Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts.
Your surgeon should give you a clear picture of what he or she sees as the best option for you. This will depend on the amount of fatty tissue in your breasts and how much reduction you need. Your surgeon should also give you a specific idea of what the size of your new breasts will be. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you plan to lose weight before your procedure.
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under anesthesia in a hospital where you can expect to stay one or two days. It usually takes four to five hours. The procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision or only a vertical incision following the natural contour of the breast.
When the excess skin and breast tissue has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and stitched together to reshape the breast. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.
Is it Safe?
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single breast reduction procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
If you are concerned about the pain associated with breast reduction surgery, the first thing to know is that the recovery process will depend largely on the type of surgical technique used to perform your breast reduction. The more significant the reduction is in size, the longer you can expect the recovery process to take. However, regardless of the surgical technique used to perform your breast reduction procedure, you should expect to have most of the pain subside in the first week after surgery.
When your breast reduction procedure is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You should also find out what sleeping position is best, and when you can return to work and exercise. During your recovery, you also may need help with everyday chores and have to wait on certain daily activities. Certainly, you will be given Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection.
The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve you from the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction.
Your body—and your breasts—will continue to change with age and time. The size of your breasts should not change unless you gain or lose significant weight—or become pregnant. But gravity and age will have their effect as the years pass. Breast reduction will not prevent future loosening or sagging. If you’re concerned—or become concerned—about the effects of aging, be sure to discuss them with your surgeon.
Breast reduction is not the same as a breast lift.
People often confuse the two procedures, but they aren’t the same. One reason for the confusion is doctors almost always perform a lift during a reduction surgery. If you’re considering breast surgery, it’s important to know the difference. Breast reduction removes excess fat and glandular breast tissue along with some skin. This reduces the overall size of the breast. Breast lift only removes excess skin to raise and reshape sagging breasts.
Your final results will take time.
The size and appearance of your breasts will continue to change as you recover. It can take several months for the swelling to completely resolve. And your breasts need time to settle into their new appearance. Your scars will continue to change as well—gradually fading from angry red marks to softer, paler reminders. It’s tempting to go out and buy fancy bras and new clothes, but it’s wise to wait.
Breast Augmentation Table of Contents Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical breast enlargement procedure. Breast augmentation and breast implant surgery are two names for what is essentially the same. These cosmetic surgeries involve placing silicone or saline implants into the breast in order to enhance size, shape
Breast Lift Table of Contents Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity affect a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift or mastopexy is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts.
Breast Reconstruction Table of Contents The goal of breast reconstruction is to restore one or both breasts to near normal shape, appearance, symmetry and size following mastectomy, lumpectomy or congenital deformities. Breast reconstruction often involves multiple procedures performed in stages and can either begin at the time of mastectomy or be delayed
Breast Revision Table of Contents A breast implant revision or breast augmentation revision is a surgery that replaces your old breast implants with new ones, and at the same time, changes or improves the appearance of the breasts. This can include a lift or reduction, or simply increasing or decreasing the
