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Breast reduction surgery is sought by many women to relieve the physical restrictions and painful strain on neck, shoulders and back caused by excessively heavy breasts -- a strain that can be so severe that it leads to chronic headaches, back and neck deformities, shoulder indentations, breathing problems, skin irritation and a variety of other medical problems.
Breast reduction surgery, technically called mammaplasty, is usually performed for physical relief rather than for cosmetic reasons. This procedure involves removal of excess breast tissue to reshape and lift the breasts. The results are smaller, lighter, better-shaped breasts that are in better proportion with the rest of the body.
Procedure
There are many ways to perform a breast reduction. The method must be tailored to the patient. A common method of surgery is to mark the new nipple position. Then with the blood supply of the nipple preserved on a pedicle of tissue the excess breast is removed. The nipple is then moved into its new position and the new breast shape reconstructed. The incision is often around the nipple and on the under surface of the breast, like an upside down T. The operation is done under a general anaesthetic (the patient is asleep).
If the breasts are not too large and the skin has good elasticity then liposuction may be possible. This is especially useful in women who wish to avoid long scars. It is possible that this technique may preserve feeling and the ability to breast feed. For many surgeons it has become the most popular way to perform breast reduction in the patient who is about a DD size. Very large and pendulous breast still require the more traditional methods with the longer scars.
Problems
All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for a particular operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main problem which is special for this operation is damage to the blood supply of the nipple and a heavy scar. Breast feeding may not be possible after surgery. Breast reduction does NOT increase the risk of breast cancer and indeed may slightly decrease the risk.
Postoperative Care
The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two. |
