Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size and volume of the breasts. It’s often sought by individuals experiencing physical discomfort, functional limitations, or emotional distress due to overly large breasts.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to decrease the size and weight of the breasts by removing excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin. This can alleviate symptoms such as neck, back, and shoulder pain, bra strap grooving, skin irritation, difficulty with physical activity, and self-consciousness about breast size.

What Are The Different Types Of Breast Reduction Surgery?

Traditional Breast Reduction (Anchor or Wise Pattern)

This technique involves making incisions around the areola, extending vertically down to the breast crease and possibly horizontally along the breast crease, creating an anchor-shaped pattern. It allows for a significant reduction in breast size and reshaping of the breast tissue, making it suitable for individuals with moderate to severe breast ptosis (sagging).

Vertical Breast Reduction (Lollipop or Short Scar)

The vertical breast reduction technique involves making incisions around the areola and extending vertically down to the breast crease, omitting the horizontal incision along the breast crease. This results in a lollipop-shaped pattern and is suitable for individuals with moderate breast ptosis, providing a more limited scar pattern and quicker recovery compared to traditional breast reduction.

Scarless Breast Reduction (Liposuction)

Scarless breast reduction, also known as liposuction breast reduction, involves using liposuction techniques to remove excess fat from the breasts without significant incisions or removal of glandular tissue. This technique is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate breast enlargement primarily due to excess fatty tissue, resulting in minimal scarring and a shorter recovery period.

Pedicle Technique

The pedicle technique involves preserving a pedicle or flap of breast tissue containing the nipple and areola complex, which remains attached to the underlying breast tissue. This technique maintains blood supply to the nipple and areola, reducing the risk of nipple necrosis (loss of blood flow) and maintaining nipple sensation.

The choice of breast reduction technique depends on factors such as the extent of breast ptosis, desired degree of size reduction, individual anatomy, and surgeon preference. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential for evaluating candidacy, discussing treatment options, and developing a personalised surgical plan to achieve optimal results while ensuring safety and satisfaction.

Why You Should Get A Breast Reduction Surgery?

Considering breast reduction surgery? Here’s why it might be the right choice for you: Relief from Discomfort – Surgery can alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by large breasts.
  • Reduction enhances movement and makes physical activities easier.
  • Surgery helps correct posture by reducing strain on the upper body.
  • Smaller breasts offer more clothing options and boost comfort.
  • Reduction reduces self-consciousness and improves body image.
  • Surgery eliminates skin issues like rashes and chafing under the breasts.
  • Reduction lowers the risk of breast-related health problems.
  • Surgery boosts self-esteem and overall mental health.
Consult a plastic surgeon for personalised advice before deciding on breast reduction surgery.

What Occurs During A Breast Reduction Surgery Consultation?

During a breast reduction surgery consultation, you’ll meet with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals regarding the size and shape of your breasts. The surgeon will thoroughly examine your breasts, assessing factors such as size, symmetry, and skin elasticity. They’ll also review your medical history and discuss any previous breast-related issues or surgeries you may have had.
Additionally, the consultation will cover the different breast reduction techniques available, potential risks and complications, expected outcomes, and postoperative recovery. This allows you to make an informed decision about whether breast reduction surgery is the right choice for you.

How Should I Get Ready For Breast Reduction Surgery?

To prepare for breast reduction surgery, follow any preoperative instructions provided by your surgeon carefully. These may include undergoing preoperative medical evaluations, discontinuing certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding risk, and arranging transportation to and from the surgical facility.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle leading up to the surgery is essential, including proper nutrition, hydration, and avoiding smoking, as these factors can impact healing and recovery.

What Happens During Breast Reduction Surgery?

During a breast reduction procedure, the surgeon will make incisions around the areola, extending vertically down the lower portion of the breast and possibly horizontally along the breast crease, creating a “keyhole” or “anchor” shaped pattern.

Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed through these incisions, and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped and lifted to achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing breast contour. The nipples and areolas may also be repositioned to a higher, more natural position on the breast mound.

Breast reduction surgery can also address asymmetry between the breasts, ensuring a more balanced appearance. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia and may involve overnight hospitalisation, depending on the extent of surgery and individual recovery needs.

What Is The Recovery Process Like After Breast Reduction Surgery?

The recovery process after breast reduction surgery typically involves several stages. Initially, you may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the breasts, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications and cold compresses. Resting and avoiding strenuous activities during the first few days is important to allow for proper healing.

Over the following weeks, swelling and bruising will gradually subside, and you’ll begin to see the initial results of the breast reduction. Attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure that your breasts are healing as expected.

Most individuals can resume normal activities within a few weeks, with full healing and optimal results achieved over several months.

What Are The Risks And Potential Complications Associated With Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery decreases the size of large breasts. While it can alleviate discomfort and improve the quality of life for many individuals, like any surgery, it comes with potential risks and complications you should be aware of.
  • There’s a risk of infection at the surgical site, which can usually be treated with antibiotics but may require additional procedures if severe.
  • Excessive bleeding during or after surgery is possible, necessitating medical intervention.
  • Nerve damage during surgery can lead to changes in nipple or breast sensation, including numbness or hypersensitivity.
  • All surgeries leave scars, and breast reduction surgery is no exception. The extent of scarring depends on factors like incision type and individual healing.
  • Some individuals may experience delayed wound healing or breakdown, increasing the risk of infection.
  • Achieving perfect symmetry is challenging; some breast asymmetry may persist after surgery.
  • Despite careful planning, you may not be satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of your breast reduction.
  • Like with any surgery, anaesthesia has risks, such as allergic reactions or adverse effects on breathing and heart rate.
  • While breast reduction surgery typically preserves the ability to breastfeed, there’s a slight risk of interference with milk ducts, leading to difficulties.
  • Breast reduction can have emotional effects, and some individuals may experience psychological challenges adjusting to their new appearance.
Discuss these risks and potential complications with your plastic surgeon before deciding to undergo breast reduction surgery. They can provide personalised information based on your medical history, anatomy, and desired outcome. While complications can occur, many individuals find relief and satisfaction with the results of their breast reduction surgery.

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DISCLAIMER:
The information written and published on this website is not intended to substitute the recommendations of a trained professional and does not replace a professional consultation.
It is advisable to undergo a formal consultation to help establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself, accurately determine your concerns/problems, and get the appropriate treatments for them.
It is also imperative to note that the contents of the website with respect to treatments, results and pricing can vary from individual to individual, and can only be accurately determined by the doctor upon diagnosis.
Do note that all medical treatments will only be administered upon proper consultation, with the requirement that patients be above 21 years of age to provide legal consent.