniques vary to accommodate the different challenges each set of breasts may offer. Some techniques are able to remove more tissue, but may leave more visible scarring. Other techniques tackle the challenge of protecting the connection of the nipple areolar complex to the tissue below so that both feeling and the ability to breast feed are left intact after surgery. This page will give an overview of the most common techniques used for breast reductions.

• Keyhole Breast Reduction Technique - The keyhole technique gets its name from the shape of the incisions made during the breast reduction and is technically called the "inferior pedicle." Other names for this technique include the "inverted T" and the "wise pattern." This incision pattern cuts out tissue from around the nipple areolar complex and then removes a vertical wedge shape that extends downward along the natural breast contours. This is by and large the most commonly performed breast reduction surgery, because it carries the most dependable results. It does leave feeling in the nipple and maintains the ability to breast feed following surgery. However, one of the stated drawbacks is that the inferior pedicle technique may leave the breasts with a "boxy" look.
• Vertical Scar Breast Reduction Technique - The vertical scar breast reduction technique has some advantages in shorter scars and less healing time because of the shorter incisions. The surgery time tends to be shorter and some argue that the long term benefits are better than the inferior pedicle technique. The projected shape the technique gives to the breast is another reason for the growing popularity of this approach to breast reduction. However, the vertical scar may still be undesirable compared to other techniques.
• Horizontal Scar Breast Reduction Technique - The horizontal scar breast reduction technique modifies the inferior pedicle technique, but opts for a horizontal scar instead. The skin and tissue is removed around the areola in a method similar to the keyhole style. However, the vertical wedge-shaped incision is eschewed for a horizontal incision that runs along the inframammary fold of the breast. This incision can be less noticeable than a vertical incision, but the horizontal incision is not invisible either. This breast reduction technique can offer a shorter scar when a woman is too large for the vertical scar option. One stated drawback is the potential for a "boxy" breast shape after surgery. A breast reduction surgeon will know best when this is a good option.
• Liposuction -only - Breast Reduction Technique - Some patients opt for a liposuction-only breast reduction when more invasive surgery is unwanted or less possible. Liposuction can remove some of the fatty tissue that adds weight to the breast, but the overall results will never be as dramatic as other breast reduction techniques. Some patients opt for this approach when they are unable to withstand the long periods of anesthesia required by other techniques. This technique is best suited to those on the smaller end of large breasts and those with little drooping. Liposuction can also be a preferred technique for men suffering from gynecomastia as the surgeon can remove most of the fatty tissue this way and just remove dense tissue with a few small incisions. This allows for far less scarring when the technique is available.
• Free Nipple Graft Breast Reduction Technique - When other techniques may pose specific risks to the patient, a free nipple graft may be chosen as an option when doing a breast reduction. The risks of a reduced blood supply to the nipple areolar complex can be real and detrimental to certain breast reduction candidates. Smokers and diabetics are especially at risk for blood supply problems. Because of this risk, the free nipple graft technique completely removes the nipple and areola from its underlying tissue and places it in a new area higher up on the breast. The look of the nipple and areola is maintained as well as an aesthetically correct placement on the breast. However, all feeling in the nipple and areola is lost and the ability to breast feed is lost as well. A breast reduction surgeon will know best when the free nipple graft is best for the patient and this option can be discussed at consultation.

Men and Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery can help men who have developed gynecomastia, a condition which typically develops during adolescence and leaves the man with more feminine-looking breasts.

Unnecessary embarrassment and a lack of confidence may come along with this condition, but breast reduction surgery can offer corrections to this problem. Many men can be aided by simple liposuction-only breast reduction techniques. These techniques are less involved than techniques developed for women and usually only require very small incision lines to perform the liposuction. The surgery varies based on the amount of fatty tissue versus glandular tissue. Glandular tissue requires more invasive procedures to remove and correct, but is still a modest, out-patient process.

Setting up a Breast Reduction consultation

A consultation with a qualified surgeon is the first step in finding out what technique and approach is right for your breast reduction.

During this consultation, a surgeon will examine your breasts and often take photos for surgical reference if you decide to pursue a breast reduction. Breast reduction techniques vary based on the size of the breasts and their degree of sagging. A surgeon will be able to discuss your unique needs based on examination in person. Finding a good surgeon can be a challenge. For this reason, our site provides a directory of qualified surgeons to help you find a good doctor in your area.