Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is often performed
for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement.
Women with very large breasts may experience a variety of
medical problems caused by the excessive weight, including back
and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and
breathing problems. In addition, very large breasts may make a
woman or teenage girl feel very self-conscious. However, this
procedure is not recommended for women who intend to
breast-feed.
Although techniques vary, the most common surgical technique
involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola,
extends downward and follows the natural curve of the breast.
The surgeon removes the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin,
and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. The
surgeon then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down
and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.
Most of the time, the nipples remain attached to their blood
vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or
pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely
removed and grafted into a higher position. This will result in
a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue.
After the surgery, you will be placed in a surgical bra over
gauze dressings. A small tube will be placed in each breast to
drain off fluids for the first day or two. You may feel pain for
the first few days after the surgery, and discomfort for a week
or two. Medications may be prescribed to lessen the pain.
Bandages will be removed a day or two after the surgery, but the
surgical bra must be worn around the clock for several weeks
until the bruising and swelling subside. Sutures are removed in
one to three weeks.
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. Scars may remain red and
lumpy for months, gradually becoming less obvious fading into
thin white lines. Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast
reduction results in the quickest body image changes. You will
no longer have the physical discomfort of large breasts. Your
body will look better proportioned, and your clothes will fit
better.
