Reduction mammoplasty, more commonly known as breast reduction, is a procedure that reshapes the breasts making them smaller, lighter, firmer and more symmetrical. This is done by removing excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts.
Dr. Victor Urzola is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers an unparalleled level of experience and research-based expertise with elegant, natural-looking results. To schedule an appointment for a consultation go to the contact page. In addition to serving patients from Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States, we welcome patients from all over the world. Dr. Urzola speaks Italian, Spanish, English and French.
Breast Reduction
This procedure is not only performed for aesthetic purposes, but also to alleviate physical discomfort and social anxiety due to the large size of the breasts.
¿Who are the candidates for this procedure?
Breast reduction is intended for women with large breasts who would like to resolve one or more of the following problems:
Back, shoulder or neck pain.
Shoulder pain due to bra straps.
Sleep disturbances or restriction to physical activity
Irritation or skin disorders in the infra mammary sulcus
Sagging of the breasts due to excessive weight
Improve physical appearance
Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but it is advisable to wait until 18-20 years of age when the breasts are fully developed. Women with sagging but not large breasts may benefit from another procedure known as mastopexy. This can be combined with a breast reduction
Before and After
How is the surgery performed?
There are different techniques that can be used depending on the size and shape of the breasts, however the most frequently used technique involves an incision that is made around the areola and extends in an anchor-like fashion into and over the breast sulcus,
Once the incision is made, Dr. Urzola removes the excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size of the breasts, trying to achieve an adequate symmetry and reposition the nipple-areola complex to an aesthetically ideal height.
What to expect after surgery?
After surgery we will provide you with a special bra that you should wear for at least two weeks, ideally one month.
In case it is necessary to place drains these will be removed one or two days after surgery, there will be no need to remove threads. It is possible that a small pimple may form along the scar which should not be touched until it falls off on its own.
This is not a painful procedure and you will be able to move around easily the next day, however it is best to limit physical activity for 15 days for optimal recovery. You should avoid heavy lifting, pushing or pulling for approximately one month. Intense exercise should be avoided for one month.
Risks of breast reduction
Complications of breast reduction are infrequent and usually minor. However, there is always the possibility of complications including infection, bleeding, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia.
Transient or permanent alterations of sensitivity may occur.
In very rare cases, the nipple-areola complex may lose its blood supply, causing the tissue to die; if so, it must be reconstructed.
Also in some cases there may be problems for healing, this depends on the biology of each one. Dr. Urzola will try to improve them with different techniques.
During the consultation Dr. Urzola will make an assessment of your skin type and your likelihood of developing poor quality scars.