Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction

Everything You Need To Know Breast Reduction

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as mammoplasty, is a procedure that reduces an individual’s size of the breast. Individuals with disproportionately larger breast size may experience symptoms such as pain in their back, neck, or shoulders, etc. Larger breast size can also have an impact on one’s self-esteem and sense of well-being.
In breast reduction surgery, excess breast fat, tissue, and skin are removed to achieve a more comfortable breast size.

Who is a suitable candidate for breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery is performed if an individual has a very large breast size (macromastia) whether they are assigned female or assigned male at birth. Individuals who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) with conditions such as gynecomastia (a condition where male breasts are abnormally enlarged) may also seek breast reduction surgery.
In addition, breast reduction procedure is performed on individuals who have large breast size that may cause the following:

  • Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Shoulder grooves from bra straps
  • Skin irritation or chronic rash under the breasts
  • Nerve pain
  • Trouble fitting into bras and clothing
  • Not being able to take part in activities such as sports
  • Poor self-image due to large breasts

Preparation for breast reduction

Prior to breast reduction, the healthcare provider will likely:

  • Look at the medical history and overall health of an individual.
  • Examine and measure the breast size.
  • Discuss the expected breast size after the surgery and how the patient would like it to look post-procedure.
  • Describe any possible risks and complications including likely scarring, and possible loss of feeling.
  • Take photographs of the breast for medical record purposes.
  • Explain the types of medicine to be used to put the patient to sleep during surgery.

Before getting a breast reduction, patients are required to

  • Get a mammogram.
  • Not smoke for at least 6 weeks prior and post-surgery.
  • Not take certain medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, etc.

Procedure for breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed either in a hospital or in an outpatient surgical centre.
The process involves two different methods. They include:

  • Surgery through incisions
  • Removing excess fat in the breasts

At first, an incision around the nipple and areola region is made and extended down each breast, removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to minimize the size of each breast. Following that, the reshaping of the breasts and repositioning of the nipple is done. Bandages and a surgical bra are used to keep the breasts in position. A tube may be inserted under each arm to drain any excess blood or fluid from the breast.

Post-procedure care and recovery for breast reduction

  • For the first few days following surgery, the breasts may feel sore, swollen, and bruised. Wearing a surgical bra that closes in front may be advised to allow the breasts to heal and reduce swelling.
  • Pain medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain.
  • Gently apply wrapped ice cubes to the swollen area to reduce swelling.
  • Physical activity should be restricted for at least four to six weeks as the breast heals.

Risks and complications of breast reduction

Breast reduction is a relatively safe procedure, but there are some potential risks to consider, such as:

  • Large scars that take extended time to recover
  • Changes in breast and nipple sensations
  • Uneven position of the nipples
  • Varied sizes of the breasts

FAQs

A successful breast reduction surgery may alleviate pain in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. Furthermore, it helps to improve one’s self-image and increases one’s ability to participate in numerous physical activities, promoting a better self-image.

Breast reduction surgery usually takes about 2 to 5 hours. However, certain patients may require more time to remove extra fat, reduce breast volume, create an appealing shape, and close the wound.

Breast reduction is a permanent procedure used to reduce the size of the breasts. Once removed, the fat and other tissues in the breasts do not regrow. However, if a person gains weight following the surgery, the build-up of additional lipids/fats may cause the breasts to expand and grow in size.

There is no specific breast size that qualifies an individual as a candidate for breast reduction. This procedure is performed and is deemed necessary only when an individual’s breast size affects their mental or physical health.

A breast reduction procedure may limit a woman’s ability to breastfeed, particularly if a large volume of breast tissue and/or the nipple have been removed or if the milk ducts are affected by the procedure. Therefore, it is beneficial to consult with the surgeon regarding the possibility of breast feeding following breast reduction surgery.

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as mammoplasty, is a procedure that reduces an individual’s size of the breast. Individuals with disproportionately larger breast size may experience symptoms such as pain in their back, neck, or shoulders, etc. Larger breast size can also have an impact on one’s self-esteem and sense of well-being.
In breast reduction surgery, excess breast fat, tissue, and skin are removed to achieve a more comfortable breast size.

Who is a suitable candidate for breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery is performed if an individual has a very large breast size (macromastia) whether they are assigned female or assigned male at birth. Individuals who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) with conditions such as gynecomastia (a condition where male breasts are abnormally enlarged) may also seek breast reduction surgery.
In addition, breast reduction procedure is performed on individuals who have large breast size that may cause the following:

  • Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Shoulder grooves from bra straps
  • Skin irritation or chronic rash under the breasts
  • Nerve pain
  • Trouble fitting into bras and clothing
  • Not being able to take part in activities such as sports
  • Poor self-image due to large breasts

Preparation for breast reduction

Prior to breast reduction, the healthcare provider will likely:

  • Look at the medical history and overall health of an individual.
  • Examine and measure the breast size.
  • Discuss the expected breast size after the surgery and how the patient would like it to look post-procedure.
  • Describe any possible risks and complications including likely scarring, and possible loss of feeling.
  • Take photographs of the breast for medical record purposes.
  • Explain the types of medicine to be used to put the patient to sleep during surgery.

Before getting a breast reduction, patients are required to

  • Get a mammogram.
  • Not smoke for at least 6 weeks prior and post-surgery.
  • Not take certain medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, etc.

Procedure for breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed either in a hospital or in an outpatient surgical centre.
The process involves two different methods. They include:

  • Surgery through incisions
  • Removing excess fat in the breasts

At first, an incision around the nipple and areola region is made and extended down each breast, removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to minimize the size of each breast. Following that, the reshaping of the breasts and repositioning of the nipple is done. Bandages and a surgical bra are used to keep the breasts in position. A tube may be inserted under each arm to drain any excess blood or fluid from the breast.

Post-procedure care and recovery for breast reduction

  • For the first few days following surgery, the breasts may feel sore, swollen, and bruised. Wearing a surgical bra that closes in front may be advised to allow the breasts to heal and reduce swelling.
  • Pain medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain.
  • Gently apply wrapped ice cubes to the swollen area to reduce swelling.
  • Physical activity should be restricted for at least four to six weeks as the breast heals.

Risks and complications of breast reduction

Breast reduction is a relatively safe procedure, but there are some potential risks to consider, such as:

  • Large scars that take extended time to recover
  • Changes in breast and nipple sensations
  • Uneven position of the nipples
  • Varied sizes of the breasts

FAQs

1. What are the advantages of getting breast reduction surgery?
A successful breast reduction surgery may alleviate pain in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. Furthermore, it helps to improve one’s self-image and increases one’s ability to participate in numerous physical activities, promoting a better self-image.

2. How long does breast reduction surgery take?
Breast reduction surgery usually takes about 2 to 5 hours. However, certain patients may require more time to remove extra fat, reduce breast volume, create an appealing shape, and close the wound.

3. Can breasts grow after breast reduction?
Breast reduction is a permanent procedure used to reduce the size of the breasts. Once removed, the fat and other tissues in the breasts do not regrow. However, if a person gains weight following the surgery, the build-up of additional lipids/fats may cause the breasts to expand and grow in size.

4. What breast size may need a breast reduction?
There is no specific breast size that qualifies an individual as a candidate for breast reduction. This procedure is performed and is deemed necessary only when an individual’s breast size affects their mental or physical health.

5. Can women still breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
A breast reduction procedure may limit a woman’s ability to breastfeed, particularly if a large volume of breast tissue and/or the nipple have been removed or if the milk ducts are affected by the procedure. Therefore, it is beneficial to consult with the surgeon regarding the possibility of breast feeding following breast reduction surgery.