Breast reduction (or “reduction mammoplasty”) involves removing excess breast tissue and skin and re-positioning the breast tissue and nipple-areola complex higher on the chest wall. By removing extra breast tissue and skin, the surgeon can not only make the breasts smaller and firmer, but also improve breast symmetry and improve sagging. The result is breasts that look younger and perkier with a contour that is more in proportion to the woman’s body.
Breast reduction can be performed on women of any age but since every pregnancy can cause changes to the breasts, many women delay surgery until their families are complete. Although many women are able to breastfeed after breast reduction, any type of breast surgery has the potential to affect breastfeeding, so women who are concerned about breastfeeding may also want to delay surgery until they are sure they will not want to breastfeed again.