The established surgical approaches to breast reduction may be considered in terms of approaches to the soft tissue envelope - which determine the subsequent extent and positioning of scars as well as contributing to contouring - and the approach to the deeper fat and mammary gland that must sustain a blood supply to the nipple and areola - the 'pedicle'. The blood supply may come through the mammary gland or a combination of this and a de-epithelialised skin bridge - a 'dermoglandular pedicle'. Free nipple grafting has an indication for particularly large breasts. Additionally, liposuction may be used alone or as an adjunctive procedure.
The decision about which approach to adopt will largely depend upon:
Within the United Kingdom, an inverted 'T' or vertical and periareolar scar, and an inferiorly- or superomedially-based pedicle, remain popular.
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.