Large breasts are often thought out to be a sign of femininity and may also be considered as attractive, however having larger breasts do not necessarily mean having beautiful breasts as for many, it is all about the shape and proportion.
Apart from the aesthetical point of view, overly large breasts can bring physical discomfort and emotional displeasure as even performing the most routine tasks may sometimes be painful.
‘Macromastia’ is a condition of abnormally large breasts that causes pain and challenges to perform physical activities. If you feel that the size of your breasts interfering your life either by having the symptoms of macromastia or simply for aesthetic reasons, breast reduction surgery can be a life-changing option for you.
According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons latest survey, breast reduction ranks at the top of patient satisfaction surveys out of all the plastic surgery procedures with a staggering rate over 95% respondents acknowledge that they would undergo the surgery again if they need to.
Patients who underwent breast reduction surgery also reported a relief from their pain in different parts of their bodies, found that the daily tasks are easier, clothing fit better and they could practice physical activities like never before.
Thankfully, MediExpert is committed to assist you to achieve your specific medical and aesthetic goals by a breast reduction surgery that will reduce and reshape your breast contour resulting in restoring your confidence.
WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?
Breast reduction is also known as ‘Reduction mammoplasty’ is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of large breasts. It involves removal of excess breast fat, skin and glandular tissue that is in proportion with the rest of the body and alleviates the discomfort generally associated with excessively large breasts.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIADATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Large and heavy breasts can cause plenty of health issues and breast reduction procedure can correct many health complications due to enlarged breasts. Following are some of the indications that you may be a good breast reduction candidate.
- Cystic breast infections
- Neck, back or shoulder pain
- Shoulder notching
- Loss of sensation in the arms or fingers
- Heavy and sagging breasts
- Inability to exercise
- Restriction of physical activities and social engagement
- Inability to wear swimsuits and tops comfortably
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Poor posture
- Numbness in the breasts
- Chronic back pain
- Skeletal deformities
- Breasts that a very large in proportion to the body size
- Difficulties in breathing
- Insomnia
- Irritation and rash under your breasts.
- Nipples and areolas pointing downwards
- Enlarged areolas due to stretched skin
- Indentations from a bra-strap regularly
- Self-consciousness and dissatisfaction about breast size
TYPES OF MEDIEXPERT BREAST REDUCTION TECHNIQUES
Anchor Breast Reduction
It is also known as ‘Inverted T’ or ‘Wise Pattern’ that is considered to be the golden standard of breast reduction surgery. It is a traditional technique used for very large breasts with severe sagging where at least a 2 cup size reduction is required. It involves total of three joined incisions in the following areas:
- around the areola
- vertically from the bottom of the areola
- horizontally beneath the breast (along the inframammary fold)
This type of breast reduction enables to remove breast fat, excess tissue and skin followed by nipples and areolas to be reduced and repositioned in an aesthetically attractive location. Surgeon has a great control of breast proportion and shape as all the parts of the breasts can be used for the removal of an excess breast tissue. Scarring will be longest out all the techniques as extensive shaping of the breast is required. This technique is also often used in combination with a breast lift surgery .
Vertical Incision Breast Reduction
It is also known as ‘Short Scar’ that involves two incisions where one extending around the areola and other one vertically extending down from the areola towards the inframammary fold creating the ‘lollipop’ shape. It is ideal for women with moderately large breasts and involves shaping the breast by removal of small amount of internal tissues resulting in less scarring.
Horizontal Incision Breast Reduction
Incisions are made around the areola and along the inframammary fold. It is ideal for women whose breasts are large enough to undergo vertical incision breast reduction technique.
Free Nipple - Graft Breast Reduction
This technique is recommended for women who have macromastia with extremely large breasts as well as extensive sagging of the nipples. It involves removal of significant amount of breast tissue and the repositioning of the nipple onto an aesthetically attractive location in the upper breast area.
Liposuction
Liposuction is also known as ‘Scar-less breast reduction’ that is a technique used for women who needs to reduce the size of the breast by requiring a small amount of tissue removal. It is often preferred by patients who unfavorably react to anesthesia. It is a minimally invasive option leaving little to no scarring. This technique is often used for men with enlarged breasts and commonly to the younger women with little or no sagging breasts at all.
BEFORE THE SURGERY
Following needs to be done prior to the surgery in order to ensure that the patient is healthy enough for the procedure:
- Blood tests
- Lab testing
- Evaluation of medical history and overall health
- Mammogram schedule and another one after the surgery to detect any possible changes
- Stay away from smoking and drugs
- Avoid all sorts of blood thinners, herbal supplements and certain anti-inflammatory drugs
- Any other medications will also be checked thoroughly as they might lead to complications
STEPS IN A BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE
As breast reduction is s highly customizable procedure, incision alternatives will be discussed thoroughly to determine the most appropriate option which is determined by breast composition and amount of desired reduction in order to meet the specific aesthetic goals of each patient. The following steps are taken in a typical breast reduction procedure.
1. ADMINISTRATION OF ANESTHESIA
A typical breast reduction procedure is performed under a general anesthesia in order to ensure comfort to the patient throughout the entire procedure.
