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Bid for Surgery: Breast Reduction
Breast
Reduction
(Mammaplasty )
| Procedure: |
Techniques for breast reduction vary, but
the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola,
extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The
surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola
into their new position. He or she then brings the skin from both sides of the
breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may
be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area. |
| Risk Factor: |
Breast reduction is not a simple operation,
but it's normally safe when performed by a qualified
plastic surgeon. |
| Side Effects: |
Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort,
numbness, dry
breast skin. Permanent scars. |
| Length: |
2 to 4 hours |
| Anesthesia: |
Breast reduction is nearly always performed
under general anesthesia. You'll be asleep through the
entire operation. |
| In/Out: |
Breast reduction is generally done in a
hospital, as an inpatient procedure. You can expect to remain in the
hospital two to three days. |
| Recovery: |
You may feel some pain for the first couple
of days-especially when you move around or
cough-and some discomfort for a week or more. |
| Duration: |
|
| The Procedure |
Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the
most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends
downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon
removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their
new position. He or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around
the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove
excess fat from the armpit area. |
|
| The best candidates. |
Breast reduction is usually performed for
physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery
are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them
physical discomfort.
In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully
developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical
discomfort. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the
procedure and have realistic
expectations about the results. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend
to breast-feed. |
|
| Types of anesthesia |
Breast reduction is nearly always performed
under general anesthesia. You'll be asleep through the entire operation. |
|
| The surgery |
Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure
involves an anchor-shaped
incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the
crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and
moves the nipple and areola into their new position. He or she then brings the skin from
both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the
breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.
ncisions outline the area of skin,
breast tissue, and fat to be removed
and the new position for the nipple.
In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and
nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may
have to be completely removed
and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple
and areolar
tissue.)
Skin formerly located above the nipple
is brought down and together to reshape
the breast. Sutures close the incisions,
giving the breast it's new contour.
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line
extending downward, and along the
lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the
vertical part of the scar. And occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed,
liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.
Scars around the areola, below it, and
in the crease under the breast are
permanent, but ban be easily concealed
by clothing. |
|
| Do I have to stay in a
hospital after the surgery? |
Breast reconstruction usually involves more than
one operation. The first stage, whether done at the same time as the mastectomy or later
on, is usually performed in a hospital. |
|
| Risk factors, complications, side effects?
|
Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but
it's normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with
any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding,
infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their
nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. You can reduce your
risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and after surgery.
The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your
bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The
procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned
nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the
milk ducts leading to the nipples.
Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts.
Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The
nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the
body.) |
|
| How long would recovery take? |
After surgery, you'll be wrapped in an elastic
bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast
to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.
You may feel some pain for the first couple of days-especially when you move around or
cough-and some discomfort for a week or more. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to
lessen the pain.
The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, though you'll continue wearing
the surgical bra around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising
subside. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks.
If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several
times a day, but be sure to keep the suture area dry.
Your first menstruation following surgery may cause your breasts to swell and hurt. You
may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You can expect some loss of
feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This
usually fades over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year
or more, and occasionally it may be permanent. |
|
| Would I have a new look? |
Although much of the swelling and bruising will
disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts
settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your
hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible.
Still, it's important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent.
They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes
eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so
that you can wear even low-cut tops.
Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image
changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look
better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.
However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you'll need time to adjust to your
new
image-as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in
mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you'll be pleased
with the results. |
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| Cost of this procedure varies with
region from a low of $5,348 to a high of $6,275. This cost includes surgeon's fee,
anesthesia, and facility costs. |
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