Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia).

Procedure Time

1 - 1 1/2 hour

Time to Final Results

2 - 3 months

Recovery Time

1 - 2 weeks

  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

    Stop smoking

    Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

  • Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery.

    · Minimal activities for the first 4 days after surgery.

    · Remember to position yourself as you have been instructed.

    · Leave the bra/ace wrap in place as it helps with swelling.

    · 1-2 drains may be required. If asked, drainage amounts should be logged and taken to each postoperative visit for us to review.

    · Do not raise your arms above your shoulders. Washing your hair is ok.

    · NO heavy lifting, pushing or pulling for a minimum of one week.

    · After the first week, full range of motion with your arms is permissible, but lifting is restricted to five pounds or less.

    · You may shower/sponge bath 48 hours after surgery with assistance.

    · You will follow up with one of our nurses 1-3 days after surgery. You will follow up with Dr. Stacey if any concerns arise during this time. Otherwise, you will follow up with him at your two-week post op appointment.

    · Sutures are all dissolvable and do not need to be removed. You will have glue

    over your incisions and this will be removed at your two-week post-op appointment.

    · To return to non-strenuous work after 1-2 weeks.

    · Moderate discomfort, which should be relieved by the pain medications. Also, placing well-padded ice bags high on the chest often relieves discomfort.

    · Moderate swelling of the breasts and abdomen.

    · Bruising around the breasts.

    · Some bloody drainage on the dressings.

    Call the office if you experience:

    · Severe pain not responding to pain medications.

    · Excess swelling or swelling that is greater on one side than the other.

    · A bright red spot on the bandage which continues to enlarge.

    · Incisions that appear to be opening or becoming very red, hot to the touch or containing pus.

    · You notice any signs of increasing firmness of one or both breasts.

    · If you have had a nipple graft, notify Dr. Stacey if the graft is becoming darker in color.

    · A fever.

    · Call the office if you have any questions.