Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is designed for
women who experience medical problems due to uncomfortable breasts.
Problems may include back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal
deformities, and breathing problems. Although the procedure
is typically used to alleviate medical problems, it can also
help women who feel self-conscious about the size of their breasts.
The Surgery
The most common procedure involves the surgeon making an anchor-shaped
incision around the dark area of the nipple (areola). This incision
is then extended downward, following the natural curve of the
crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular
tissue, fat, and skin, and adjusts the nipple to its new position.
The skin from each side is pulled down and around the areola,
thereby reshaping the breast. The surgeon then stitches the
incision, always aiming for the least amount of scarring. In
certain cases, the vertical part of the scar can be eliminated.
It should be noted that smoking prior to or following surgery
increases the visibility of scarring. Stitches are usually removed
in one to three week's time. A breast reduction is performed
in a hospital, usually requiring a two to three day stay. The
procedure itself takes between two and four hours and is done
under a general anesthetic.
After Surgery
Once the surgery is complete, an elastic bandage or surgical
bra wraps the breasts to provide comfort and support. The bandage
is removed within a few days while the surgical bra stay on
until the bruising and swelling subsides (up to several weeks).
A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain excessive
fluids. Patients may experience minor pain in the days following
the surgery, although this subsides in seven to ten days. Most
women can return to work after two weeks.
Health Concerns
As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare,
but can include bleeding, infection, a reaction to the anesthesia,
and small sores around the nipple (usually immediately following
the surgery). Some women temporarily lose feeling in their nipples,
a condition that almost always fades over time. Patients may
also experience some discomfort in the breast area for up to
a year. Occasionally, the surgery removes milk ducts leading
to the nipples, impairing a woman's breast-feeding ability.
To maximize the success of surgery and to minimize the risk
of complication, always follow doctors' instructions for surgical
preparation and postoperative care.
