Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess breast tissues, fats and skin to make it smaller and reshape it to symmetrical proportions that suits the body. Depending on the amount of tissues and fats that need to be removed, your surgeon will suggest if it requires only surgery or use liposuction along with it.
Why should you go for a breast reduction surgery?
If you think your breasts are disproportionate or large for your body; and you also experience continuous neck, shoulder and back pains or chronic skin irritation under the breasts and bra strap marks on your shoulders due to the pressure of large breasts, you should consult a doctor regarding a breast reduction surgery.
How does the surgery help?
Large breasts restricts activities related to sports and adventure, leaves one with less choices of clothing that can be worn socially. Physical appearance and limitations can lead to lower self-esteem and confidence. A breast reduction surgery will also relieve you from the emotional pressure caused due to large breasts. Women who have undergone this surgery are highly gratified with the outcome.
The procedure
The initial step is to consult an expert plastic surgeon to analyse your condition, medical background, the risks and post-surgery recuperation. The surgery is commonly done under general anaesthesia but depending on your condition, partial or local anaesthesia could also be used. The common procedure involves three incisions; one around the areola (dark area surrounding the nipple), one going down from the areola to the crease underneath the breast and another across the lower crease along the natural curve of the breast. After removing excess breast tissues, fats and skin, the nipple and areola are positioned higher and stitched together. Since large breasts have larger areola, the size of the areola is reduced. The surgery lasts for 2 to 5 hours and you can go home the same day.
Post-surgery recovery
You are likely to experience breast pain for a couple of days post-surgery but this will be keep under control by means of oral medication. The stitches will be removed after 1 – 2 weeks and doctors suggest that you wear a surgical bra all day to enhance the healing process by keeping it supported all the time. Though you can continue regular work within a couple weeks, it is advised that you don’t indulge yourself in any kind of exhausting work.
What is the cost of this surgery?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will the surgery leave permanent scars?
Well, the surgery does leave you with a scar but it fades in about a year. At the time of your consultation discuss it out with your doctor since in most cases the incisions are made where it will be least visible.
Will I be able to breast feed after reduction surgery?
Depending on your condition and the followed procedure, you may either face difficulty in feeding, lose the ability to breast feed or will have no troubles at all.
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.
Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.