procedure
Breast
Reduction
Procedure overview
Breast reduction surgery, also referred to as reduction mammoplasty, reduces the size and improves the shape of the breasts and reposition the nipple areola complex. Women with large breasts often have physical symptoms related to the weight or shape of their breasts and may complain of back pain, neck pain, bra strap grooves in the shoulders and skin infection on the lower portion of their breast skin. Patients may also suffer emotional discomfort due to the size of their breasts.
The incisions vary based on the breast size before the operation and the final post-operative size.
An incision is made around the nipple and areola accompanied by a vertical incision below the areola with or without a horizontal incision made in the crease below the breast.
For reduction of very large breasts, in some cases the nipple and areola may need to be surgically removed and reapplied as a graft. Removing and reapplying the nipple/areola tissue will result in the loss of nipple sensation and the inability to breastfeed.
The procedure usually requires two to three hours of operating time depending on the size of the breasts.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia supplemented with local anesthesia.
Depending on the size of the breasts, type of anesthesia selected, and length of the surgical procedure, patients may return home on the same day as their surgery or may be discharged the following morning.
Risks associated with breast reduction include: unfavorable scarring, loss of nipple sensation, loss of ability to breastfeed, loss of nipple and breast tissue, unsatisfactory shape, and failure to achieve aesthetic goals.
Common complications include infection, bleeding, wound breakdown, skin necrosis (loss of skin), loss of nipple sensation, decrease or inability to breastfeed, decrease or absent nipple sensation and poor quality scar tissue formation.
Typically recovery requires one to two weeks and most patients will be able to go back to work during this time period. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for six weeks after the surgery.
Most patients who undergo a reduction mammoplasty are pleased with the size and the shape of their breasts and are delighted with the improvement and lessening of the symptoms of pain and discomfort that they experienced due to the weight of their breasts. Breast reduction makes physical activities easier and patients enjoy their new appearance and ability to wear clothing that was uncomfortable or unattractive before the surgery was performed.
Over time gravity, hormonal fluctuations, weight gain/loss and poor quality underwear may lead to a gradual sagging of breast tissue.
Breast augmentation
Improves the size and appearance of the breasts by implanting saline or silicone breast implants.
Breast lift
Breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, removes excess skin in and around the breast and improves breast shape.
Breast reduction
Reduces breast size and improves physical and emotional symptoms caused by very large breasts.
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Arm lift
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