Breas-t Reduction
(Reduction Mammoplasty)

Women with the large, pendulous Breas-t may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight - from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. An unusually large Breas-t can make women - or a teenage girl feel extremely conscious. Breas-t reduction is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the Breas-t, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped Breas-t in proportionate to rest of the body.

Right candidate

Breas-t reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than merely cosmetic improvement. Very large, sagging Breas-t restrict activities and cause physical discomfort, which drives most women to have the surgery.

In most cases, Breas-t reduction isn't performed until a women's Breas-t are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if the large Breas-t is causing severe physical discomfort. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to understand the procedure thoroughly and have realistic expectations about the results.

Type of anesthesia - performed under general anesthesia

Planning

In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly and to listen to expert opinion. Every patient, as well as every physician, has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for Breas-t.

Examination and measurement of your Breas-t are done. Variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size, and shape of your Breas-t and the condition of your skin is discussed upon. The nipples and areola final position will be higher during the procedure and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your Breas-t.

The details of the procedure and its limitations and risks along with the expected visible scar that results is discussed with the patient.

Procedure

Techniques for Breas-t reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves a lollypop shaped incision (vertical short scar technique) that circles the areola and extends downward from the lowermost edge of the areola to reach the Breas-t crease beneath the Breas-t. Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed, and the nipple and areola are moved into their new position. The skin from both sides of the Breas-t is brought down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the Breas-t. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.

In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the Breas-t are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areola may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areola tissue.)

In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the vertical part of the scar. Occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce Breas-t size, leaving minimal scars.

After your surgery

Postoperative care :You will be up and about in a day or two but should avoid lifting anything heavy for two to three weeks.

We will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activates. Most women can return to work (if it's not too strenuous), social activities, and exercise in about two weeks. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a couple of weeks. A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical stitch line or some crusting is normal.

Results

Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first week, it may take six weeks to three months before your Breas-t settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy. Breas-t reduction scars take a little time to settle, gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Of all plastic surgery procedures, Breas-t reduction results in the quickest body-image changes.