Breast reduction
INTRODUCTION TO
Breast reduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as lift surgery or reduction mammoplasty, is a plastic surgery treatment that can alter the size and shape of the breasts. To accomplish this, the breasts’ extra skin, fat, and breast tissue are removed, and the areola and nipple are then adjusted to get a better, more proportionate size and form.
It is opted by women who wish to reduce the discomfort brought on by large breasts, namely chronic back pain, shoulder pain, and headaches, and to obtain a breast size that is in proportion to the body. Breast reduction may also be carried out to address naturally occurring symmetry and shape problems as well as enlarged breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight loss, or other conditions.
Disproportionate breasts in relation to the height and weight of a woman can severely diminish her ability to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, as excessive breast size strains the body. Attaining the desired breast size/shape can alleviate this, but also greatly improve
confidence.
Breast reduction surgery can also be used to treat breast cancer. Oncoplastic breast reduction is used to remove a malignant tumor in some women with large breasts. The patient’s look can then be made more symmetrical by having plastic surgery to reduce the
size of the other breast.
Consultation
A consultation with a cosmetic surgeon at our clinic is the first step to learning if you are a candidate for the procedure. Our Plastic Surgeons will explain what a reduction mammoplasty entails, what results you should expect, any potential dangers or issues, and if you are a good candidate for the surgery. Women in good overall health, with large breasts, that are dissatisfied with their image, and who experience pain due to their breast
size will be preferred.
The doctor will recommend stopping smoking and taking any blood thinning medication for several weeks before the surgery and will take note of the patient’s entire medical history. He will then proceed to an examination of your breasts, including precise measurements of their size and form, the condition of your skin, and the location of your nipples and areolas, which will allow him to recommend a treatment plan.
Procedure
Different techniques can be used for a mammoplasty. Based on your patient profile, the doctor will recommend the best option for you:
- VERTICAL REDUCTION: uses a vertical incision that continues below the breast and surrounds the nipple/areola region. By avoiding a horizontal incision beneath the breast, this method produces a more natural result, reduces the overall length of scarring by 50%, and provides a better cosmetic finish.
- ANCHOR REDUCTION: an incision that runs horizontally along the breast’s underside and vertically down its center is made. Making use of the patient’s blood vessels and nerves, the surgeon makes the incision and removes tissue from beneath the skin. This kind of breast reduction surgery raises the nipple to a more natural position, decreases volume, and improves contour while maintaining breast sensation.
- LIPOSUCTION: in some cases, the doctor might be able to employ liposuction, which has a smaller incision and scar than open surgery, by removing only body fat from the breast region.
- BILATERAL BREAST REDUCTION: this operation is performed on women diagnosed with breast cancer who have undergone a lumpectomy, which when performed on only one breast, might change its size and contour. This problem can be solved with a bilateral breast reduction, which also modifies the second breast’s size and form. A greater portion of tissue is removed when the other breast is operated on. If the tumor is huge and more tissue is needed, this may be useful. The other breast can be altered to assist both breasts to become more symmetrical.
No matter the technique used, general anesthesia or intravenous sedation are used, and the length of the breast reduction procedure, which typically lasts 2 to 5 hours, depends on your health, the makeup of your breasts, the desired quantity of tissue removal, your preferences,
and the surgeon’s recommendations.
Recovery
Typically, breast reduction surgery is carried out as an outpatient operation. After it is finished, the incisions will be covered with bandages or dressings. To temporarily drain any extra blood or fluid that could gather at the incision sites, a tiny, thin tube may be briefly
inserted under the skin.
You will experience some breast pain for the first week, but it will progressively get better. Swelling may also last for a few weeks. With time, the surgical scars will also fade. To reduce swelling and support the breasts as they heal, you will be given a support bra to
wear at home.
Your surgeon will advise taking a week, or preferably two off work after the procedure, to refrain from physical activity for approximately 3 to 4 weeks, and will describe to you how to care for your breasts following the surgery. You must also avoid tobacco and alcohol during this time, and you will be given pain medication.
While a mammoplasty’s results are long-lasting, cannot, however, reverse the natural processes that over time may result in changes to your breasts brought on by aging, weight changes, hormonal changes, and gravity.
Risks
Every surgical procedure has some risk, particularly those requiring anesthesia. Tobacco users tend to heal poorly and leave bigger scars, which puts them at a higher risk. The following are a few potential issues:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Numbness
- Change of breast or nipple sensation
- Uneven shape
- -Reduced ability to breastfeed
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