A surgical procedure that involves reducing the size of the breasts and repositioning on the chest, placing them in a higher and more aesthetically pleasing position.
The surgeon uses small incisions which leave only small scars and create breasts with a more attractive appearance. Prior to surgery, to choose the best technique, the surgeon examines several factors:- skin quality, breast firmness and patient age, as well as finding out whether the patient has been a mother and/or if she has reached the menopause.
Whatever the specific technique, this surgery improves breast shape and the aesthetic appearance of the breast.

Breast reduction is performed on women with large breasts, so heavy that they can cause chest pain as well as neck, spine, shoulder and skeletal deformities together with breathing problems.  Appropriate clothing is difficult to find.
The surgical procedure is also indicated for women with large breasts leading to stretch marks, breast infection, sleeping problems or poor posture.

The type of incision depends on the size and shape of the breasts.   The location is chosen so that the scar is hidden under the bra.
The surgeon removes skin, glandular tissue and fat, and then the nipple and areola are moved to their new position to create smaller breasts.
Liposuction may be needed to shape the new breast contour.
Although techniques vary with the severity of the clinical situation, the most common is an incision around the areola, extending vertically down and following the natural curve of the breast, thereby removing excess glandular tissue, fat and skin.

It is recommended to stop taking medicines, especially those that contain aspirin (it alters the time required for bleeding and clotting).
Ten days prior to the operation  the patient should stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

This is not a simple surgery, but usually safe. Side effects that may occur include bleeding and infection.
The surgery causes some scars around the nipple, vertically down from the nipple and possibly under the breast, but these tend to fade with time.   It can also cause loss of sensitivity of the nipple and breast, which may be temporary or permanent in one or both areas.
Breastfeeding may not always be possible after surgery, depending on the number of milk excretion channels removed.

Immediately after surgery, patients may experience bruising and swelling, which can be treated with oral medication.
The patient should use a rubber band or a surgical bra over gauze dressings, with stitches and possible drains underneath. The patient should also use a special bra for sixty to ninety days without interruption.
The drains and dressings are removed one to two days after surgery but patients should continue to use a band or sports bra for one to four weeks until the swelling and bruising disappears.
The stitches will be removed one to two weeks after surgery.

Recovery from breast reduction can last several months, with swelling and pain in the initial period.
After the patient has been discharged from hospital, she may need to rest at home for two to six weeks, depending on her age and health condition.
Numbness or hypersensitivity of the breast and nipple may last for up to one year.  The final results of surgery to reduce breast size become visible in six months to a year.