Breast Reduction

Many women suffer from the effects of large breasts. Back pain, shoulder pain, skin infections, and other problems are common. In other cases the breasts are simply unpleasantly large and sagging. Traditional breast reduction surgery decreases the size and weight of the breasts while improving their form. Newer Liposuction Breast Reduction techniques remove only the extra fat and do not cut away skin. This leaves far less scarring, but will not be the right procedure for everyone. (see Scarless Breast Reduction) There are many types of surgical breast lift and reduction and no two cases are alike. In some cases the nipple is left attached to the breast and moved, while in others the nipple is removed and grafted back on. Some cases require a "T" shaped scar, while others require only a scar around the areola. This operation can affect breast sensation as well as the ability to breastfeed. The only way to tell what is best for you, and what the effects of the surgery might be, is a consultation with Dr. Martin Moskovitz in New Jersey, for a safe and beautiful breast reduction.

Breast Reduction Pre-Operative Care

Routine laboratory testing is often performed and photographs are taken to assess post-operative effectiveness of the breast lift and reduction. Mammograms are ordered in all patients 30 years old and over in order to detect any possible abnormalities and to serve as a baseline for post-operative comparison.

No aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar drugs should be taken within two weeks of surgery. These medications can cause serious excess bleeding during and after the operation. If you have any questions about drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter preparations and natural herbs, please call us at (201) 225-1101.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight of the night before your surgery. This includes coffee and juice in the morning. Oral medications can be taken with a sip of water.

Breast Reduction Operation

You should be at the office surgicenter or hospital at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled surgical start time. Bring all paperwork from the office with you, as this will save time on the day of surgery.

In most cases, the operation is very similar to the breast lift/mastopexy procedure except that breast tissue and fat are removed along with the extra skin in order to provide a better-formed and smaller breast.

Some patients with good skin tone and a limited amount of excess breast can be treated with liposuction of the breast and compression garments. This technique minimizes the scarring but it can be used in a limited number of patients.

Drains may be placed at the end of surgery and a fluffy dressing is administered.

Breast Reduction Post-Operative Care

Keep the dressing on until seen by us in either the office or, if you stay in the hospital one night, your room. The dressings will be changed and the drains removed. You will then be placed into a supportive, sport-type bra or ace bandage.

Keep exertion to a minimum for two weeks. Take the pain medicine as prescribed. The scars may be noticeable for several months but will fade dramatically in most cases by 12 months.