Many women desire breasts that are proportionate to their body, but some women are born with larger breasts that are disproportionate and cause physical pain and frustration. These large breasts can also make it difficult to find properly fitting clothing and can interfere with physical activities. Some women try creams, medicines, and pills to reduce the size of their breasts, but these are often ineffective. Breast Reduction surgery is a simple and effective procedure that can permanently solve this problem and leave the patient with smaller, aesthetically pleasing breasts.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast Reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to reduce the size of the breasts and reshape them for a more proportional and balanced appearance. The procedure involves removing excess skin, fat, and tissue from the breasts and reshaping the remaining breast tissue to create smaller, firmer breasts. The procedure can result in scarring, although the scars will fade over time. Breast Reduction surgery can also be used to reposition the nipples and areolas to a more youthful position. It is generally performed under general anesthesia and requires a recovery period of several weeks.
Types of Breast Reduction surgery
There are several types of Breast Reduction surgery, including:
Liposuction-only Breast Reduction
This procedure involves the use of liposuction to remove excess fat from the breasts. It is best for women with minimal sagging and excess fat in the breasts.
Vertical Breast Reduction
This procedure involves making an incision around the areola, down the center of the breast, and along the breast crease. It is used for women with moderate sagging and excess breast fat.
Inverted T Breast Reduction
This procedure involves making an incision around the areola, down the center of the breast, and along the breast crease, as well as a horizontal incision along the breast crease. It is used for women with significant sagging and excess breast fat.
Anchor Breast Reduction
This is the most extensive Breast Reduction procedure and involves making an incision around the areola, down the center of the breast, along the breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease. It is used for women with severe sagging and excess breast fat.
The type of Breast Reduction surgery that is best for you will depend on the individual patient and the extent of sagging and excess fat present. Your surgeon will recommend the best procedure to meet your goals and provide the most natural-looking results.
Breast Reduction surgery is a procedure that is chosen by women who have
- Chronic irritation and rash under the breasts
- Pain in the neck, upper back, and shoulders due to the weight of the breasts
- Difficulty participating in physical activity due to excess breast tissue
- Nerve pain
- Low self-esteem and confidence due to the size of the breasts
- Difficulty finding clothing and bras that fit properly
- Social stigma or unhappiness with the size of the breasts
- Sagging breasts
Who is an ideal candidate for Breast Reduction surgery
An ideal candidate for Breast Reduction surgery is a woman who is in good physical health, has realistic expectations for the procedure, and is bothered by the size and weight of her breasts. The best candidates for the procedure are women with disproportionately large breasts that cause physical discomfort and interfere with their daily activities. It is not recommended for women who are planning to have children or lose a significant amount of weight, as these events may affect the results of the surgery.
You need to consult your plastic surgeon to determine if Breast Reduction surgery is right for you. The surgeon will evaluate your medical history, physical condition, and goals for the procedure to determine if you are a good candidate.
Precautions before Breast Reduction surgery
Before undergoing Breast Reduction surgery, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure the best possible outcome. These may include:
- Smoking can interfere with the healing process. It is important to stop smoking several weeks before and after the surgery.
- Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Your surgeon will provide a list of medications to avoid before the procedure.
- Arrange someone to drive you home after the surgery, as you will not be able to drive yourself.
- Have someone help you set up a recovery area at home with all the necessary items, such as pillows, blankets, and any medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Your doctor will provide specific instructions on preparing for the surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking and what to do on the day of the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Breast Reduction surgery?
Breast Reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that involves the removal of excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts to reduce their size and improve their shape. The surgery aims to help alleviate physical discomforts, such as neck and back pain, and improve the appearance of the breasts.
Who is a good candidate for Breast Reduction surgery?
The best candidates for Breast Reduction surgery are healthy, non-smoking individuals with realistic expectations about the procedure and the results. They should also be experiencing physical discomfort or other problems caused by large breasts, such as neck and back pain, skin irritation, and difficulty finding clothes that fit properly.
What are the risks of Breast Reduction surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, Breast Reduction surgery carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, scarring, and changes in sensation in the breasts or nipples. Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications of the procedure with you in detail before the surgery.
How long does the surgery take?
The length of the surgery will depend on the extent of the Breast Reduction being performed. On average, the procedure takes about 3-5 hours to complete.
What is the recovery process like after Breast Reduction surgery?
After the surgery, you will be wrapped in bandages to support your breasts as they heal. You may also be given a special bra to wear. You will need to take it easy for a few days, and you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for several weeks. Following your surgeon's instructions for caring for your breasts during the recovery process is important.
When will I see the final results of the surgery?
It may take several weeks or even months for the swelling to completely subside and for the final results of the surgery to be visible. However, most people can see a significant improvement in the size and shape of their breasts soon after the surgery.
Does insurance cover Breast Reduction surgery?
In some cases, Breast Reduction surgery may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. Also, this typically means that the large size of the breasts is causing physical discomfort or other health problems, such as neck and back pain. Your insurance company will be able to provide more information on whether the procedure is covered under your specific policy.
Can Breast Reduction surgery cause complications during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
In most cases, Breast Reduction surgery does not affect a woman's ability to get pregnant or breastfeed. However, discussing your pregnancy and breastfeeding planswith your surgeon before the procedure is important.
Is Breast Reduction surgery painful?
You will be given general anesthesia during the surgery to keep you comfortable. You may experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but this can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.
How long do the results of Breast Reduction surgery last?
The results of Breast Reduction surgery are typically long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and do not experience significant hormonal changes. It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle and practice good self-care to help maintain the results of the surgery.