Breast reduction surgery reduces discomfort caused by large and heavy breasts.

Breast Enhancement Plastic surgery breast reduction

Breast Reduction Surgery – Reduction Mammoplasty

Breast Reduction Surgery – A Few Facts

Before discussing “breast reduction surgery” it better to shed light on some facts. There has always been a contrast in feeling about breasts – some want for larger breasts some for moderately sized breasts. However, the fact is that a woman is definitely concerned with her beauty assets, the breasts.

Breast sizes are determined partly by genes and partly by weight and hormones. Some develop large breasts from early adolescence and others develop them only later in life, during the menopause or following the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For many women extra large breasts are an object of concern, and very often of discomfort. Here breast reduction comes as a help to reduce breast size to the comfort level of a patient. Some talk about non-surgical or natural breast reduction though this is not effective. To enjoy the benefits of breast reduction one has to undergo surgical reduction mammoplasty.

Breast Reduction Surgery – Definition

Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty is a cosmetic plastic surgery which involves the reduction in the size of breasts by excising fat, skin and glandular tissue; it also involves a procedure to counteract drooping of the breasts. Breast reduction surgery can also be sued to even up the size of the breasts where one is much larger than the other.

Breast Reduction Surgery – Need for Breast Reduction

Women with very large, pendulous breasts experience a variety of medical problems marked by back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps leave indentations in their shoulders. Unusually large breasts can make a woman or girl feel extremely self-conscious.

Breast reduction can help to improve the overall appearance of the breasts and confidence of the woman and make a tremendous difference in the patient’s overall quality of life.

Breast Reduction Surgery – Finding A Surgeon

In terms of finding the best possible surgeon for a breast reduction, sometimes all a patient has to do is ask others that have had the procedure. If this is not possible, a patient can call the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to see who regularly performs the breast reduction procedure.

Breast Reduction – Consultation

In an initial consultation with a surgeon, a breast reduction patient will need to be honest and open about any previous health history as well as her expectations for the results of the procedure. Each patient is different, and the realistic outcome of the surgery needs to be discussed in terms of how the patient wants to look and what the surgeon is able to achieve with a breast reduction. The surgeon will examine the breasts and measure them when the patient is sitting and standing to determine the best course of action. Where the nipple will be relocated will also be discussed in terms of possibility and patient preference. The surgeon will also discuss the risks of the breast reduction and the anesthesia choices for their particular procedure.

Patients who are best suited for a breast reduction need to be of a healthy mental state and realize that no surgery will stop time or make someone perfect. Breast reduction patients need to be completely realistic about their expectations and discuss them with the surgeon. Women in good health are the best candidates for a breast reduction. Women who are not planning on breastfeeding children are also the best candidates for a breast reduction. Nonsmokers will have an easier time with scars healing after a breast reduction, so it is best to quit smoking well in advance of any surgery.

Breast Reduction - Procedure

The breast reduction is not considered a simple procedure, taking anywhere from two to four hours to perform—even longer in some cases. A breast reduction can be performed in a hospital or in a surgical center under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an anchor shaped incision from which breast skin will be removed in order to reshape the breast. Excess tissue within the breast will be removed to decrease the breast volume. The skin around the nipple area will be pulled downward and together in the effort to create a smaller breast. Stitches are places along the incision once the surgeon is satisfied with the results. Liposuction may be performed underneath the armpits to further make the newly shaped breasts look in proportion to the rest of the body.

Breast Reduction Surgery – Risks And Complications

Breast reduction surgery carries risk of complications like any other surgical procedure. The risks are associated with anesthesia, some possible effects can include noticeable scarring, and bleeding and infection that can lead to widened scars. Breastfeeding may not be possible after a breast reduction as milk ducts are sometimes removed. Closely following your doctor’s advice before and after the breast reduction will dramatically reduce the incidence of such complications.

Following the breast reduction, a patient can expect to be sore and bruised for a few days. A small tube may be placed in the breast to drain any excess fluid for a day or two. Elastic bandages will cover the area to prevent swelling, but there should not be severe pain following the breast reduction. If a patient should experience any soreness or warmth at the surgical site, it is best to call the surgeon immediately. Other patients have reported a loss of sensation--in the nipples and breasts--following a breast reduction and this is normal. Feeling will return as the swelling subsides, usually in about six weeks, but it can last up to a year, although in rare cases it is permanent.

Breast Reduction - Aftercare

Most patients find that they are feeling quite well a day or two after a breast reduction, but they should not return to work for at least two weeks. The patient should not do any heavy lifting over the head for three to four weeks following the breast reduction surgery. The surgeon will instruct the patient when she can return to normal activity following the breast reduction.

The health benefits of a breast reduction can vastly improve a patient’s quality of life, so if a woman is suffering from health issues related with her breast size, she should not hesitate to look into breast reduction.