Breast Reduction

Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, and repositions the nipple-areola complex (NAC) to relieve symptoms caused by overly large breasts (macromastia), including chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, postural problems, and skin irritation under the breasts. MedlinePlus describes the standard anchor-pattern technique: under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes three incisions, one around the areola, one running vertically from the areola down to the inframammary crease, and one along the inframammary crease itself; excess glandular tissue, fat and skin are removed, the areola is often reduced in diameter, and the NAC is moved upward to its new position on a vascular pedicle (MedlinePlus). Candidates are typically adults whose breasts have stopped growing and who have documented symptoms or functional limitations from breast size. In many health systems, breast reduction is reimbursed when symptoms are documented and a minimum tissue resection (often 500 g per breast) is anticipated. The operation lasts 2-5 hours and most patients spend two to four nights in hospital, with drains usually placed for the first 1-2 days. Variations of the technique include the vertical 'lollipop' scar and the short-scar inferior-pedicle approach, selected based on breast size and amount of ptosis (MedlinePlus). For international patients in South Korea, planning a 14-day stay is realistic: surgery and 2-4 hospital nights, drain removal at 2-3 days, stitch removal at 7-14 days, and final clearance to fly home. A surgical or sports bra is worn around the clock for 4-6 weeks. Patients may feel sore for 2-3 weeks; lifting, driving and return to office work are usually possible at 3-4 weeks (MedlinePlus). Scarring is permanent and most visible during the first 12 months before fading. Sensation in the nipple and breast skin is temporarily reduced in most patients and may take months to return; a minority experience permanent partial loss of nipple sensation. Breastfeeding may be reduced or impossible after the operation depending on the pedicle technique used (MedlinePlus).