Breast reduction
surgery is generally recommended for patients experiencing physical pain or symptoms caused by excessively large breasts. The excessive weight of large breasts may cause a number of problems that can be resolved from reducing the amount of the breast tissue. Breast reductions can also improve your appearance, help your clothes fit better, make your body more proportional and improve the shape of the breasts.
Who is a Candidate
Certain patients may be good candidates for breast reduction surgery. These patients include those with breasts that are disproportionate to their frame, patients with heavy breasts that have nipples and areolas that face in a downward direction, those with breasts of uneven sizes, those who experience back pain or pain in the neck or shoulder due to the weight of their breasts, those who have skin irritation either below their breasts or on their shoulders due to the pressure of their bra straps and those whose physical activity is limited due to the size of their breasts.
Typically, breast reduction surgery should only be performed once the breast tissue has stopped developing. Ideally, women should have already completed childbirth and breastfeeding prior to a breast reduction surgery, because the effect of these activities can alter the shape of the breasts.
How is The Surgery Performed
During breast reduction surgery, three incisions are made in the breast. The first is an incision around the areola, the second is a vertical incision from the areola to the crease under the breast, and the third goes along the curve of the breast. The doctor removes excess skin, fat and tissue from these incisions and shifts the areola upward to a higher spot on the breast. The areola may also be reduced in size if it is too large. Finally, skin that was previously above the nipple is brought downward and used to reshape the breast. Because the nipple and areola are not removed, sensation usually still exists following a breast reduction surgery.
Risks of the Surgery
Potential risks include the normal risks of surgery: infection, bleeding and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
There are also risks regarding the appearance of the breast, which may not be symmetrical in size or nipple placement after the surgery. In rare cases, there is a loss of sensation in the nipple and areola.
Recovery
A full recovery is usually possible within a few weeks. Mild discomfort during the recovery period is normal. Sexual activity should be avoided for at least a week following the surgery, and care should be taken for at least six weeks following the operation.
Longterm Results
Smaller breasts generally appear firmer, and the scars from the surgery usually fade over time although may never become invisible. Typically, breast size remains constant after the reduction surgery unless you gain or lose a great deal of weight. Aging will also eventually alter the shape of the breasts.
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