Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction Surgery in Korea
Dr. Kim Uigeon of UNE Plastic Surgery, a board-certified plastic surgeon practising at a clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea specializing in breast surgery, explains that breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) requires evaluation of breast size and weight, ptosis grade, nipple-areolar position, glandular versus fatty composition, skin redundancy, and whether breastfeeding function should be preserved. The pedicle technique (inferior, superior-medial, or central) is selected to maintain blood supply to the nipple-areolar complex. The surgical protocol emphasizes careful tissue handling and bleeding control; outcomes, scarring, and recovery vary by individual condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is breast reduction considered?
Breast reduction may be considered when large breast size causes physical discomfort such as shoulder, neck, or back pain, skin irritation under the inframammary fold, posture issues, or limitations in daily activities and exercise. The surgical plan depends on breast size, ptosis grade, tissue condition, and individual goals.
Can I still breastfeed after breast reduction?
Breastfeeding function after reduction depends on the chosen pedicle technique (inferior, superior-medial, etc.), preservation of glandular tissue and nerve or duct continuity, and individual anatomy. Some patients retain function while others may have reduced or absent function. Future breastfeeding plans should be discussed during pre-operative consultation.
What incision patterns are used in breast reduction?
Incision patterns include periareolar (for small reductions), vertical (lollipop), and inverted-T (anchor), selected based on breast size, ptosis grade, and tissue redundancy. Reduction generally requires more extensive incisions than augmentation. Scar maturation typically continues over 6 to 12 months; final scar visibility varies by individual healing.
How long is recovery after breast reduction?
Recovery varies by patient, breast size, surgical technique, and post-operative care. Many patients resume light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks; return to exercise is typically considered after 4 to 6 weeks based on follow-up evaluation by the surgeon.
Reduction Mammoplasty: Reducing Breast Volume to Address Physical and Functional Concerns
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce breast volume and reshape the breast in proportion to the body. In selected patients, it may help improve symptoms such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, skin irritation under the inframammary fold, and posture-related discomfort. The surgical method, target volume, and incision pattern are selected based on breast size, body type, ptosis, tissue condition, and individual goals. Improvement, scarring, and recovery vary by individual condition.
Book ConsultationWho Can Benefit from Breast Reduction?
What Types of Incision
Methods Are Available?
Periareolar Incision — Applied for mild cases requiring minimal reduction. The incision follows the areola border to minimize scarring, and areola reduction can be performed simultaneously.
Vertical Incision (Lollipop) — Used when moderate reduction is needed. A vertical incision from the areola to the inframammary fold allows sufficient tissue removal and lifting simultaneously.
Inverted-T Incision (Anchor) — Applied when significant reduction is needed. This allows the greatest amount of tissue removal for substantial size reduction, with excellent sagging correction results.
UNE Plastic Surgery evaluates breast size, ptosis grade, tissue redundancy, and nipple position to select an appropriate surgical technique. Incision pattern and target volume are individualised; outcomes and scarring vary by patient.
What Changes Can You Expect After Breast Reduction?
Breast Reduction — At a Glance
Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) removes gland and skin tissue and repositions the nipple to relieve shoulder, neck, and back pain, postural issues, skin irritation, exercise limitation, and clothing difficulties caused by overly large breasts. For many patients, functional and medical reasons outweigh purely cosmetic ones.
Incision pattern (vertical or anchor), the volume of tissue removed, and nipple-blood-supply preservation are chosen based on breast size, degree of ptosis, skin elasticity, and lifestyle. Outcomes and recovery vary by individual.
Signs You May Be a Candidate
Functional Reasons
- Persistent shoulder, neck, and back pain
- Bra-strap grooving and shoulder discomfort
- Recurrent intertrigo or contact dermatitis under the breast
- Difficulty with running, hiking, yoga and other exercise
- Postural problems and spinal strain
Cosmetic / Psychosocial Reasons
- Body proportion imbalance and clothing limitations
- Significant accompanying ptosis
- Notable left–right asymmetry
- Impact of breast size on self-image and social activity
Key Surgical Planning Considerations
Incision Pattern
Choice between vertical (lollipop) and anchor (inverted T) is based on breast size and degree of ptosis.
Nipple Blood Supply
Superior, medial, and other pedicle techniques are designed to maximally preserve nipple sensation and blood supply.
Volume Removed
Balance is sought between the patient’s desired size and a medically appropriate volume — reducing too aggressively can affect final shape.
Breast Reduction FAQ
Will I still be able to breastfeed after reduction?
Techniques that preserve the nipple blood supply and part of the ductal system (superior or medial pedicle) allow lactation in some patients, but breastfeeding function may be reduced compared with non-operated breasts. If pregnancy is planned, please discuss this in detail during consultation.
Will nipple sensation be affected?
Temporary changes in sensation depending on incision extent and nipple repositioning distance are common. Most patients recover over time, although a small minority may have permanent changes. Please discuss expectations with your surgeon beforehand.
Can the breasts get larger again over time?
Removed tissue does not regenerate, but the remaining gland and fat can enlarge with pregnancy, weight gain, or hormonal change. Stable weight and regular follow-up help preserve results.
What is the recovery like?
Daily activity typically resumes within 1–2 weeks, with shape stabilizing over 2–6 months — similar to other breast surgeries. Greater incision length and tissue removal may lengthen recovery, and scar care becomes more important.