Breasts that are excessively large in proportion to body size are a frequent cause of back and neck pain as well as grooves or irritation on the shoulders from bra straps. Additionally, sleep and participation in certain activities may be affected, and the likelihood of rashes and infections in the folds underneath the breasts increases. Fortunately, an operation known as reduction mammaplasty or simply, breast reduction, removes extra breast tissue to achieve a healthier, more comfortable size and reshapes the breasts, making them firmer and lifting them to a more youthful position. An additional benefit is that uneven breasts can be made more even.
In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.
Candidates for Breast Reduction
Women who demonstrate physical pain, usually in the back or shoulders, caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. The excess volume, can also cause skin irritation underneath the breast. Women who have difficulty finding clothes that fit, because their breasts are too large in proportion to their body frame; who have one breast that is much larger than the other and dissatisfaction of their self-image because of large breasts.
The duration of the procedure is approximately 2 - 21/2 hours. It is carried out under general anaesthesia. Overnight hospital stay is required.
Reduction techniques vary depending on breast size and shape and the amount of tissue to remove, and other factors such as scarring or the need for future breast-feeding ability.
Common procedures include:
- The inverted T, or anchor technique,extends around the top of the areola, downward and then towards the side and center along a natural curve that will become the breast crease.
- The vertical "short scar" incision technique extends around the top of the areola with a v-shaped incision down the midline. We prefer this technique.
- The free nipple graft technique removes the nipple and areola and replaces it higher on the breast after removing tissue.
- Liposelection can also be used alone or in combination with another technique to remove excess fat from the breasts in certain candidates.
Size and shape measurements and the breasts are marked to evaluate surgical options to determine your desired nipple placement, and preplan the procedure Incisions are made along pre-marked lines and the excess skin is removed.
Portions of underlying fat and glandular tissue are surgically removed and sculpted to reduce size and lift the breasts. Dissolvable internal sutures are often used to help maintain the shape and reduce tension on the skin during healing. The nipples and areolas, which remain attached to their original blood and nerve supply, are raised to their new, more youthful position.
Next, the areas beneath the areolas are brought together and closed with sutures to reshape the now smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts
A surgical drain tube may be placed in each breast to allow fluids to escape the bottom of your breasts as you heal.
After surgery, you'll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. You may feel some pain for the first couple of days.
The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery. 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 1 -3 weeks. 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 in some it may last a year or more:occasionally it may be permanent.
You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for 3-4 weeks. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell. Return to work is between 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous activities may be resumed in 1 month.
The procedure is normally safe and the outcome predictable when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Bleeding and infection following a breast reduction are uncommon, however it can lead to poor healing and wider scars. The scars may need revision at a later date and they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. Subsequent inability to breast feed might be a possibility. Surgery may increase the possibility of nerve damage or reduced blood supply to the breast or the nipple with temporary, sometimes permanent loss of sensation.The procedure can very rarely leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. In such case a minor secondary corrective surgery might be required for cosmetic touch ups.
Your New Look
It may be 6 months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. Patients typically experience extremely high satisfaction with reduced upper body pain, an improved ability to engage in physical activities, and a new appearance with smaller, more youthful looking breasts and clothes will fit you better.
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