Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction is an operative procedure in which breast tissue and excess breast skin are removed. The removal of breast tissue results in a smaller breast. Removal of excess skin results in a breast that is higher on the chest wall and more aesthetic. This is an important component of this operation, because it allows the breast to be restored to a youthful appearance and shape. If excess skin were not removed, the breast would actually look worse following breast reduction than before surgery.

Techniques:
The most common method of reducing the breasts involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision follows the natural curve of the breast crease.
After the surgeon has removed excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in large breasts usually has been stretched, also is reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast.
Usually, the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this allows for the preservation of sensation.

*Variations to the common breast reduction technique:
There are many variations to the design of the incisions for breast reduction. The size and shape of your breasts, as well as the desired amount of reduction, are factors that will help your plastic surgeon determine the best technique for you.
In some instances, it may be possible to avoid the vertical incision that runs from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease or the horizontal incision underneath the breast.

Understanding Risks:
Fortunately, significant complications from breast reduction are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of women undergo successful breast reduction surgery, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results.

Preparation for surgery:
• Quit smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery
Usually, a general anesthesia is administered. In many instances, small drain tubes will have been placed in your breasts to help avoid the accumulation of fluids. Gauze dressings will be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or surgical bra.

Recovery:
• One to two weeks.
• Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of one week.
• The incisions from your breast reduction surgery will heal and fade over time.

Most women become comfortable with their smaller breasts and feel very pleased with the results of surgery. In fact, the level of patient satisfaction resulting from breast reduction is among the highest of any plastic surgery procedure.

 

FAQ :

Who Is a Good Candidate?

A good candidate for breast reduction is physically healthy, has realistic expectations and has breasts that are fully developed. You are bothered by feeling that your breasts are too large and limits your physical activity , your breasts hang low and have stretched skin , you have back, neck or shoulder pain.

Is breast reduction permanent?

Yes, breast reduction surgery should be considered permanent, although the remaining fat cells will swell and enlarge if you gain weight. Likewise, in the event of a pregnancy, the tissues swell or take on fluid and store milk. Natural or synthetic hormones may also cause breast tissue to swell and be tender to the touch

 Where are the incisions made, and are there any visible breast reduction scars?

Incisions are usually made within the natural folds under the breasts, sometimes around the areolae, and in a line from the crease to the areolae. Some procedures require only a keyhole incision The surgery is not a minor one and breast reduction scars should be expected. Unnecessary scarring is generally avoided, although in nonliposuction techniques the scarring is more pronounced

What should I expect postoperatively?

After your breast reduction procedure, you may be placed in two bras as well as an elastic bandage. In some cases, you may remove the top bra only and rewrap the breasts with the elastic bandage the day after surgery

Breast reduction pain connected with the procedure is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral pain medication. Prescribed antibiotics are taken postoperatively for several days to prevent infection. Instructions for the day and night after surgery include bed rest with limited activities.

You should wear your bra 24 hours a day for at least the first three weeks. After the initial 21-day period, the bra should be worn at least during the daytime for six weeks .