Breast reduction is an operation that can lift and reduce the weight of the breasts which can help to get rid of large heavy breasts, which puts a strain on their shoulders, neck, and back. For many of these women, a supportive bra is not sufficient and reducing the weight of their breasts is a consideration.
There are mainly two types of breast reduction procedures (classic technique; inverted T or anchor and free nipple technique) and they all have a role depending on the degree of drooping and the medical status of the patient. As a general rule, if the drooping is more, there will be more scars for a better improvement.
Good candidates for breast reduction are healthy, emotionally-stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort. Breasts of any size can be reduceded, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts. If you’re planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast reduction as breast reduction usually decreases breast-feeding due to milk producing tissue removal.
Consultation for the breast reduction surgery is important to discuss the reason, expectations, desired outcome, medical conditions, drug allergies, previous medical treatments, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, smoking, drug use, previous surgeries and family cancer story. Every patient–and every physician, as well–has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts. You will be asked about your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors. Your surgeon will examine your body and breasts in detail, measure them, skin quality, and placement of your anatomical structures. Your photos will be taken. At the end your aesthetic surgeon will discuss your surgery options and other additional procedures which may help to improve the overall result and risks or potential complications. Make sure you understand the scarring that will result. He or she should also explain the anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
Getting prepared for the operation: blood tests must be done, medications for chronic problems you’re on should be estimated with your surgeon and your doctor dealing with, smoking must be stopped, aspirin, vitamin E, gingko and ginseng containing stuff and certain anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding should be avoided.
Breast reduction surgery risks include: anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, poor wound healing and skin loss, unfavorable scarring, prolonged swelling, skin irregularities and discoloration, unsatisfactory results may include: asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location and unacceptable visible deformities at the incisions. Breast reduction does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they’ll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned and deformed nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts. (It may be necessary to perform an additional surgery to improve your results) Nipple and areola can be lost.
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your cosmetic surgeon.
Breast reduction is preferred to be performed undergeneral anesthesia. It may take 2-3 hours according to the possible additional procedures. Incision and techniques may change due to the patient’s appearance, patient's expectations and surgeon's judgment. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. Skin will be gently lifted from underlying tissues, excess skin and breast tissues consisting milk producing glands will be removed, rest of the breast tissues will be reshaped, moved and stitched to a higher position. If you’re having a free nipple operation, nipple-areola will be totally detached, breast will be reduced and at the end the nipple- areola will be reattached like a skin graft. In this technique the sensation of the nipple-areola will be lost, the shape and color will be changed. Incisions will be closed with absorbable stitches that does not need to be removed. At the end, dressings and a bandage will be used to decrease swelling.
Patients generally have a slight discomfort and soreness, not much pain. There will be some swelling and bruising, cold compression helps to decrease to a minimum. Medications will be prescribed and follow up checks will be planned. Generally 6-7 days after patients may get rid of bandages and have a whole body shower. Bruises fade away in 7-15 days and swellings diminish in the following weeks. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. In free nipple operations, special care must be taken for the dressings which will be told by your surgeon. The numbness usually fades in the classic technique as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, don’t plan on returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. And avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your surgeon.
You will be given detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be instructed to avoid strenuous sports for about a month. After that, you can resume these activities slowly. If you become pregnant, the operation shall affect your ability to breast-feed, since your milk producing tissues will be partially removed.(But breast feeding is impossible after free nipple operation)
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it’s important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.
You should also keep in mind that a breast reduction won’t keep you firm forever–the effects of gravity, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again. Your satisfaction with a breast reduction is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic. Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You’ll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.
