Breast reduction is a life-changing procedure designed to help women who experience discomfort, pain, or dissatisfaction due to oversized breasts. It’s about subtracting so that you can add — to your comfort, self-esteem, and lifestyle.
Furthermore, issues such as back pain, neck pain, or poor posture can often be addressed with a breast reduction.
But what precisely does this operation entail? Let’s walk through this so you can understand the process clearly.
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The Process
1. Consultation & Evaluation
Before getting a breast reduction, the first important step is the consultation. Here, you’ll meet with the surgeon to discuss your overall health, expectations, and desired outcomes.
The surgeon evaluates your breasts, noting their shape, quality of skin, and anatomical parts like areolas and nipples. This step also typically involves taking photographs and discussing potential risks and benefits.
2. Surgery Preparation
Once you’ve decided to go ahead with the procedure, the surgeon provides instructions on the preparations needed.
This may include quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and arranging for help during the recovery period. The surgical team will also guide you on what to do on the day of the surgery.
3. Anesthesia
On the day of surgery, patients are administered anesthesia for comfort. The options typically include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will advise on the best choice for you.
4. Making the Incisions
The primary step in the surgery involves making incisions on the breasts.
There are three common patterns:
- Around the areola
- Vertical or ‘Lollipop’ (around the areola and then vertically down to the breast crease)
- Inverted-T (first around the areola, vertically to the breast crease, and then along the breast crease)
Surgeons carefully mark these incisions before the surgery.
5. Reducing, Lifting, and Shaping
Through the incisions, the surgeon reduces breast size by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. Additionally, they reshape and lift the breasts to create a smaller, lighter, and perkier bust.
Depending on your anatomy and surgeon’s technique, the areola may be moved to a higher position. If necessary, the areola is also reduced.
6. Closing the Incisions
After getting the breast size you want, the surgeon stitches the incisions. Sometimes, incisions are taped for better healing.
The new, smaller breast is then wrapped in a gauze bandage, and a supporting bra is put in place. In some cases, a tiny drain may be temporarily placed to remove excess fluid.
The Healing Process
After surgery, your breasts might be swollen or sore for a few weeks, but you can go back to your normal work after a week or two. Easy activities can also be resumed after two weeks, but you should wait six weeks before starting exercise or other hard activities.
For pain and discomfort, prescription medications may be used during the first few days. It’s also typical for the breasts to be sensitive to stimulation for several weeks.
Finally, scarring is a natural part of the healing process — however, over a year or more, these scars will lighten and soften, becoming less noticeable.
How to Find the Right Breast Reduction Surgeon
The selection of the right surgeon is important for a successful breast reduction surgery.
So if you’ve been looking for “breast reduction doctors near me“, begin by checking board certification, their experience in breast reduction, and patient reviews.
Don’t hesitate to schedule consultations to inquire about your concerns, discuss your objectives, and establish a comfort level. A good surgeon will encourage open communication and understand your aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get a breast reduction?
Women with big breasts that cause discomfort or self-consciousness are good candidates. They should be healthy and understand that the goal is to feel better, not to be perfect.
How long will the results last?
The results should last a long time. But remember, factors like weight changes, pregnancy, and getting older can change the shape and size of your breasts.
Does breast reduction affect the sensation of the nipple?
Some women can experience minor changes in nipple sensation due to the repositioning of the nipple-areolar complex. However, for most, sensation returns during the recovery period.
Is breast reduction surgery reversible?
Breast reduction is not reversible. It’s a decision that requires thorough thought and consultation with an expert plastic surgeon.
How visible are the scars after breast reduction surgery?
The visibility of scars depends on a person’s healing process and the surgical technique used. In most cases, however, scars fade over time and can be concealed under a bra or bikini top.
Strategies like silicon gel, moisturizers, and laser treatment can also help reduce scars.
Can breast reduction be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
Yes, breast reduction surgery can be combined with other procedures like liposuction or tummy tuck depending on your goals. This is often referred to as a Mommy Makeover.
