Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction, technically known as reduction mammoplasty. This procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.

Large breasts can be a the cause of embarrassment and discomfort. Sometimes they also cause backache and the weight of a large breast makes bra dig in over the shoulders. Skin problems may occur under the crease below each breast. With time they will hang lower and lower and cause stretch marks.

THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR BREAST REDUCTION

Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.

Breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed. It can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Breast reduction is it's a normally safe surgical procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, or reaction to the anesthesia.

Possible events post-operation:

• Swelling and bruising: The breasts will be swollen and probably bruised and tender for several days after surgery, and will need a well-fitting bra for support.
• Pain and soreness: Usually in the immediate post-surgical phase pain can occur but it is not severe. Painkillers will be prescribed to help control this discomfort.
• Bleeding and infection: As for any other surgical procedure bleeding and infection may occur.
• Scars: Scars may stretch and become red and thick. If this happens, they can be improved about a year after the original surgery.
• Sensory changes: This sensitivity of the nipples is usually reduced even if most patients with very large breasts do not have much sensation in the nipples before surgery. You may have a strange sensation such as pins and needles. This last for a few months and slowly return to normal.
• Breast shape: The breasts may look odd initially with a flattened shape beneath the nipple; as the time passes they will settle down and look more natural.
• Breast feeding: It is impossible that a baby could breast-feed after surgery. It is important to avoid pregnancy for several years because the scars will stretch during pregnancy.

PLANNING YOUR SURGERY

In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion. Patients as well a surgeons, have different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.

The surgeon will examine and measure your breasts, and will photograph them for reference during surgery and after surgery. He will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure-such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they'll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts.

Your surgeon should describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks, complications and limitations making sure you understand the scarring that will result. The surgeon should also explain the anesthesia that will be used, the centre where the surgery will be performed, and the costs.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

Your surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You'll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications. Some surgeons suggest that their patients diet before the operation.

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed in a hospital with one overnight in hospital.

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA

Breast reduction is nearly always performed under general anesthesia. You'll be asleep through the entire operation.

THE SURGERY

Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. He then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.

Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques that eliminate the vertical part of the scar are used.

AFTER YOUR SURGERY

After surgery, you'll be wrapped in an elastic bandage. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.

You may feel some pain for the first couple of days-especially when you move around or cough-and some discomfort for a week or more. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.

The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, though you'll continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for 4 to 6 weeks. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for 4 to 6 weeks.

Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work (if it's not too strenuous) and social activities in about 3 weeks. But you should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, and swimming until your energy level returns. You'll also need a good athletic bra for support.

You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell, and to avoid anything but gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks.

YOUR NEW LOOK

Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape.

However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you'll need time to adjust to your new image-as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you'll be pleased with the results.