Women with very large, pendulous breasts may have a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight of the breasts from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations on their shoulders. Unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious. Breast reduction, known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The surgical procedure removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their daily activities and cause them physical discomfort.
In most patients, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed that is age over 18. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.
Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams.
The risks can be reduced by by closely following our advices both before and after surgery. The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit.
The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die.
Over the age of 40 or if the patient has a family story of breast cancer, a mammogram (breast x-ray) is taken before surgery. Breast reduction doesn't usually require a blood transfusion. However, if a large amount of breast tissue will be removed, a unit of blood may be needed. Breast reduction surgery is performed in a hospital, under general anesthesia. After the surgery, your may stay for 1-3 days in the hospital. The surgery itself usually takes two to four hours, but may take longer in some cases.
Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position.
In all cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast.
After surgery, you will be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two. You may feel some pain for the first couple of days. You will continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks. If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day, but be sure to keep the suture area dry. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six weeks or so.
You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell, and to avoid anything but gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks. A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some crusting, is normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, do not hesitate to call your doctor.
Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You will be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better. However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you'll need time to adjust to your new image-as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you will be pleased with the results.
