Although many women around the world seek breast augmentation to obtain a more feminine appearance, some women suffer from large breast size and seek to reduce breast size by resorting to a surgical procedure called breast reduction.

Breast reduction surgery removes fat and some tissues from the skin of the breast, in order to obtain smaller breasts that are more consistent with the body shape and the patient’s desire, which reduces the feeling of discomfort and helps to improve the appearance of the breast, and breast reduction surgery may also help in improving the image Autonomy and the ability to participate in physical activities.

Breast reduction is often sought by women with large breasts to address issues such as:

• Chest pain and discomfort
• Persistent back, neck, and shoulder pain, often requiring medication
• Chronic skin irritation or rashes beneath the breasts
• Spinal discomfort or arthritic changes
• Nerve-related pain
• Difficulty in engaging in physical activities
• Feeling self-conscious about appearance
• Struggling to find well-fitting bras or clothing

Breast reduction may not be ideal for individuals who:

• Smoke
• Have diabetes or heart conditions
• Are overweight
• Desire scar-free results

The procedure can be performed at any age, even during adolescence. However, if your breasts are still developing, a secondary surgery might be necessary in the future.

Consider postponing breast reduction surgery if you plan to:

• Get pregnant, as breastfeeding may be more challenging post-surgery.
• Lose weight, since breast size can fluctuate with significant weight loss.

Prior to your breast reduction procedure, you will have a consultation with your surgeon to review your medical history and overall health. During this meeting, you can expect to discuss:

• Any previous breast surgeries or conditions that may impact the procedure
• Your family medical history
• Your motivations for seeking surgery
• Smoking habits
• Allergies
• Current medications
• Desired breast size and appearance post-surgery

The surgeon will conduct a physical examination of your breasts, which may involve taking photographs and measurements to assess the amount of tissue that needs to be removed to achieve your desired outcome. You will also receive information on how to prepare for surgery and how to manage your recovery.

Additionally, you may be required to undergo laboratory tests, a mammogram, or a breast examination before the procedure. It’s advisable to refrain from smoking for a specified time before and after the surgery to promote optimal healing. You may also need to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Your surgeon will provide detailed guidance and instructions on the necessary preparations.

Through this consultation, your surgeon will evaluate the risks and potential complications specific to you and offer recommendations for a smooth recovery. The cost of the surgery will also be discussed, taking into account your breast size, shape, and the surgical technique to be employed.

Prior to your breast reduction procedure, you will have a consultation with your surgeon to review your medical history and overall health. During this meeting, you can expect to discuss:

• Any previous breast surgeries or conditions that may impact the procedure
• Your family medical history
• Your motivations for seeking surgery
• Smoking habits
• Allergies
• Current medications
• Desired breast size and appearance post-surgery

The surgeon will conduct a physical examination of your breasts, which may involve taking photographs and measurements to assess the amount of tissue that needs to be removed to achieve your desired outcome. You will also receive information on how to prepare for surgery and how to manage your recovery.

Additionally, you may be required to undergo laboratory tests, a mammogram, or a breast examination before the procedure. It’s advisable to refrain from smoking for a specified time before and after the surgery to promote optimal healing. You may also need to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Your surgeon will provide detailed guidance and instructions on the necessary preparations.

Through this consultation, your surgeon will evaluate the risks and potential complications specific to you and offer recommendations for a smooth recovery. The cost of the surgery will also be discussed, taking into account your breast size, shape, and the surgical technique to be employed.

The breast reduction procedure typically lasts between 2 to 5 hours, depending on your specific condition, breast composition, desired tissue removal, personal preferences, and your surgeon’s recommendations.

This surgery is usually performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, with your doctor guiding you to choose the most suitable option.

The breast reduction process generally involves the following steps:

1. Incision Creation: The surgeon begins by making an incision around the nipple, extending downward in a straight vertical line to the breast crease. In some cases, an additional incision may be made along the crease beneath the breast. The traditional method involves a ‘Wise pattern’ incision, which creates an anchor-shaped scar, while the more contemporary approach, known as ‘vertical mammoplasty,’ results in fewer visible scars (commonly referred to as a lollipop scar).
2. Nipple Preservation: The nipple is usually kept connected to its blood and nerve supply throughout the procedure. However, in cases of significantly heavy breasts, a ‘free nipple graft’ may be necessary, where the nipple is detached and repositioned at a higher location on the breast.
3. Tissue Removal: The surgeon then removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve the desired breast size. In some instances, liposuction may be utilized to assist in removing additional fat, and on rare occasions, liposuction alone may suffice for fat removal.
4. Closure: Stitches are placed deep within the breast tissue for support, and the skin incisions are carefully closed.

Following your breast reduction procedure, it’s important to set aside at least 2 to 3 weeks to recover, as full healing can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, including guidance on when to remove bandages and stitches during your follow-up visits.

During the initial recovery phase, you should refrain from stretching or engaging in physical activities for a minimum of one month. It’s common to feel fatigued and to experience some pain or soreness in your breasts post-surgery. To manage discomfort, your surgeon will likely prescribe pain relief medication and recommend avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

Emotional responses, such as feelings of sadness or depression, can occur after surgery. While this is not unusual, it’s essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon about one to two weeks post-operation to remove stitches and assess your healing progress.

Although the results of your breast reduction will be noticeable immediately, keep in mind that swelling will decrease, and surgical scars will gradually fade over time. While breast shape and size may change due to factors like aging or fluctuations in weight, the overall results of the surgery are typically long-lasting, with high levels of patient satisfaction reported.

Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. Possible issues include reduced sensation in the nipple and areola, scarring, breast asymmetry, and other concerns that may necessitate revision surgery.

The risks associated with breast reduction are similar to those of any major surgical operation, which can include bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will provide a comprehensive overview of the possible complications that may arise, including:

• Swelling and bruising
• Formation of blood clots
• Development of thick scars
• Loss of sensation in the breasts or nipples
• Challenges or inability to breastfeed
• Injury to nerves, blood vessels, or other surrounding tissues
• The need for additional surgery to address complications

Your surgeon will discuss the likelihood of these risks occurring and the strategies for managing them if they do arise. Individual factors, such as your medical history and lifestyle choices, may increase your susceptibility to certain complications. For personalized information, it’s essential to consult with your surgeon.