Many approaches are used. Two techniques commonly used to treat moderate to large breasts include:

• Vertical scar: This is a breast reduction procedure where your surgeon makes an incision around your areola and vertically down to the crease, in the shape of a lollipop. This is indicated in those who require only moderate reduction in size. It results in less scarring than the traditional technique (that requires an additional incision along the breast crease) and fewer complications. However, the technique may not be suitable for larger breasts as it does not allow removal of large amounts of tissue and skin, and may leave a small fold of skin at the bottom of the vertical scar.
• Benelli technique: For this surgery, your doctor makes an incision around the outer margin of the areola and another incision in the breast skin surrounding the first incision. The second incision may be symmetrical to the first or wider on top to allow more skin to be removed from the upper breast. The advantage of the Benelli technique is that it results in minor scarring.

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The incision is made and excess breast tissue is removed from the inner and outer areas of the breast. Skin edges will be approximated after the excess breast tissue is removed and the nipple is elevated into a new position.

It can take 2 to 6 weeks to fully recover from breast reduction surgery. You may need to take 2 to 3 weeks off work, and need help with housework, childcare and shopping. You should not drive until it’s no longer painful to wear a seat belt. This may be several weeks.