Breast reduction surgery removes some of the tissue and skin from the breasts. This reshapes and lifts the breasts and reduces their size. It can also make the areola (the colored area around the nipple) smaller.

To remove tissue and skin from the breast, the surgeon first makes one or more cuts in the breast. After the excess tissue and skin have been removed, the skin is closed with stitches. Sometimes the nipple and areola need to be removed and repositioned.