Breast reduction surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery may last from one to three and a half hours depending on the size and shape of the breast and the amount of tissue removed. Breast reduction reshapes the breasts and decreases breast size. It removes both excess skin and breast gland tissue. The surgery itself usually requires horizontal and vertical incisions along the lower part of the breast.
Scars remain visible for about a year.
They are permanent but fade with time. Younger women whose breasts are not yet fully developed and women who plan to breast-feed are discouraged from having breast reduction surgery. Following most types of breast surgery, gauze and a surgical bra are used for protection. Movement is usually painful until the swelling and bruising decrease in a few days. After about a week, the protective dressings are replaced with a soft bra to be worn several weeks.