What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reduces excess skin and breast tissue. This procedure is designed to remove excess weight from the breasts, to reduce shoulder, back and neck strain. It also lifts the breast and the nipple, rejuvenates the breast shape and results in an overall firmer and fuller breast.
Who is the right candidate for breast reduction surgery?
The ideal candidate for a breast reduction procedure is usually determined during the consultation stage with your surgeon.
You should consider a breast reduction if you:
- Suffer from chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by excess weight on your chest
- Are not content with the size of your breasts
- Have large and low breasts or nipples
- Feel limited concerning the physical activities you can perform
- Find it difficult to find suitable bras and/or other clothing items
What does a breast reduction involve?
A typical breast reduction procedure is performed under general anesthesia, to minimize the patient’s discomfort throughout the procedure. Less commonly, it can also be performed under regional anesthesia.
There are several breast reduction techniques, depending on the severity of the presentation. All techniques involve an incision around the areola (peri-areolar incision). It is impossible to reposition the nipple without this incision. This is similar to the mastopexy (breast lift) incision.
All techniques result in a smaller, firmer, rounder and fuller breast. Breast tissue, fat and excess skin are excised during the procedure. The 2 main techniques are the lollipop breast reduction (vertical scar) or the anchor-shaped breast reduction (inverted T).
Lollipop breast reduction (vertical scar): This technique involves a vertical scar, in addition to the peri-areolar incision. It is often called the “lollipop breast reduction” or “lollipop technique” due to the lollipop appearance of the final scar.
Anchor-shaped breast reduction (inverted T): This technique is very similar to the lollipop technique, however, there is an additional horizontal scar under the breast (in the infra-mammary fold). This scar is placed strategically and concealed by the breast. The final scar resembles an anchor or an inverted “T”. It is more suitable for patients with severe excess skin and sagging of the breasts/nipples (breast ptosis). More skin can be excised with this technique, resulting in the desired youthful breast shape and appearance.
Once Dr. Azzi has removed the excess tissue, he will then reposition the nipples higher (in a more youthful location) before closing the incisions with buried sutures.
To get more information, please refer to the before/after picture gallery courtesy of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
We also invite you to refer to this video on Breast Reduction surgery (Click on the “Breast” tab and then “Breast Reduction”).
How much does a breast reduction cost?
The cost of a breast reduction procedure generally depends on the treatment plan that is developed for you. The desire to perform additional surgeries (such as liposuction) will have an impact on the cost of the procedure. You might also be a candidate for a breast reduction covered by RAMQ (Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec). In Québec, breast reductions can be covered by RAMQ for patients that meet certain criteria.
During the consultation, Dr. Alain Azzi will perform a physical exam, and will discuss your specific needs. A member from our patient care coordination department will subsequently provide you with the details of the cost of a breast reduction in Montreal.
We offer both in person and virtual plastic surgery consultations.