Breast Reduction Surgery - Indications, Procedure, Risks, and Prognosis

Introduction:

Breast reduction is made surgically to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. People prefer breast reduction for various reasons, including neck or back pain, as these people with disproportionately large breasts can develop pain in their neck, back, or shoulders. This surgical procedure is otherwise known as reduction mammaplasty. Breast reduction helps to improve the self-image and gives a sense of well-being. Sometimes liposuction can be combined with breast reduction to enhance the shape of the breast and armpit areas.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure done under general anesthesia to decrease the size of the breasts. It is to make larger breasts smaller. During the surgical procedure, the excess tissue and fat are removed in such a pattern that the nipple or areola is preserved to maintain the natural shape of the breast.

How Do I Know If Breast Reduction Surgery Is Required?

Breast reduction is suggested or helpful when having large breasts are causing the following conditions:

• Upper and mid-back pain.

• Restricted activities.

• Poor self-image due to large breasts.

• Nerve pain.

• Hunched posture.

• Breast pain when active.

• If there are some uncomfortable dents on the shoulders due to the pressure from the bra strap.

• Moisture gets trapped and causes rashes under or between breasts.

Sometimes people with large breasts may feel self-conscious about it and may have difficulty with how their clothes fit. So breast reduction is often life-changing, especially for young women.

In What All Conditions Is Breast Reduction Not Recommended?

Breast reduction is not recommended in people with the following conditions:

• People who smoke.

• Obesity.

• People with other underlying medical conditions like diabetes or heart-related conditions.

• People who do not want to have scars on their breasts.

• And you can plan for postponement of the breast reduction if:

• You are breastfeeding, as breastfeeding can be challenging after the surgery. Or in case you are planning to start a family.

• If you are in your weight loss program, you can wait, as losing weight can result in some changes to the breast size.

How to Prepare Prior to Breast Reduction Surgery?

Before you decide about breast reduction surgery, consult the doctor about whether the surgery is right for you.

• For it, mention all the details about your medical conditions and overall health.

• Mention the expectations about the breast size and appearance after the surgery.

• Understand the procedure and the risks associated with it.

Once all the conditions are fine, and you are planning for the surgery, then:

• Get all the necessary lab tests done prior to the surgery.

• In case you are taking any tablets like Aspirin or any herbal supplements, talk to your doctor about when and how it needs to be stopped prior to the surgery.

How Is Breast Reduction Procedure Done?

The technique for breast reduction varies for each individual, depending on the condition and the expectations. Generally,

• The breasts are measured, and photographs are taken before the surgery.

• The procedure will be carried out under general anesthesia, meaning you will be put to sleep during the procedure. Typically, a surgical incision is made around the areola and down each breast, and the extra breast tissue, fat, and skin is removed so that the size of each breast is reduced.

• Then reshapes the breast and repositions the nipple and areola.

• The nipple and areola generally remain attached to the breast. But sometimes, it may have to be removed and reattached at a higher position if the breasts are very large.

• A drainage tube will be placed under each arm to drain out the excess fluid or blood. The incision will be sutured, and dressing will be given.

• After the surgical procedure, the breasts will be covered with a gauze dressing or bandage.

The entire procedure lasts for two to five hours.

What All Precautions Have to be Followed After the Breast Reduction Procedure?

• You may have to take at least one week off from work or school.

• You will be given medications such as antibiotics for the prevention of infection and painkillers for pain.

• For the first few days to weeks, you will feel tenderness on the breasts.

• The breasts can be swollen and bruised. And the scars may fade away over time.

• You may be recommended to limit the physical activities, lifting heavy objects for two to four weeks to reduce the tension on the incision and for the breasts to heal better.

• You may also be recommended to wear an elastic compression bra rather than underwire bras for a few months following the surgery.

• Have a general follow-up visit with your surgeon for the removal of stitches and to determine the recovery process.

What Are the General Risks Associated with Breast Reduction Surgery?

Even though there are innumerable benefits from breast reduction surgery, there are a number of risks associated with the surgery. Here are some of them:

• Uneven size of the breasts or nipples.

• Numbness in one or both the nipples.

• Changes in the nipple shape.

• Lumps in the breast tissue from internal scars.

• Not being able to breastfeed following the surgery.

• Noticeable scars.

• Opening along the incision lines.

• Stitches coming out rather than dissolving.

How Is the Prognosis of Breast Reduction Surgery?

In most cases, the individual is likely to recover better from the surgery. They feel better about their appearance and will have a sense of well-being. Scars are usually permanent, but they fade away over time.

Conclusion:

Breast reduction surgery can be both physically and mentally stressful. Hence, communicate with the doctor regarding the concerns and risks associated with the surgery. Ensure that you set up a recovery area at home that will help manage all your needs following the surgery. Immediately visit the doctor if you experience fever, unusual discharge, or when the sutures get detached.