Although most people think of breast augmentation procedures when they think of breast surgery, a growing number of women are undergoing breast reduction procedures, known as reduction mammaplasties.
Women with very large breasts can be tormented by a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight of the chest, from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Disproportionately large breasts can also lead to extreme self-consciousness.
Breast reduction is designed especially for women with such problems. The procedure removes a particular amount of fat, glandular tissue, and skin from each or both of the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. The surgery can also be used to reduce the size of the areola, the dark skin surrounding the nipple.
The goal of breast reduction surgery is to give a woman smaller, firmer, better-shaped breasts that are in proportion with the rest of her body.
Reduction Mammaplasty
Women usually have a breast reduction to minimize the amount of paidn and discomfort associated with unusually large breasts. Many of these women suffer extreme pain in their backs, neck, and shoulders, and often a reduction will remedy this situation. Other women have breasts altered by genetics, age, or childbirth and wish to regain a shapelier, more natural figure. Reductions are not recommended for women who expect to breastfeed in the future.
Every surgery carries some degree of uncertainty. Consult your board certified plastic surgeon before the procedure to understand any potential risks.
Your surgeon will examine and measure your breasts to plan the most appropriate procedure. It is extremely important to openly discuss your expectations with the surgeon because everyone has a different opinion on what is the most aesthetically pleasing breast.
Women who receive medically necessary mammoplasties should inform their insurance companies before the surgery, as all or part of the procedure may be covered.
Women who receive medically necessary mammoplasties should inform their insurance companies before the surgery, as all or part of the procedure may be covered.
Some surgeons insist that you get a mammogram before your procedure to rule out the possibility of internal complications during tissue removal. Mammaoplasties can be rather involved surgeries so doctors often advise their patients to have some blood drawn prior to the operation in case a transfusion is needed. There are also specific guidelines regarding food, liquid, and medicine intake, so be sure to follow your doctor’s orders.
It is also wise to prepare transportation to and from the operation and have someone to assist you for the first few days of recovery. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any questions you might have before your surgery.
Most breast reductions are performed in a surgical facility, doctor’s office, or hospital.
Virtually every breast reduction is performed under general anesthetic so you can sleep through the entire operation
Though there are many techniques for a mammaoplasty, most procedures begin with a donut-shaped incision around the areola with a vertical cut downward on the front of the breast. Your doctor will remove fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the breast, and reposition the nipple and areola to compliment the new size and shape of your breast.
One of the most important considerations is the placement of the nipple. Although the nipples remain connected to their nerves and blood supplies in most mammaplasties, in the cases that merit extreme reduction it is often necessary to graft the nipples and areola to a higher location on the breast. This restructuring causes a total loss of sensation.
The post-operation recovery process is very similar to other breast procedures. After the surgery, you will be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings, and a small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.
Although breast reduction is a safe procedure with few complications, you may feel some pain for the first couple of days, especially when you are mobile. A general discomfort may last for a week or more, and your doctor will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.
Your cosmetic surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work and social activities in about two weeks, providing that they are careful to avoid strenuous activity.
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