Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction also known as reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction surgery is the process of removal of extra skin, fat and tissue from the breasts. If the breasts are disproportionately large as compared to the body or if the large size causes discomfort and pain, you might opt for a breast reduction surgery. However, if you’re looking for breast reduction after pregnancy, you might need to wait until your breasts return to a normal size.

Types of Breast Reduction Surgery

There are lots of ways to decrease breast size that surgeons use when it comes to breast reduction. Depending on the existing anatomy of breasts, the patient’s desired outcome and other such factors, the surgeon will decide which breast reduction method should be used:

-  LIPOSUCTION FOR BREAST REDUCTION

This minimally invasive technique is best for those who need a very small reduction in their breast size. When the breast size is excessively large due to extra fatty tissue, liposuction is performed. This technique also provides good elasticity of the skin and will correct sagging, if any.

Liposuction is a great option since it hardly leaves any breast reduction surgery scars and the results are lasting, but optimal results are achieved only in some patients.

–    LOLLIPOP OR VERTICAL BREAST REDUCTION

In this technique, the surgeon makes two incisions – one around the areola’s edge and the other one that vertically goes down to the crease of the breast. With this technique, the breast size is reduced to give it a more youthful lift and it is possible to reshape the new breast internally by removing the extra fat and tissues.

This technique is appropriate for those who want to get a moderate reduction in their breast size or have some noticeable sagging.

–    ANCHOR OR INVERTED-T BREAST REDUCTION

This technique is used when the patient has asymmetrical or sagging breasts and the size of the breasts need a considerable amount of reduction. In this method, three incisions are made. One incision is made around the areola’s edge. The second one is made across the crease, underneath the breast. The third incision is made vertically, from the areola to the crease.

This technique allows reshaping and tissue removal to a great extent, which is why surgeons opt for this when the breast size has to be reduced to a much smaller size. The scars from the procedure fade away after the surgery, within a year or so if proper care is taken.

The Inverted-T or anchor technique allows the surgeon to control the shape of the breasts and its proportion, since it is easy to remove excess fat and tissue from any part of the breast. Thus, this method is the best surgical option when it comes to breast reduction. Although, you may opt for whichever method suits your case the best.

STEPS OF BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

To proceed with the breast reduction surgery, the patient is given anaesthesia. Then, the surgeon makes the incision, depending on the type of surgery that you’ve chosen. An incision around the areola and another vertical incision are made when you opt for the Vertical Breast Reduction method. In the Inverted-T technique, along with these two incisions, another incision is made across the crease, underneath the breasts.

After the incisions are made, the next step is to reposition the nipple. If necessary, the size of the areola can also be reduced by cutting out the skin at the perimeter. The extra tissue and fat are removed from underneath the breast. It may also be the case that the areola and nipple are removed and then transplanted for a better position. The incisions are closed by suturing deep so that the newly shaped breasts can be held together properly. The incisions are permanent but tend to fade away gradually, over time.

After the surgery, you will be administered with pain medication and a tube may be inserted to drain out any extra fluid or blood. You may feel that your breasts are swollen and tender, which is normal after the surgery. Your doctor would ask you to limit any physical activity. Most patients are able to return to their daily routine within a week of surgery.

Patients seem to notice immediate relief from pain in the neck and back after a breast reduction surgery although it can take a few months before the permanent results settle in. You may experience swelling and soreness but once the healing completes, you will notice the changes.

PREPARATION REQUIRED FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Your surgeon would ask you to be prepared before the surgery and give you some instructions such as –

. Getting a medical evaluation done

. Stop smoking

. Getting a baseline mammogram

. Keeping ice, towels, loose clothes and gauze ready at home before going in for surgery

. Avoiding anti-inflammatory medication

. Your doctor may also ask you to perform some exercises to reduce breast and strengthen the muscles.

You should also ask your doctor whether you would be able to go home the same day or would you have to stay the night. Ask somebody to drive you back home, post-surgery. If you have any questions, you should consult your doctor and understand everything very well before you opt for a breast reduction surgery.

ADVANTAGES OF BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Extremely large breasts can be very tiring because of the weight. It can lead to pain in the neck, back and shoulders, making it very uncomfortable to follow an active lifestyle. Bras can be uncomfortable and the skin beneath the breasts can be irritated. All these problems can be solved with breast reduction surgery. Sleep also improves because there is more freedom once all the extra tissue and fat is removed through breast reduction surgery.

From a cosmetic perspective, breast reduction surgery is beneficial as some people may be self-conscious about their appearance, resulting in low self-esteem and other such issues. It may seem like the scars would look unpleasant but most of the times, these scars fade away and aren’t even visible.

Article Source: More Information