Breast Reduction – Overview
Breast reduction surgery is also known as reduction mammoplasty and in this procedure excess fat, gland and skin from the breasts are removed. A breast reduction surgery may enhance your self-image and provide you comfort for participating in physical activities.
Types of Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgeries are one of the top 5 cosmetic surgeries performed among women.Breast reduction surgeries help relieve the pain caused by large, droopy breasts that put a lot of pressure on the back, neck, and shoulders. The heavy bust needs to be supported by a thick bra, and the bra straps end up making indentations on the shoulders.So, how is breast reduction surgery carried out? Well, there are three different types of breast reduction surgeries used to reduce breast size surgically:
Steps for Breast Reduction Surgery
From severe back problems to cosmetic or aesthetic reasons, there are different reasons why a woman goes in for breast reduction surgery. This surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty is the surgical reshaping of the breast to make it smaller. Your doctor will, in course of the surgery remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin to reduce breast size. We take a deep dive into the types of breast reduction surgeries and how they are doneThe types of breast reduction procedures are mainly
- Vertical reduction and
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Here’s the thing: The thoughts of breast reduction surgery can be confusing. Read along to understand if you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery along with the all-you-need-to-know about breast
Why choose breast reduction surgery?
We understand how overwhelming it could get to decide whether or not you require breast reduction surgery. And if your answer is yes to three or more of the below-mentioned pointers,
Vertical scar breast reduction surgery
The breast is composed of milk-producing mammary glands enclosed by an envelope of skin, resting on its breast footprint. The footprint rests on the pectoralis muscles and anterior chest wall.The mammary gland consists of fatty (adipose) tissue, milk-producing globules, and milk ducts leading the milk to the nipple-areola complex.A normal breast is tear-shaped, and the dimensions and weight of the breast vary widely among women all over the world,depending on their genetic makeup as well as their dietary habits. In most women, one breast is slightly larger than the other, depending on their genetic makeup as well as their dietary habits. In most women, one breast is slightly larger than the other,
After care of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction post-operative days
It’s common to feel some pain and swelling in the days just after your operation. It occurs as a result of the pulled breast tissues and muscles.To alleviate the ache, the doctor will prescribe painkillers.Additionally, drainage tubes might be positioned in your breasts throughout healing to aid fluid removal. These are often taken out a few days after the procedure.Wear the specific surgical bras as your doctor recommends and wear them 24 hours, except when showering,
Q&As on Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is an operation to remove extra fat, tissue, and skin from your breasts. If you are a person who tends to have large breasts that are out of proportion to the rest of your body and cause neck pain, back pain, or other symptoms, you may be considering breast reduction surgery. The procedure itself tends to take around three hours, and most patients are cleared to go home the same day. During your recovery, there may be some minimal pain or discomfort.
Every year, it’s estimated that 100,000 women successfully undergo plastic surgery to reduce the size of their breasts. Most candidates for breast reduction surgery have breasts that are exceptionally large when compared to their body frame or their body size. As a result of having large breasts, they battle with pain in their shoulders, their neck, or their back. Their gait and posture take a hit too. For these women, breast reduction surgery is a huge help.
From severe back problems to cosmetic or aesthetic reasons, there are different reasons why a woman goes in for breast reduction surgery. This surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty is the surgical reshaping of the breast to make it smaller. Your doctor will, in course of the surgery remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin to reduce breast size. We take a deep dive into the types of breast reduction surgeries and how they are done.
The types of breast reduction procedures are mainly
- Vertical reduction and
- The inverted T breast reduction.
The procedure
1) All the important marking are done pre operatively with patient in standing position as once the patient is lying on the OT table the shape of breast changes. Markings maybe done before the surgery or one day prior to surgery.
Photographs are taken to help the doctor in the operating room to look back at the images and do any alterations if needed and also to compare it to post surgery results.
2) Patient is asked to be without food for 6 hours before surgery for general anaesthesia. Normally the procedure is done under general anaesthesia as a day care procedure.
3) The nipple remains attached to its blood and nerve unless the doctor performs a ‘free nipple graft’. Depending on the blood supply maintained to the nipple aerola it is can be
- Superior pedicle breast reduction
- Medial pedicle breast reduction
- Supero-medial breast reduction
- Lateral pedicle breast reduction
- Inferior pedicle breast reduction
During the surgery, excess skin, fat and glandular tissue is removed. Sometimes, the doctor will use liposuction to help remove excess fat and contour the breast. The doctor puts stitches deep inside the breast tissue to add support. The incisions on the skin are closed up
After breast reduction surgery, the difference can be immediately seen but to appreciate complete results it may take upto 3 months.
There may be bruising and swelling, especially around the area of the incision. You may feel numbness around the area. However, the best part is that the results of the breast reduction surgery will be immediately visible.
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Before opting for Reduction Mammoplasty surgery, your doctor will brief you about the potential risks involved. Major risks include less sensation in the nipples or breasts, uneven shaped breasts or nipples, scars on the breasts, fat necrosis, skin necrosis, delayed wound healing and general anaesthesia reactions.
You need to be in good physical condition to be sure you heal the way you should, so follow your doctor’s instructions before and after breast reduction surgery.
Before the surgery, get your home ready for recovery. Stock up on Loose, comfortable dresses. Be ready to use the special ointments or creams as recommended by your surgeon for the incision sites. You will be advised not to do any strenuous exercise /lift weights for about 6 weeks. You will need one week off from your work .
Breast reduction scars vary according to the type of incision your aesthetic surgeon suggests for you. Your surgeon can conceal some incision lines in natural breast contours, but others will be visible on the breast surface. Although incision lines are permanent, in most cases they will fade and significantly improve over time. Aesthetic plastic surgeons make every effort to hide and minimize scars, with the goal of achieving the desired results with the shortest possible scar.
It is important for you to take an active role in your surgery. Ask, clarify after all it is your body.
- Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?
- Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
- Will my scars be visible? Where will my scars be located?
- What kind of anaesthesia do you recommend for me?
- What will be the costs associated with my surgery?
- What kind of recovery period can I expect and when can I resume normal activities?
- What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
There are alternatives to breast reduction surgeries too. The first step will be to reduce your weight if you are obese. Liposuction can be done in not that big a breast.
Think about the pros and cons before going in for breast reduction surgery .
Most women are very pleased with the results of their breast reduction procedure. Women who have their breast size reduced tend to be immediately gratified, and over time they notice an increase in their energy level, their stamina, and their day-to-day comfort level.