Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery

The traditional approach to breast reduction surgery is a very effective method of alleviating discomfort caused by large, heavy breasts. The traditional method, also called an anchor pattern or Wise pattern reduction, is often the best choice for women requiring a large amount of tissue removal.

Anchor Pattern Breast Reduction Information

The traditional anchor pattern breast reduction technique is the most common type of breast reduction surgery performed today and has many advantages for women with extremely large breasts. However, it is also the most invasive method of reducing the size of the breasts. Below, we have provided information on the traditional breast reduction procedure to help you decide if it is right for you.

Incision Locations

In the traditional breast reduction surgery technique, incisions are made horizontally under the breast in the crease and extend vertically up to and around the nipple, creating an anchor pattern. Though this method uses the most extensive incisions of any breast reduction technique used today, the resulting scars can often be hidden by bathing suits and even low cut tops.

Advantages

Because anchor pattern breast reduction surgery allows for excess skin removal both vertically and horizontally, it is typically the best method for women with extremely large breasts. The anchor shaped incision also allows surgeons to remove more tissue than other methods, maximizing breast reduction results. Additionally, the removal of excess skin creates a smooth appearance of the breasts within a month after surgery. In comparison, vertical incision breast reductions often result in wrinkles and lumps in the breasts for several months following surgery. This occurs because the excess skin is not removed when a vertical incision is used but must instead tighten over time.

Disadvantages

Although the anchor pattern method can be useful in reducing excessively large breasts, it leads to more scarring than other breast reduction surgery techniques, including the vertical incision method and the “scarless” breast reduction technique. If the nipple is completely detached from blood vessels and milk ducts during surgery, there is also an increased risk for loss of sensation and loss of breast feeding ability after breast reduction surgery.

Some patients find that the traditional breast reduction surgery method produces breasts that appear wider and flatter than breasts resulting from other methods.

Ideal Candidates

Traditional anchor pattern breast reduction surgery may be the best choice for women who have excessively large breasts because it allows for a greater amount of excess skin and breast tissue to be removed than other methods. The traditional method is also more effective for women who have more glandular tissue than fat, which is often the case for very thin women, women with excessively dense breast tissue, and those who have not yet reached menopause.

In general, ideal breast reduction candidates should have a strong desire to undergo breast reduction surgery to alleviate discomfort caused by excessively large breasts. Patients should also have realistic expectations about the surgery and be knowledgeable about surgical options. Women should delay breast reduction surgery until they have reached maturity; they may also want to wait until after having children due to the risk of losing breast feeding ability.

Locate a Breast Reduction Surgeon in Your Area

To learn more about traditional breast reduction surgery and determine if it is the right choice for you, contact a local breast reduction surgeon. You can use DocShop’s online directory to find a qualified surgeon in your area.