Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty is for a woman experiencing health problems and/or extreme self-consciousness associated with very large and heavy breasts. The goal is to give the woman smaller, lighter, and better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. She will then benefit from freedom of health problems associated with large breasts and an improved self-image.
Medical problems associated with very large breasts include back, shoulder, and neck pain caused by the excessive weight and skin irritation. Bra straps may leave shoulder indentations. Large, heavy breasts also contribute to poor posture and can interfere with normal daily activities such as exercise. Excessive breast size may also lead to a decreased sense of attractiveness and self-confidence.
Breast reduction is done under general anesthesia and usually on an outpatient basis. The surgery removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller and lighter. It can also reduce the size of the areola which is the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
Incisions are made around the nipple-areolar complex and extend vertically below the nipple and in the fold under the breast. The nipple-areolar complex is left attached to the underlying breast tissue and moved upward to the desired location. The incisions are closed with dissolving sutures.
Afterward, the breasts are placed in a surgical bra. Initial discomfort subsides gradually and can be controlled with oral medications. Scars will fade in 6-12 months.
The result may be further enhanced by liposuction of the axillary area to reduce excess fat deposits. This portion is usually not covered by insurance.
Much of the swelling and bruising disappears in the first few weeks following the surgery. Breasts may appear slightly mismatched, or have unevenly positioned nipples. Their new shape will be apparent at 6-12 months.
Although your surgeon will make your scars as inconspicuous as possible, some permanent scarring is inevitable. Smokers are more likely to experience poor healing and wider scars. The scars will be red and lumpy in the months following the surgery, but the redness will fade and in time the scars will be less obvious. Dr Chun uses proactive scar management program consisting of silicone sheeting to maximize scar healing. The good news is, your bra or bathing suit will usually cover whatever scars remain, and most likely, the scars will not prevent you from wearing low-cut tops.
Although usually safe without complications, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications. Some of the risks include bleeding, infection, reaction to the anesthesia, tissue loss and poor scarring. Because the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples, breast-feeding may no longer be an option. Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Underlying risk factors include smoking, advanced age, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. You can reduce your risks by closely following before and after surgery instructions.
Breast reduction produces some of the more dramatic results of all plastic surgeries. It ends the physical discomfort of large breasts and makes your body appear more evenly proportioned. Your new image will take some getting used to but like most patients, you will likely enjoy the benefits.
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