Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that removes skin and fatty tissue from excessively large breasts. Many women who have large breasts complain of medical problems such as back and neck pain, shoulder pain, skin irritation, breathing difficulties and numbness in the hands. Because breast reduction is performed as a remedy for these significant health problems, it is often considered a reconstructive procedure. As such, it is sometimes covered under the patient’s insurance plan.
Overly large breasts cause many young women emotional distress. Developing extremely large breasts at a very young age — when a girl is especially self-conscious about her body — can cause severe emotional issues. For many women, extremely large breasts can cause considerable physical discomfort and functional problems, as well as embarrassment. The majority of women who seek reduction surgery do so for physical relief rather than for cosmetic improvement. In addition, many women find that when excess skin is removed, old stretch marks are eliminated.
Consultation
During your consultation your surgeon will perform a breast examination and discuss the benefits and risks of the reduction surgery. He will explain that breast reduction surgery leaves an anchor-shaped scar that is permanent, though it may vary from being inconspicuous to very prominent depending on how you heal. The scar does not bother most women, who consider it a reasonable sacrifice for a more proportional body, clothes that clothes fit better, and relief from the physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts.
The Procedure
The operation may be done either in an outpatient operating room or a hospital setting; you may stay one night in the hospital. Breast Reduction can take from two to four hours, depending on the size of your breasts and the method used. Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia.
Your surgeon will create a keyhole-shaped cut that circles the areola and extends down to the crease of the breast so that the nipple can be moved into its new position. In most cases, your nipple remains attached to its blood supply, but occasionally it is necessary to completely remove the nipples and areola and place them in a higher position as a graft.
Excess breast tissue, skin and fat are removed from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast. Your surgeon will use stitches to secure the areola and remaining skin into its new location. You will have stitches that go around the areola, come down the curve of the breast in a straight line, and then follow the breast crease. Liposuction is sometimes used to remove excess fat from the armpit area. When surgery is completed, your incisions will be bandaged and you will be dressed in a surgical bra.
Recovery
You will experience discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours after your breast reduction, and you may find it difficult to lift your arms. However, pain medication will be prescribed to lessen discomfort for the first couple of weeks. You will be asked to wear a surgical bra at all times other than when you shower, which you may do approximately two days after your surgery. The surgical bra will protect your breasts and the dressings over your incisions for several weeks.
You may experience random shooting pains and numbness in your breasts for several months, and your breasts may feel sore during the first menstruation following surgery because the hormonal stimulation will cause them to swell, pulling the incisions. Since sexual arousal can cause also cause the incisions to swell, you should avoid sex for about three weeks. After that time, you should be careful to avoid direct contact with your breasts for another two to three weeks. Most women can return to work, social activities and some mild exercise in about two weeks. When you resume vigorous exercise you should wear a good athletic bra for support (though you should wait at least six weeks to purchase new bras, after the swelling has subsided.)
Dr. Graivier will see you several times during the healing period. Though most of the stitches involved in breast reduction are placed under the skin and will dissolve, this surgery does leave permanent scars. The scares might remain pink and lumpy for several weeks, or they may begin to fade immediately. It takes a year to 18 months for scars to fully mature and fade to pale pink, brown, or white.
If you would like more information about breast reduction surgery or any of our spa services, contact the North Atlanta Plastic Surgery & Day Spa today!
