Procedure: Breast Reduction; Mammoplasty

Purpose: To reduce oversized, large and sagging breasts.

Surgery Length: 2-4 hours.

Anesthesia: General and/or local sedation.

Where: Outpatient surgery.

Recovery: Swelling, bruising and numbness. Permanent scarring.

Back to work: 2 weeks.

Full activities: 3-4 weeks.

Risks: Bleeding, infection, loss of sensation, and asymmetrical breasts or uneven position of nipples.

Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight including back, neck and shoulder pain in addition to other physical discomforts. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. Large breasts can also make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel embarrassment and cause self-consciousness. Breast Reduction, technically known as reduction mammoplasty, reduces disproportionate, oversized breasts by removing fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort.

The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.

The procedure does leave scars which should fade, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion. Every patient - and every physician, as well - has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.

Dr. Daniel Man's office is located directly across from Boca Raton Community Hospital at 851 Meadows Road, Suite 222, Boca Raton, Florida 33486, phone number 1-800-232-5508.