Breast Reduction

Overview

Breast reduction, often called reduction mammaplasty, involves removing extra fat, skin, and tissue from the breasts. Breast reduction surgery can help relieve discomfort or attain a breast size that is proportionate to the body if you have enormous breasts.

You can also opt for breast reduction to make you feel better about yourself and increase your capacity to engage in various physical activities. Talk to a certified plastic surgeon if you want to consider breast reduction surgery. It’s critical to know what breast reduction includes, as well as the dangers and consequences that may arise, and have reasonable expectations.

Reason for Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is typically designed for women with bigger breasts who wish to address problems like;

  • Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain that necessitates the use of pain relievers
  • Severe rash or inflammation of the skin beneath the breasts
  • Pain in the nerves
  • Restricted activity
  • Asymmetrical self-image associated with oversized breasts 
  • Problem fitting into bras and other outfits.

Breast reduction can be done at any age, including the adolescent stage. However, if your breasts have not fully matured, you may require another reduction procedure later in life. Also, you may sometimes need to postpone the breast reduction operation if you have other objectives for the future. They can include; 

  • Loss of weight: You should consider waiting to see if breast reduction is right for you if you want to lose weight through diet modification and exercise. This is because weight loss usually leads to breast size changes. 
  • Childbirth: You may want to wait till pregnancy is not a problem if you have not started a family and if you are not yet done. Breastfeeding following breast reduction surgery may be difficult. However, certain surgical methods can help you keep your capacity to breastfeed.

The breast reduction procedure is not usually suitable for people who;

  • Smoke
  • Are suffering from health conditions like diabetes and heart disease
  • Are obese (overweight)
  • Wish to keep your breasts free of scars

Choosing a Breast Reduction Surgeon 

Choosing a plastic or cosmetic surgeon is the most crucial decision to make if you are considering breast reduction. Although breast reduction can be regarded as a reconstructive treatment, a patient’s primary goal is rarely to alleviate physical issues without regard for aesthetic enhancement.

You should have confidence in your surgeon’s ability to lower the size of your breasts to the appropriate size. In addition, it creates a more attractive breast shape that blends in with the rest of the body.

How to Prepare For Breast Reduction?

A regular breast examination is necessary before a breast reduction procedure to evaluate if you are an ideal candidate. A mammogram or any other laboratory tests may be required to verify your wellness. 

Also, during the examination, both you and the doctor will have to determine whether a general anesthetic or local anesthetic is more suitable. Some people do well with local anesthesia, while others are better off with general anesthetic. 

The physician may probably ask you to cease using some over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen in the days leading up to the procedure. Make arrangements ahead of time for someone to drive you home and look after you for several days following surgery. Any prescription drugs you might require to assist you in managing pain after treatment should be called in.

A few hours before surgery, you will most likely have to refrain from taking food and drinking water. Your physician will give you detailed instructions.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Based on your situation, you may be able to undergo breast reduction surgery as an outpatient. Alternatively, you may need to remain in the hospital for at least a single night. In any case, you will receive general anesthesia; hence you’ll be asleep for the duration of the treatment. 

Breast reduction usually takes two to five hours, although it might sometimes take longer. Depending on the size and form of your breasts, the amount of tissue that requires removal, and how you wish to look after treatment, the plastic surgeon may utilize one of the following surgical methods; 

  • Liposuction 

During liposuction, the surgeon will create a small incision in the skin and place a thin tube into the breast. The tube is attached to a vacuum which suctions out the fluids and excess fat. Small reductions and those whose skin snaps back in place are the greatest candidates for this procedure.

  • The vertical (lollipop)

For mild breast reductions and noticeable drooping, this procedure is usually recommended. It involves creating incisions around the areola and downwards to the crease underneath the breast. After that, the surgeon will remove excess fat and tissue, restructure the breast, and lift it.

  • Inverted-T (anchor)

This procedure involves making incisions around the areola’s edge, right from the areola towards the breast crease. The surgeon will also create a cut alongside the crease below the breast. This approach is generally appropriate for larger reductions and those with too much breast sagging or unevenness. 

What happens after Breast Reduction? 

The surgeon will wrap your breasts using gauze-like bandaging after surgery. Drainage tubes may be placed in the breasts to assist with the removal of excess fluids caused by the swelling that occurs following surgery. 

When it is safe to take out the bandages, your doctor will advise you. You might have to wait for up to one week before you can put on a bra again. You will thus need to wear a particular soft elastic bra for a few weeks. 

Breast Reduction Recovery 

You might be able to go home the same day as your operation. Even so, you will need a lot of time to rest and recover. Other patients require a few weeks, although each circumstance is different. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to remove bandages and sutures at your follow-up sessions. 

You are likely to feel exhausted and experience breast soreness after the procedure. To help you get through the first few days, the doctor will prescribe an oral pain reliever. 

You will need to avoid physical exercises and activities for at least one month following surgery as you heal. Try as much as possible to refrain from heavy lifting as this can interfere with the breast reduction healing process. 

Following surgery, some people experience an emotional reaction, like depression. This is typical, but be sure that you notify your surgeon about any concerns you have.

Breast Reduction Results

Breast reduction surgery that is successful can help ease pain in the neck, upper back, and even the shoulders. It may as well improve your ability to engage in physical activities while also promoting a more optimistic self-image. 

You will notice the breast reduction results right away. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the swelling will subside, and the surgical scars will diminish with time. Even though breast size and shape might alter as a result of weight gain or reduction and aging, the ultimate effect is usually permanent.

Breast Reduction Risks and Complications

Breast reduction procedure results in scarring, which is a common adverse effect. These scars normally fade with time, although they will not totally disappear. If you carry heavy objects sooner following the operation, the scarring can get worse. 

Other breast reduction risks that are likely to arise during or after the procedure include;

  • Infection on the surgical site
  • Short-term or long-term loss of sensation in the breasts or nipples
  • Adverse effects of anesthesia
  • Bleeding
  • Formation of blood clots
  • Bruising and swelling
  • Damage to your blood vessels, nerves, and other body parts
  • The necessity to undergo a second surgery 

Some complications, including insufficient nipple healing, may necessitate a skin graft. However, you should immediately contact the doctor if; 

  • You notice the early signs of infection, such as tenderness, redness, or abnormal swelling at the surgery site, or if you have a fever. 
  • If you notice any odd discharge oozing from the incision area, including pus
  • If any of your sutures come out before the time they’re supposed to be removed.

Outlook after Breast Reduction 

Swelling due to a breast reduction procedure will subside over time. The scarring might take up to 18 months to dissolve into faint lines. As you heal, your contentment with the new appearance tends to improve. 

The new breast form and size should alleviate the pain and physical constraints you were experiencing before the breast reduction. Furthermore, you may discover that having a more proportionate shape boosts your overall self-confidence.

The outcomes of breast reduction surgery should be long-lasting. Age, hormonal factors, weight variations, and gravity can all cause your breasts to change over time.

Conclusion

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, skin, and glandular tissue. This operation aims at giving your breasts the right size that is proportional to the rest of the body. It could help alleviate the pain that comes with having too big breasts.

If you’re self-conscious about your appearance or considering cosmetic procedures to increase your self-esteem, there are other options. Consulting a therapist or a counselor might be beneficial in overcoming any concerns regarding your overall appearance. 

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