Technical name: Reduction Mammaplasty
Body Parts: Breasts
Recommended Age: after complete breast development
Anesthesia: Depends on the doctor and the case
Surgery time: On average, 2 hours
Clinic stay: On average, 24-48 hours
Pre-operative: Lab exams and mammogram
Post-operative: Bandage during the first 24 hours and the use of a special garment (bra) during the next 2 months (day and night)
Results duration: Variable
Breast Reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to reduce the size and shape of a woman's breast for a number of reasons. Breast Reduction can modify the body contour of a woman who, for personal or physical reasons, feels her breast size is too large and desires a more discrete breast appearance.
Patients who undergo Breast Reduction Surgery frequently are seeking relief from physical symptoms caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. Breast Reduction usually can solve these problems as well as improve the size and shape of your breasts.
It basically works by removing the excess of fat, glandular tissue and skin from a woman’s breast to make it more proportional to the rest of your body.
First of all, you should do it for yourself, not because of someone else or to fit an ideal image. You should also be physically healthy, non smoker and realistic about expectations. The main point is to improve your appearance and your self-confidence.
The best candidates for Breast Reduction are women:
Breast Reduction can be performed at any age, but waiting until breast development has stopped is recommended. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo Breast Reduction before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, you should discuss this with your Plastic Surgeon.
During the consultation, another important factor to consider is the desired breast size as well as anything else about your breasts that you would like to see improved. This will help the surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.
For a Breast Reduction, it can be chosen between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. In case of general Anesthesia, you will sleep through the entire operation. If the option is intravenous sedation, sedatives will be injected to help you relax. The best anesthesia method depends on your individual case and what your doctor is recommending. You will decide with him what is better for you.
The best technique depends on your individual condition, breast composition and amount of reduction desired. Your preferences and the surgeon’s advice are also considered.
The most common method of reducing the breasts involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision follows the natural curve of the breast crease.
After the removal of the excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in large breasts usually has been stretched, also can be reduced in size.
Usually, the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this allows for the preservation of sensation. The ability to breast-feed may also be preserved by this method, although this cannot be guaranteed.
