Reduction mammoplasty is the surgery to reduce the size of one’s breasts by removing extra skin, tissue, and fat. One might opt for breast reduction surgery if they have enormous breasts that are out of proportion compared to the rest of their body and are causing neck pain, back pain, or other symptoms.
In most cases, individuals who opt for the surgery are satisfied with the outcomes. The surgery also positively impacts males who suffer from disorders like gynecomastia, a condition in which the male breasts are excessively enlarged.
One should speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon if they are considering breast reduction surgery, as It’s critical to comprehend the dangers and potential problems associated with breast reduction surgery beforehand. In addition, knowing what the procedure can and cannot do is also crucial.
Who should undergo a reduction mammoplasty?
People with abnormally large breasts that become a hindrance and cause the following troubles listed below should go for the surgery.
– Chronic shoulder, neck, and back pain
– Shoulder ridges left by the bra straps
– Skin discomfort or a persistent rash under the breasts
– Pain in nerves
– Doing regular activities becoming difficult
– Large breasts leading to a negative sense of self
– Difficulty in wearing bras and other clothes
However, it must be noted that people who are planning to have children in the future or are planning to lose weight should wait before getting the surgery done.
Risk factors
The dangers of breast reduction surgery are the same as those of other major surgeries: bleeding, infection, and a negative anesthetic reaction. Additional dangers include:
– Bruising (usually heals on its own)
– Scarring
– Inability or difficulty breastfeeding
– Size, shape, and appearance variations between the left and right breasts
– Not being satisfied with the outcomes
– Under rare conditions, losing the feeling in the nipples, the skin around them, or both
Preparatory steps for the surgery
– It’s crucial to follow the surgeon’s instructions for limiting what to eat, drink, and take before the treatment.
– One will typically leave the hospital after an outpatient breast reduction and return home the following day.
– If one is not staying in the hospital, they should take care of transportation beforehand
– Ask the surgeon for the requirements of specialized support clothing, like compression vests for men or bras for women, and make sure to get them before the scheduled operation.
Types of Reduction mammoplasty
Depending on the size and shape of the breasts, how much tissue needs to be removed, and how one wishes to appear following surgery, the surgeon may choose from a few different surgical techniques:
– Liposuction: For this procedure, a fine tube connected to a vacuum is used to remove the excess fats and fluid from the breast. Small reductions and patients whose skin will “snap back” into place are most suited for this surgical technique.
– “Lollipop” or vertical: This procedure is used for sagging breasts and cases requiring mild breast reductions. In order to remove excessive tissue and fat, contour the breast, and raise it, the surgeon will make cuts around the areola and all the way down to the crease under the breast.
– Anchor or the inverted-T: The surgeon will make cuts along the crease under the breast, along the areola’s edge, and from the areola to the areola. Individuals who are looking for significant weight loss or have uneven and sagging breasts are most suitable to undergo this procedure.
Recovery after surgery
The recovery period after the surgery can range from a week and can spread to several weeks, depending upon the circumstances. The surgeon will provide instructions for subsequent visits to remove the stitches. One must refrain from any strenuous activity for at least a month.
Fatigue and soreness in the breast are common during the initial days after the surgery, and one may be prescribed oral painkillers to manage the pain. Care should be taken to avoid lifting anything heavy till full recovery has been made.
In some cases, a person might also see irregularities in their mood pattern and experience depression. However, they should clearly talk to their health professional about the cause.
What one can expect after surgery
A successful breast reduction procedure can relieve shoulder, neck, and upper back pain. Additionally, it might improve one’s capacity for physical activity and foster a more positive view of oneself.
Results will be seen immediately, but it may take many months for the swelling to subside fully and for the surgical scars to disappear. Typically, the end outcome is durable. However, aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and other events can alter the size and shape of the breasts.
