Reduction Mammoplasties
 To reduce the size of the breasts, multiple portions of breast tissue and skin are resected. The nipple is preserved and repositioned. Tissue from each breast should be separately identified. |
 The specimen consists of multiple fragments of breast tissue with or without skin and is generally not oriented. Any suspicious areas identified grossly are submitted for microscopic examination. |
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
Reduction mammoplasty (RM)
Synonyms
Breast reduction surgery
Definitions
Surgical procedure to reduce size of breast; skin and breast tissue (but not nipple) are removed
INTRODUCTION
Breast Reduction Surgery
Indications
Congenital breast asymmetry
Symptomatic macromastia
Asymmetry following breast cancer surgery
Insurance plans may only reimburse RM for physical symptoms and not for cosmetic reasons
May require that only minimal amount of breast tissue is removed (typically 300 g)
RM has proven to be safe and relieves symptoms due to macromastia
Associated with overall excellent patient satisfaction
Follow-up studies after breast reduction surgery
Significantly better quality of life
Fewer breast-associated symptoms
Less depression and anxiety; better self-esteem when compared with preoperative evaluation
Macromastia
Benign condition of breast hypertrophy
Defined as disproportionately heavy breasts on an otherwise average-sized woman
Women may seek consultation for RM because of psychological reasons, physical reasons, or both
Obesity may be contraindication for surgery
May increase post-op complication rates
Symptomatic macromastia has multiple presentations
Back and shoulder pain
Kyphosis
Excoriation from bra straps
Chronic intertrigo in breast skin folds
Severe breast hypertrophy can severely limit normal activity of daily living
May limit exercise ability
May cause difficulty sleeping
Conservative measures such as weight loss, physical therapy, and special brassieres may provide some relief of symptoms
Some patients may suffer from low self-esteem or depression due to unhappiness with body image
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