Breast Reduction Breast Reduction surgery called mammoplasty can greatly improve the quality of life for women with large weighty sagging breasts. The weight of the breast tissue can produce unpleasant symptoms such as back strain and discomfort and pain in shoulders from bra straps cutting into the skin. Large breasts can lead to a restriction of activities and can make a woman self-conscious about her appearance. She may find it difficult to find clothes that fit well. The goal of mammoplasty is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion to the rest of her body. The procedure removes glandular tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the darker skin surrounding the nipple or areola. Breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance if it is determined to be medically necessary. It is important to note that breast reduction does leave noticeable, permanent scars but these will be covered by a bra or bathing suit. (Smokers are more likely to have wider scars and poorer healing.) Breasts may also be somewhat mismatched and nipples may be positioned unevenly. This surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Because of this, future breast-feeding may not be possible. The surgery takes 2-4 hours and is most often performed under general anesthesia where the patient is in a deep sleep and free of pain. After surgery, there will be an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the couple of days postoperatively. Patients should consult their surgeon for a complete explanation of the procedure and its associated risks and complications.