Breast Reduction
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BREAST REDUCTION FOR WOMEN
Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery frequently are seeking relief from physical symptoms caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. Breast reduction usually can solve these problems as well as improve the size and shape of your breasts. Following breast reduction, your breasts will be more proportional to the rest of your body, and clothes will fit you better.
The Best candidate for Brest Reduction:
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- breasts that are too large in proportion to your body frame
- heavy, pendulous breasts with nipples and areolas that point downward
- one breast is much larger than the other
- back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- skin irritation beneath your breasts
- indentations in your shoulders from tight bra straps
- restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
- dissatisfaction or self-consciousness about the largeness of your breasts
The surgery
Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast reduction before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to reduce the size of your breasts. The most common method of reducing the breasts involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision follows the natural curve of the breast crease. After the surgeon has removed excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in large breasts usually has been stretched, also is reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour under the arm. Usually, the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this allows for the preservation of sensation.
Operating Time: 1 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia: Local with sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient: Usually performed as an outpatient procedure. But can be an inpatient procedure if
desired.
The Risks: There can be temporary bruising, some swelling and discomfort, numbness, and dry breast skin. Possible complications: Serious risks are not common. Delays in healing can be caused by collections of fluid (seroma) that need to be drained; infection, bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in visible scarring or skin loss. There is the possibility of wide scars (keloids) in patients with this tendency. Surgically the nipples could be unevenly placed; there could be a temporary or permanent loss of feeling in nipples or breast, or the need for a second operation.
Duration of Results: Pregnancy and breast-feeding may affect and change the size and shape of the breasts. Some women undergo breast reduction surgery before having children, preferring to address any changes in shape and size at a later date. Gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of the new breast. Breast lift surgery will not interfere with the ability to breast-feed if the milk ducts are left intact, and if you plan to breast feed in the future you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Normally the result stays for years and it differs from one patient to another.
