Breast Reduction: Surgical Techniques with an Emphasis on Evidence-Based Practice and Outcomes

Abstract

Learning Objectives: 

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the relevant anatomy involved in breast reduction. 2. Understand the different breast reduction techniques and their indications. 3. Appreciate the outcomes of these techniques as they pertain to clinical outcomes.

Summary: 

This continuing medical education article is designed to refresh one’s knowledge on breast reduction while placing emphasis on clinical outcomes. It reviews the relevant anatomy, techniques, and published literature on outcomes, including those that are patient-reported. Photographic representations of most techniques are shown, in addition to supplemental digital video content, to demonstrate each technique. This is designed to be an overview, and the reader should appreciate that no one technique is “right,” and the technique used should be selected with patient factors and desired outcomes in mind.