Feel More Comfortable with your Breasts
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is the removal of some breast skin and tissue in order to reshape the breast or reduce its size. Breast reduction could also help reduce the size of the areola, the dark skin that surrounds the nipple.
A breast reduction surgery typically uses general anesthesia to provide the patient with a painless operation.
The process of breast reduction may vary from surgeon to surgeon; however, the most common procedure involves the following:
A breast reduction surgery is typically done to make changes in the breasts, may it be the size, firmness, shape, or weight. Furthermore, you may also consider this procedure to:
Feel more comfortable with your breasts. Having large and heavy breasts usually causes posture problems as well as back and neck aches. Because of the pull of the heavy breasts, there is a tendency for bra straps to leave painful markings on the shoulders.
Be able to participate in sports and other activities. Women with large breasts often have limitations when it comes to participating in physical activities since doing so may be painful or awkward for them.
Change your appearance. Having large breasts can be embarrassing, especially when they don’t fit your height and weight. Women with large breasts often feel self-conscious especially when wearing swimwear or any type of clothing as there may be unwanted attention to large breasts.
Breast reduction is generally safe although it still poses risks. These include:
A pre-operative consultation is imperative before getting a breast reduction. During this time, your surgeon obtains your detailed medical history, including past surgeries or any medical conditions involving your breasts. He may also ask regarding your family history and evaluate your physical health to assess if you are fit to undergo the procedure.
The initial consultation also determines the possible outcome of the operation and how it can meet your expectations. It is important that you provide the doctor the necessary information with honesty.
How will I prepare for breast reduction?
A mammogram and a routine breast exam may be needed before surgery. Your doctor may also advise you to stop taking medications such as aspirin, warfarin, and other drugs that can affect the process of blood clotting. Pain medications may be prescribed before surgery as well.
Your breasts and chests will be wrapped in a bandage or gauze dressing. The surgeon may allow you to put on a special surgical bra for several weeks after surgery. He may also attach drainage tubes in your breasts to prevent blood and fluid accumulation. These tubes are usually removed after a few days.
The breast reduction surgery will most likely cause pain, but nothing that should not subside after a few weeks. To alleviate the feeling, pain medications will be prescribed. It is important to follow instructions provided by the doctor. Do not apply heat or cold compresses to your breasts unless you are told to do so.
A few weeks after surgery, the bruising and swelling around the incisions in your breast should disappear. A loss of sensation on the skin and nipples of the breast is normal after surgery and is only temporary. The sensation will return as time progresses. Typically, stitches made during the surgery are removed in two weeks.
Most patients who have had breast reduction took one week off from work. It can also reach two weeks although the situation varies for every individual.
For few months, you may still need to wear supportive bra to reshape the breasts. The scars are permanent although they will fade after a year. Also, your plastic surgeon will place the scars in hidden and less noticed areas around the breasts.
