Reduction mammoplasty (or breast reduction) is a procedure in which the shape, size and position of large breasts are modified. The breasts are elevated, maintaining the nipple/areola complexes in position. Under general anaesthetic an incision is made in the skin which, in cases of moderate volume reduction and moderate ptosis circles around the areola and extends vertically down to the inframammary fold (key hole). In more severe cases a further incision will be made horizontally (length is variable) along the curve of the inframammary fold (inverted T). The nipple/areola complex is left inserted on a fibroglandular pedicle (superior, inferior, lateral, medial or central, according to the chosen technique) is repositioned correctly and sutured. The excess fibroglandular tissue is removed and the remaining tissue is reshaped to create a smaller, higher-positioned breast. Excess skin is also removed. This procedure is always preceded by ultrasonography and/or radiology exams in order to exclude or clarify the possibility of existing pathologies.