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Breast Reduction

A breast reduction is a procedure covered by OHIP, when it is done for medical reasons. The breast is reduced in size and weight, and the nipple and breast mound is lifted to a higher position. This operation is performed at the hospital as a day surgery. There is no overnight stay required. The operation takes about 1 ½ hours.

We do not operate on smokers. Smoking decreases the blood supply, due to vasoconstriction from the nicotine in cigarettes. There is an increased risk of fat necrosis (hard lumps) and loss of the nipple. Smokers also have an increased risk of hematomas (blood clots). If you want this surgery, then you must be smoke-free prior to the consultation for a breast reduction for at least 6 week, and continue to be smoke-free for 6 weeks after the surgery.

Unfortunately, as with all surgery there are scars. However, the scars in this operation usually heal very well. It is the “lollipop” scar. The scar around the nipple areola complex (round brown or pink area) is hidden at this border and the vertical scar disappears over time. The older operation for a breast reduction involved the “anchor” scar. This is like the lollipop scar, but there is also a scar under the breast. We rarely do this “anchor” scar operation, so that the scars for a breast reduction are minimized.

Below are some before and after photos for comparison.

Before

After