What is breast reduction surgery?
Women with overly large breasts may suffer with self image issues and physical discomfort. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts to achieve a more appropriate size. Successful breast reduction surgery reduces the emotional and physical discomfort that is frequently associated with having large, pendulous breasts.
Am I a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Ideally, your breast should be fully developed prior to breast reduction surgery. You may feel your breasts are too large for your body frame, or that they limit your physical activity. Breast reduction surgery candidates often complain of indentions from bra straps, skin irritation beneath their breast crease, and back, shoulder or neck pain. Frequently, patients have low hanging breasts with stretch marks and nipples below the breast crease when not wearing a bra. In order to undergo breast reduction surgery, all patients should be in good overall health, and not have any active diseases or serious pre-existing medical conditions.
How is breast reduction surgery performed?
Breast reduction surgery is performed through incisions on your breast which allows for surgical removal of excess skin and tissue. Liposuction may also be used to remove fatty tissue. The breast reduction procedure is performed using local tumescent anesthesia and oral medications for relaxation. Your surgeon will make the appropriate incision based on your pre-operative assessment. The most common incisions include peri-aerolar, key hole or inverted T style incisions, all of which are made in the lower half of the breasts. After making the incision, the breast tissue will be reduced and lifted and the incisions will be closed. The result? Smaller, more attractive breasts. Occasionally, a temporary drain will be placed and removed within a few days of your procedure. After the procedure is done and the bandages and recovery garment are placed, you will relax in the recovery area before returning home.
What should I expect after the procedure?
You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure. Your breasts will be numb for several hours following the procedure because of the tumescent anesthesia that was used. As the anesthesia wears off, most patients describe a mild achy pain, and that the breast skin feels tight. Post-procedure discomfort is typically well controlled with the medicine we prescribed you. Patients often have some swelling and occasional bruising following the procedure, which resolves over several days to a week or so. At your first post-procedure visit, your bandages will be removed. You will be able to shower and return to light activity 2 days after your procedure, and typically return to work within a week of the procedure.
What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?
Serious complications from breast reduction surgery are uncommon. As with any procedure, bleeding, infection, fluid collections, and poor wound healing may occur. Breast contour irregularities, asymmetry, and changes in nipple sensation are possible after breast reduction surgery. One way to reduce the chance of complications is to carefully follow the post-procedure recommendations after surgery.
When will I see the results of my breast reduction surgery?
You will notice a difference immediately after the procedure, with additional contour changes occurring over the next couple of months. If you have no significant weight gain or pregnancies afterwards, the changes from your breast reduction should be relatively permanent. Please note that there will be some skin and breast tissue relaxation associated with aging.