Breast reduction is an operation solving the health problems faced by women with excessively large and heavy breast. Breast reduction offers a natural and body-friendly breast, significantly improving the subject’s sanity and self-confidence.
Ideal candidates
Breast reduction is a surgical operation addressing women experiencing the following medical conditions:
- Breast asymmetry, anisomasty or disproportionately large breast in relation to the body (from birth or after pregnancy and breastfeeding).
- Back and neck pain, which may be accompanied by a tendency for thoracic kyphosis or degenerative spine changes, such as spondylolysis.
- Breathing difficulty, especially during sleep.
- Numb hands.
- Frequent irritations, mycoses or inflammations in the inframammary area and at the points adjacent to the bra.
Breast reduction surgery can be performed only on fully developed breasts. Ideally, breast reduction takes place after pregnancy and breastfeeding, as they can change the breast shape and size.
Preparation
Before breast reduction surgery, depending on the physician, preoperative screening is performed mainly a blood test and mammogram. In addition, stop smoking and anti-inflammatory drug administration is required.
Operation
During breast reduction surgery, the physician removes any excess fat, skin and gland mainly from the lower and outer part of breast, reducing thus the possibility of a malignant tumor to occur. Then, he remodels the breast, placing the nipple on a new position, higher than before, always in proportion to the breast shape. The whole process takes about 2-3 hours.
Breast reduction, depending on the physician, can be combined with breast lift and limited liposuction for better results.
Breast reduction techniques
Breast reduction usually involves 3 different techniques, depending on the incision performed by the physician.
- A circular incision around the nipple.
- A vertical incision: a circular incision around the nipple with a vertical extension
- Wise (inverted T) pattern: a circular incision around the nipple with vertical extension and in combination with an inframammary incision.
Anesthesia
Breast reduction surgery in the majority of cases is performed under general anesthesia, which shall be determined by the physician and the anesthesiologist, aiming at subject comfort and safety during the operation.
Postoperatively
Breast reduction subjects need to be hospitalized for one day, during which drains are fitted. For the first few days either a tight strap or a very good sports bra is required, along with the preventive administration of antibiotics to control swelling.
Within the first week, subjects can return to their daily activities while the sutures are removed15-20 days later, if non-absorbable sutures are applied.
Like any surgery, breast reduction entails some discomfort due to the normal postoperative swelling. This discomfort can be effectively treated.
Results and Recovery
The breast reduction final result is immediately evident, yet end result is fully evident 4-6 months later. Breast reduction scars are quite evident during the first 3 months, and although progressively fading, they are never completely eliminated. However, they shall not be visible under a bra or swimsuit.
As breast reduction operation intervenes in the breast gland, breastfeeding is likely to be affected. The result depends on the method applied and each individual subject.
Postoperatively, subjects shall experience significant differences in their daily lives. They shall be able to seamlessly participate in sports activities and find easier bras and clothing that fit their body.
If there is no weight fluctuations and pregnancy, the result can last for many years. However, the breast is expected to continue changing over time.
Cost
Breast reduction cost depends on the method followed and each individual case (subject). Furthermore, the cost of hospitalization, any pre- or postoperative medical tests required and medication should be taken into account as well.
