Breast reduction surgery is oriented toward women with large, pendulous breasts, since the weight of their breasts may cause neck, back, shoulder, circulation, and/or breathing problems. The weight may also cause discomfort as a result of brassiere straps abrading or irritating the skin. Even if physical discomfort is not a problem, some women feel uncomfortable with the large size of their breasts in proportion to the rest of their bodies. Reduction mammoplasty affords the recipient smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts. The surgeon may also reduce the size of the areola or nipples.

Although not advocated as a cancer risk reducing procedure, a woman's risk of subsequently developing breast cancer will be reduced proportionately to the amount of breast tissue left. It is recommended that patients receive new baseline mammograms 6-8 months after breast reduction to accommodate expected radiographic changes and give a new basis to compare future imaging studies to.

Except in unusual cases, this procedure is performed on individuals with fully developed breasts. It is not recommended for women who intend to breastfeed, although the success rate in breast feeding among reduction patients mirrors that of the general population. Doctors almost always perform breast reductions while the patient is under general anesthesia. During pre-operative visits, the doctor and patient may decide on new (usually higher) positions for the areolas and nipples.

The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision which circles the areola (aka. "Wise-pattern" reduction). The incision extends downward, following the natural curve of the breast. Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin is removed. Next, the nipple and areola are moved into their new position. Recently there has been increasing interest in limited scar techniques which leave only a vertical or vertical with a shorter horizontal scar.

In some extreme cases, the areola and nipple may need to be completely removed for relocation and replaced as a skin graft (aka "free nipple graft"). In these cases, sensation from the areola area will be lost.

Patients may take a few weeks for initial recovery, however it may take from six months to a year for the body to completely adjust to the new breast size. Some women may experience discomfort during their initial menstruation following the surgery due to the breasts swelling.

Scarring from this procedure may be extensive and can be permanent. Initially the scars are lumpy and red, but gradually subside into their final smaller sizes as thin white lines. Though permanent, the surgeon can generally make the scars inconspicuous to the point that even low-cut tops may be worn without visible scars. Other common problems include: asymmetry, delayed wound healing, altered nipple sensation, fluid retention in the breast, altered erogenous function, late changes in shape and recurrent ptosis (drooping.)