Breast reduction
Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety
of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back
and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and
breathing problems. Breast reduction is usually performed for
physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most
women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging
breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical
discomfort. |
| |
|
Surgical procedure
Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common
procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles
the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural
curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon
removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and
moves the nipple and areola into their new position.
The surgeon then brings the skin from both sides of
the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new
contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove
excess fat from the armpit area.
In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their
blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are
very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may
have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher
position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in
the nipple and areola tissue.)
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a
vertical line extending downward, and along the lower
crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can
be used that eliminate the vertical part of the scar.
And occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed,
liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size,
leaving minimal scars.
|
 |
|
| |
| |
Duration
of operation
The surgery itself usually takes three to four hours,
but may take longer in some cases. |
|
| |
|
Anesthesia
Breast reduction is nearly always performed under general
anesthesia. You'll be asleep through the entire operation.
|
|
|
|
Hospital
admission
About 3 days hospitalization
|
| |
 |
Possible risks and
complications
Some of risks and potential complications are bleeding,
infection ,wound dehiscent and reactions to anesthesia.
Rarely, a patient may require a blood transfusion during
operation. Following reduction, sometimes the breasts
may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple height
may vary slightly. If desired, minor adjustments can be
made at a later time. Permanent loss of sensation in the
nipples or breasts may occur rarely. Surgical revision
is sometimes helpful in certain instances where incisions
may have healed poorly. In the unlikely event of injury
to or loss of the nipple and areola, they usually can
be satisfactorily reconstructed using skin grafts. |
|
| |
|
After
care
After breast reduction surgery, it is often possible to return
to work within just a couple of weeks, depending on your job.
In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities,
including some form of mild exercise, after several weeks.
You may continue to
experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time,
but such feelings are normal. Any sexual activity should be
avoided for a minimum of one week. After that, care must be
taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least
the next six weeks.
|
|
|
|
