Breast reduction, otherwise known as mammaplasty, has become a common procedure for women with oversized breasts. Large breasts carry several ramifications such as back and neck pain, headaches, breathing difficulties, and even skeletal deformities. For this reason, mammaplasty is most commonly done for physical relief rather than cosmetic reasons. Mammaplasty patients are nearly always pleased with their newly contoured breasts.
It is beneficial to know what you want and to know what to expect when meeting with your surgeon for the first time. Bring pictures of breasts that portray what you are looking for, and be prepared for the surgeon to measure and photograph your breasts as well. This is necessary to achieve the best shape and symmetry possible.
The most common method of mammaplasty involves the "keyhole anchor" incision. This is done by making an incision around the areola, which is the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The incision is then brought vertically from the bottom center of the areola to the crease under your breast where it is extended horizontal both right and left. This may seem like a large incision, but it generally cannot be seen under a bra or bikini. There are also methods to reduce the visibility of scarring after the surgery.
After the incision is made, excess tissue will be removed from the breast, which may include some of the mammary glands. If you are planning on breast feeding in the future, breast reduction may not be the best option for you at this time. The nerves and blood vessels to the nipple are generally kept intact. Very rarely, if breasts are very pendulous, they make need to be removed and regrafted. The areola can be easily placed aesthetically on your newly sculpted breasts, however one should expect to notice a decrease in or lack of sensation of this tissue should it have to be removed from the nerves and vessels.
Once the areola is placed in its new position, the skin from both sides of the breast is brought down and around the areola, giving the breast its new contour. Liposuction may be used to remove fat from the armpit area for a more dramatic result. The incision is then meticulously stitched to minimize visible scarring. If there is excess fluid in the breasts during surgery, your doctor may choose to place a temporary drain which is easily removed shortly after.
Other techniques for breast reduction are less commonly used, but also effective. For those few candidates who may only need fat removed from their breasts to achieve their desired results, liposuction alone may be a good choice. This option is ideal as it leaves behind even less scarring than traditional mammoplasty. Not everyone is a candidate, but your surgeon will be more than happy to discuss it with you.
Breast reduction typically takes from 2-4 hours, and is done under general anesthesia which means you'll be asleep throughout the procedure. The operation is done in hospitals as well as outpatient surgery centers, and recovery time before returning home may range from several hours to a few days. After surgery your chest will be covered by an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Make sure you have a sport bra with good support waiting at home.
The majority of patients are up and about after just a few days, but should continue to avoid strenuous activities such as sexual activity, lifting, or pulling for at least one to three weeks. While different surgeons may have specific limitations they prefer their patients to follow, patients across the board typically experience some achiness in their breasts for a couple of weeks.
You will need time to adjust to your new body as the healing doesn't occur overnight. Be patient however, breast reduction results in the most rapid body-image changes. You will feel better physically with your new breasts, you'll be better proportioned, and your clothes will fit better, leaving you feeling good about the new you in no time at all!