Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty is a procedure that involves the removal of excess tissue within the breast which can result in a smaller, lighter breast. This surgery is most often performed for physical relief as opposed to aesthetic or cosmetic improvement. Patients considering breast reduction most often have very large breasts which are not in proportion with the rest of their body. The excessive weight can cause chronic back, neck and shoulder pain that can greatly affect a woman's daily life. This excessive weight, if left untreated, can even lead to skeletal deformities.

The Procedure

There are several techniques used for breast reduction surgery, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision. The incision circles the areola and then extends downward following 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 most cases the nipple will remain attached to the blood vessels and nerves, but if the breast is very large, the nipple and areola might have to be removed in order to be properly repositioned. This removal will result in the loss of sensation in the nipple and areola tissue. Once the nipple is repositioned, the surgeon will then bring skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction can be used if excess fat remains in the armpit area.

When the reshaping is complete, the breast will be stitched up. Stitches usually circle the areola then extend downward in a vertical line and finish along the lower crease of the breast. Scars from these stitches will be permanent. In some cases, surgeons can use techniques that eliminate the vertical part of the scar; this can minimize scarring. Occasionally, in order to reduce breast size, women will only need liposuction to remove excess fat. This procedure results in the least amount of scarring.

Does It Hurt?

The procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, but if the surgery is extensive, it could take even longer. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, so patients will be able to return home a few hours after surgery.

After the procedure, patients will be wrapped in gauze dressings that are then covered with either a surgical bra or elastic bandages. The surgeon may place small tubes in each breast for the first day or two to drain excess blood and fluids. The persistence of swelling and bruising will depend on your susceptibility to both. The gauze will be removed a day or two after surgery, but the surgical bra will be worn for several weeks. The stitches will either dissolve or be removed in one to three weeks.

Patients will feel pain and discomfort for the first few weeks after surgery but surgeons will prescribe medication that can lessen this. Strenuous movement, coughing, lifting and other actions will cause pain and may inhibit healing. It is important to take it easy for a while in order to allow the tissue to heal. After the bruises fade, many patients will have continuous swelling for several months. This may even increase during the first menstrual cycle following the surgery. Many patients will have to wait at least 6 months to see their full results.

Risks

There are always risks involved in any surgical procedure; the most common associated with breast reduction are:

Women may also develop small sores around the nipples, but this can be cured with antibiotic cream. Those who smoke will discover that their breasts heal slower and their scars remain wider. For those women who smoke, it is recommended that they stop at least two weeks before the surgery and continue to abstain throughout their healing period.

All of these risks are rare and very treatable. Discussing each with your surgeon before your procedure will ensure that your breast reduction procedure will be as successful as possible.

Results

It may be six months to a year before the breasts completely settle into their new shape. It is important to remember that this new shape can fluctuate depending on pregnancy, weight gain and hormonal shifts.

When the breasts are finally healed, patients will still have scarring. It is very essential to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They usually remain lumpy and red for months and gradually become less obvious, but even when healed, thin white lines will remain. Most surgeons can place the scars so that patients can wear low cut tops, but scars along and underneath the breast will always remain.

Out of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction offers the quickest visual bodily change. Patients will feel happier and more comfortable with their new breast size. Back, neck and shoulder pain will disappear, clothes will fit better and patients will find their body much more evenly proportioned. Like all plastic surgeries, women will need time to adjust to their new looks, but most patients find themselves very pleased with their results.

Costs

Breast reduction surgery can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. These prices vary depending on the area in which you live, the clinic or hospital you go to and the doctor that performs the procedure. Cost may also differ if the surgery is combined with other cosmetic procedures such as a breast lift. Patients can greatly benefit from this procedure because it can significantly reduce aches and pains associated with large breasts. It can make patents feel more comfortable about their bodies and themselves.