Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure used to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
The reasons for choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery can be physical, aesthetic, or both. Some women opt for this surgery due to physical discomfort caused by the weight of large breasts, which can lead to problems like back and neck pain, skin irritation, and posture issues. Others may feel self-conscious or experience emotional discomfort due to the size of their breasts.
Here’s a general step-by-step process:
- Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.
- Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions on the breasts. The method chosen for your reduction mammoplasty will be determined by your anatomy, the type and amount of tissue to be removed, and your personal preferences. Common incision patterns include a circular pattern around the areola, a keyhole shape with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, or an inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern.
- Tissue removal and reshaping: Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to reduce the size of each breast. The remaining breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipples and areolas are repositioned. In some cases, liposuction may be used in conjunction with excision techniques to remove excess fat.
- Closing the incisions: The incisions are then brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape can be used to close the skin.
After surgery, you’ll likely experience some pain, swelling, and bruising for a few days. You might need to wear a surgical bra while you heal.
Remember, every surgical procedure carries risks, so it’s essential to discuss these with your doctor before deciding on surgery.
