Breast Reduction

Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction removes breast tissue, breast fat and skin to downsize the breast and bring the patient back into a natural proportion all the while lifting the nipple-areola complex onto a normal position. The total amount removed is less important than the overall proportions of the patient. The standard patterns used for this operation have been the keyhole pattern or the wise pattern which results in an upside down T shaped scar or an anchor shaped scar. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes two to three hours on average. Most patients can go home the same day. Recovery takes about three weeeks at which time one can be back to work and start exercising. The scars take about 18 to 24 months to fade . Since the glands are skin related, there is very little pain during recovery and patients feel as if they have had minor surgery, thanks to minimal blood loss. The change in lifestyle and attitude is tremendous . The patients often state they wish they had done the procedure earlier.

The breast reduction is the 5th most popular procedure in the United States and is covered by insurance in most cases. The coverage has been correlated to the body surface area and the proportions of the patient in recent years, which means more candidates are able to undergo the procedure and get it paid by their insurance company.

This is the procedure Dr. Karaca performs the most frequently since the development of nipple sparing techniques in 1979. The number of procedures he has done exceeds 1400. It is the single most satisfying procedure for both the patient and the surgeon.

The well established method of the keyhole pattern applied to reduction surgery results in an  inverted anchor shaped scar which in certain cases may cause very thick scarring , taking away from the excellent results, including shape and volume. All sizes respond well to this surgery. Recent technical advances allow us to get the same excellent results without the burden of a horizontal scar when the new and improved vertical closure method is applied ( review the section under vertical closure breast reduction). Dr. Karaca has adopted this new technique since spending some time with Dr Elizabeth Findlay-Hall in Banff, Calgary in May of 2008.