Breast Reduction

 Breast reduction is a surgery involving the removal of excess fat, breast tissue, or skin to reduce the size of the breasts, causing back, neck, or shoulder pain.

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a surgery involving the removal of excess fat, breast tissue, or skin to reduce the size of the breasts. If you feel discomfort due to large breasts, you can consult with a plastic surgeon to get detailed information about the process.

Large breasts may cause back, neck, or shoulder pain in addition to their psychological effects. As this is an invasive procedure, breast reduction recovery time can take up to 6 weeks. In addition, if you work at the office, you may need to take two weeks off work.

Who is the Right Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a customized treatment for those who would like to enhance their overall appearance.

• If you experience chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain due to the weight of your breasts,
• If you suffer from skin irritations or infections under the breast crease,
• If your breast size restricts your ability to participate comfortably in physical activities,.
• If you have poor posture or spinal problems exacerbated by the weight of your breasts,.
• If you struggle to find clothing that fits properly due to the disproportion between your breast size and the rest of your body,.
• If you have significantly asymmetrical breasts, where one is much larger than the other,.
• If you experience breathing difficulties or respiratory problems attributed to the weight and size of your breasts, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery.

Boob Reduction Surgery Types

Breast reduction option is not limited to one single technique. Your surgeon may apply different techniques suitable for your overall health or appearance goals. There are three main surgery types for breast reduction, or reduction breast mammaplasty.

Liposuction Breast Reduction

Liposuction involves making small incisions through which a cannula (a thin tube) is inserted to remove excess fat. This technique is less invasive, offering a quicker recovery time and minimal breast reduction scars. It is ideal if you need a modest reduction.

Vertical Breast Reduction (Lollipop)

This method is suitable for moderate reductions. It removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin and is particularly effective both in breast lift and reduction. It is an idea if you need a more moderate reduction.

Inverted T Breast Reduction (Anchor)

The anchor technique involves three incisions: around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and along the crease underneath the breast. This technique causes more scarring and is suitable if you need extensive reduction.

Bilateral Breast Reduction

This technique involves the removal of excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from each breast. The aim of the technique is to ensure your breasts are proportionate to your body and alleviate any associated physical strain or discomfort.

Surgery Procedure for Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is performed to prevent health and psychological problems caused by overly large breasts. If your surgeon indicates that you are suitable for this surgery, you will most likely experience the surgery procedure shared below:

• You may receive intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on what your doctor recommends as the best option for you.
• Your surgeon makes precise incisions in the breasts. The pattern of these incisions can vary depending on the chosen surgical technique and the amount of reduction required.
• After making the incisions, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin.
• Your surgeon will reposition the nipple and areola to create a breast size and shape that are in harmony with your body.
• In the final step, your surgeon will close the incisions to reshape your breasts. While closing the incisions, your surgeon will use layered sutures to support the new shape of the breasts.
• When breast reduction scars heal, the incision lines might be visible. However, over time, the lines will fade.

Caring for Yourself After Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, can take up to four hours. After the surgery, you need to take care of yourself and the scars. Your surgeon will prescribe medications for pain relief. However, you should also follow the aftercare instructions. For example;

• You should change the gauze bandage as your surgeon instructs.
• You should avoid showering for the first 48 hours post-surgery.
• You should wear a soft and supportive bra without underwires.
• You should avoid heavy workouts such as lifting, pushing, or pulling.

Advantages and Limitations

Breast reduction procedure allows you to have physically more appealing breasts. The surgery can be complex if you have extremely large breasts. Therefore, the surgery offers many advantages along with limitations.

Advantages:

• You can enhance your self-confidence.
• Most probably, you will have breast uplift and reduction surgeries together, which will enhance the youthful appearance and perkiness of your breasts.
• You can step into a healthier life without chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain.
• You can expand your clothing options after the surgery.
• You can have a more balanced and proportionate breast size.

Limitations:

• The procedure can be expensive.
• The recovery time is at least 2 weeks.
• There is a risk of surgical complications.
• Some patients may need drains to remove blood and fluids post-surgery.
• There's a possibility of reduced nipple sensation.