Understanding Breast Reduction treatment

If you are troubled by large, sagging breasts that restrict your activities and cause you physical discomfort, breast reduction surgery can be a tremendously life-enhancing option. Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, removes fat, glandular tissue, & skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, firmer & perkier. You will also get immense relief from many physical and emotional discomforts, a new sense of freedom in your exercise and physical activity and the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing styles.

Considering

You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you have:

  • Breasts that are too large for your body frame & you are self-conscious about the large size of your breasts.
  • Back, neck and shoulder pain due to the weight of your breasts
  • Heavy sagging breasts with very low nipples
  • Skin irritation beneath your breasts.
  • Restriction of physical activity due to size and weight of your breasts.
  • One breast is much larger than the other.

Procedure

In breast reduction, the attempt is to get the breasts into a harmonious relationship with the rest of the body. We prefer using the Hall Findlay’s technique. This is the gold standard for breast reduction the world over now. In some cases, depending on your unique morphology we may decide to do some other procedure. Advantages of this technique include a single vertical scar, improved projection of the breast & prolonged maintenance of shape. The excess breast tissue, fat and skin is removed (in breast lift the breast tissue is repositioned and not excised) & the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which is usually larger than ideal is reduced in size. Skin is then relocated to reshape the breasts. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour of your breasts. When the surgery is complete, you will be given a dressing over your breasts. Small drain tubes may be inserted under your skin to prevent fluid accumulation; these come out in 2-3 days. You must wear a supportive bra.

The duration of the surgery is about 3-5 hours

Hospital Stay

1-2 days stay

Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia

Recovery

Despite of the scale of this surgery, there is surprisingly little pain. You may return to work in a few days and resume most of your normal activities within a week or two. Your breasts will settle into a natural shape in a few months. The nipple sensations (if affected) improve after a few months. The pressure garment must be worn as instructed for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Although the incisions will be permanently visible, they will fade & can usually be placed so that one can wear low-cut tops.However, you must bear in mind that over time, the effects of gravity and aging will (relentlessly) continue.

Risks

You may have a detailed discussion about this during your personal consultation. Some of the possible complications include – anaesthesia related complications, infection, delayed skin healing, hematoma, altered nipple sensation, may affect breast feeding (esp. if free nipple-areolar graft done), asymmetry etc.

Breast reduction scars remain lumpy and red for months, and then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines over several months to more than a year.

The New Look

Without the excessive weight of large breasts, you may find that you enjoy life more. Your body will look better proportioned, clothes will fit better and you will have greater freedom to enjoy physical activities.

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