Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery which can also be called reduction mammoplasty is a surgery of removing some of the tissue and skin from the breasts for reshaping and reducing the breasts’ size. The surgery includes as well reduction and reshaping of the nipple and areola size. 

First of all to remove skin and tissue from breasts, the surgeon makes one or several cuts. After the excess skin and tissue are removed from the breast, skin is being closed with stitches. Due to patients requests, nipple and areola can be repositioned. 

Surgery is done with the usage of general anesthesia and lasts 3-5 hours and usually an overnight is required. Smaller reductions of breasts are sometimes operated with local anesthesia. 

Breast lift which also can be called ‘mastopexy’ is similar to breast reduction, except that in some cases only skin is being removed. Breast lift can raise up drooping or sagging breasts, which is a common problem of heavy, large breasts and as well can elevate areola and nipples. 

After Surgery

Right after the surgery, doctor applies gauze over the incisions, the breasts are wrapped in an elastic bandage or supported with a special surgical bra. Sometimes in each breast in inserted a small tube to help drain blood and fluid for first couple of days after the operation. In 1-2 weeks, stitches are being removed. 

It is considered to be normal for a patient to feel pain in breast for the first couple of days after the operation and have less discomfort for 7 days or longer. The doctor will prescribe the right medicine to reveal pain. Bruising and swelling may last for a few weeks. To reduce swelling and support breast while they heal, a patient is advised to wear a surgical bra 24 hours a day. 

Within a few weeks generally a patient comes back to his casual life, however, making sports and lifting heavy stuff will be allowed by the doctor after re-examination. During recovery period a patient is advised to wear sports or athletic bra to support breasts well.  

Reasons to Make Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is done to those patients who want to change the shape, size, weight and firmness of breasts. 

 You may decide to have breast reduction surgery to:

• Feel more comfortable. Heavy, large breasts may cause back and neck pain, skin irritations and posture problems. The constant pull of heavy breasts may make bra straps leave painful stripes on shoulders. Breast reduction surgery can eliminate these problems in most cases.

• Women who experience difficulties during physical activities due to pain because of large, heavy breasts.

• Change the appearance. Heavy breasts, especially when they are sagging and out of proportion to height and weight, can be embarrassing. Young women with large breasts may especially feel lack of self-conscious while wearing swimsuits and other types of clothing due to unwelcome attention to their breasts. It also may be hard to find clothes that fit well.