Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty technically, is not only a cosmetic surgical process designed to enhance the patient’s physical looks but also alleviates the physical pain and discomfort imparted because of overly large breasts. The breast reduction has helped women to feel less conscious about their appearance as well as relieves them of biting pain in neck, shoulder and back.

Breast reduction is a procedure to reduce the size of breasts by peeling away the excess fat and skin from breasts region.

Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery –

Women with heavy, sagging breasts are ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery. If the weight of the breast is causing discomfort or pain in shoulder, neck or back then it is suggested to go for this surgery. Also, formation of indents where bra straps are supported, restriction in daily activities, skin irritation at breast crease, nipples hanging below areolas when unsupported makes one eligible for reduction mammaplasty. It can be purely taken up for improving self-image.

Know-How’s before Breast Reduction Surgery –

For the safe and successful surgical process, one should be aware of what is in the package for you. Be sure to have an open discussion with your surgeon about your expectations from surgery, reasons for undergoing the surgery and previous surgeries with current medication going on. Your surgeon will also evaluate your psychological ability to handle the outcomes, your diet, and your health history and may advise you to acquire a lifestyle for few weeks before surgery.

Breast Reduction Procedure –

It involves removal of excess skin, fats and glandular tissues from breast region. The procedure may take few hours, if not accompanied by other surgical process like breast uplift or liposuction. A brief overview of breast reduction procedure is given below.
Step1: Anesthesia, general or local, is given to allow patient to sleep over the entire process.
Step2: Incisions are made. There are different kind of techniques available and are applied on patient-surgeon agreement, patient’s requirement and medical history.
Step3: Tissues are removed and nipples which are attached to nerve supply are repositioned. Excess skin from lower breast portion is removed and then lifted to reshape the breasts.
Step4: Incisions are closed. Sutures are coated deep in the skin tissue to bring about the new shape. Though incision lines are visible, they fade over time.

Post-Operative Effects of Breast Reduction Surgery –

Women will be required to wear surgical bra for proper support for 2-3 weeks from surgery. Sutures can be removed within a week or two, and women are advised against any strenuous activities in initial weeks of surgery. There will be mild feeling of discomfort and pain during first weeks of surgery, especially during menstrual cycles and activities like coughing and sneezing. Surgeons will advise for pain relief medication. Following breast reduction surgery, some ay have to go through altered sensations of the breast skin and nipples. It may also be permanent in some cases. Other side-effects may include swelling, dryness and itching around incisions.

Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery –

As with all kinds of plastic surgery, breast reduction surgery also involves certain risks like poor healing of wounds, allergic reactions to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, unfavorable scarring, blood clots, permanent loss of sensation and others. However, more specific risks include loss of breast feeding capability, excessive firmness of breasts, partial or total loss of nipples and areolas. One should be aware of potential risks before undergoing any surgery.

Breast Reduction surgery has benefited a lot women who has irregularities in breasts shape and weight, making them more confident and carefree about their looks. Not only aesthetically but it has also helped in relieving severe shoulder, neck and back pain. With today’s advent of technology, more and more women are opting for breast reduction surgery.