2. OPENNING INCISIONS
After the anesthesia is applied, MediExpert surgeon will make the required incision(s) using the breast reduction technique chosen beforehand. Incision(s) may involve the areas around the areola, from the areola to the chest wall and beneath the breast along the inframammary fold depending on the technique performed.
3. REMOVING TISSUE AND REPOSITIONING
Once the incision(s) are made excess skin, glandular tissue and fat will be removed followed by the underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. If required, nipple and areola will be repositioned to a higher position that is aesthetically more pleasing. Liposuction is commonly performed during the breast reduction procedures for the excess fat to be removed near the armpit area.
4. CLOSING THE INCISIONS
After the surgeon is fully satisfied with the reshape and symmetry of the smaller breasts, incisions are then closed with multiple layered sutures. Surgical tapes and skin adhesives may also be used to closed the skin to complete the procedure.
BENEFITS OF BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
Breast reduction surgery can offer plenty of benefits and can indeed be a life-changing procedure in terms of improving the quality of your life. Some of the benefits are as follows:
- Back, neck and shoulder pain relief
- Breasts are reshaped so that they are symmetrical, rounder, perkier
- Nipples facing forward
- Possibility to participate activities like dancing or sports
- Clothes and bras will fit better
- Skin irritation beneath the breasts is alleviated
- Breathing issues alleviated
- Bra strap indentations are over
- Self-confidence is boosted as women feel more comfortable and confident for their body
- Bras and clothing will fit more nicely
- Shopping for your clothing will get easier
- Love life is improved
- Increased self-esteem
- Relieve self-consciousness
WHAT IS EXPECTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SURGERY?
Post operative period is extremely important for a quicker healing and recovery period. Following are most likely to be expected within the first few days after the surgery:
- You will be kept under observation for few hours to make sure that there is not any clotting or excessive bleeding
- You are most likely to feel exhausted
- You will be covered by bandaging and wrapped with a surgical tape
- Incisions may remain covered with gauze dressings up to a week
- Drains will be removed within couple of days after the surgery if inserted any
- You may experience less feelings in the breasts and nipples for few days
- You will be instructed to sleep on your back for around a week
- You will be asked to wear a supportive surgical bra for the first few days and a support bra for about a month afterwards
- Swelling and bruising are considered normal which will gradually diminish over the next weeks
HOW LONG IS THE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE?
As the duration of the surgery may vary from patient to patient , it takes generally between 2-5 hours depending on the technique performed and the extent of the procedure.
IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT?
It is recommended that the breast reduction surgery is performed after the age of 18, when the breasts are fully developed. However, exceptions can be made as in the case of an extreme breast excess at younger age which is called ‘virginal hypertrophy’.
IS BREAST REDUCTION A PAINFUL PROCEDURE?
There is no pain during the surgery as it is performed under anesthesia, whereas there is some degree of pain after the breast reduction procedure which can be considered as mild to moderate. Pain is manageable and subsides within only a few days time which is easily controlled by prescribed pain relievers in order to reduce any possible discomfort. There is no discomfort after the recovery period so that the patients can truly enjoy the pain-free aesthetic benefits. After recovery, there should be no discomfort, so you can enjoy your aesthetic benefits pain-free.
ARE THERE ANY BREAST REDUCTION PILLS THAT WORK?
Although some manufacturers claim that breast reduction pills reduce the size of large breasts, these claims are yet to be proven. Unfortunately, there is not any effective non-surgical approach to reduce and reshape the breasts other then the breast reduction procedure.
WILL I LOSE SENSIVITY IN MY BREAST AFTER BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Although most of the patients do not complain about the changes of sensation in the nipples, there is a possibility that sensation may be a little different than of prior to the surgery. Most women feel less sensation in the nipple and areola areas on temporary basis up to 6-8 weeks after the surgery as sensation returns to normal when the swelling subsides. Rare cases, it may take up to six months to a year to before the sensation returns to normal. In very rare cases, some or complete loss of nipple sensation may occur especially in the nipple area.
WILL I HAVE PERMANENT SCARS AND ARE THEY NOTICEABLE?
Some degree of scarring at the incision site is inevitable after a breast reduction procedure, however our surgeons will perform the most advanced incision techniques into the areas where it can be hidden by clothing and will take all the aggressive possible measures for the scarring visibility to be minimized. There are several factors affecting the appearance of scars. Some of them include:
- Age
- Skin elasticity
- Skin tone
- Genetics
- Ethnicity
- Past sun exposure
- Technique performed
- Ability of the surgeon
- Body reaction to heal
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Following surgeon’s instructions both in pre and post operatively
It is difficult to provide a specific timetable for the healing of the scars as there are several stages of healing in the months after the surgery and it may take up to a year for the scars to fully mature and in some cases might be much less than that depending on the variable factors given above.
Eventually, most of the patients find the scarring as minor and for many a small amount of scarring is outweigh the dramatic improvement in their breast appearance.
HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY TIME?
After the surgery; swelling, bruising and temporary soreness are normal and should gradually subside within the first week or so. You may be a little uncomfortable especially in the first couple of days, however pain should not be severe which can be managed by prescribed pain medication to reduce any possible discomfort.
Although recovery period may vary depending on number of reasons including patient’s healing capacity and the technique performed, initial recovery period after a breast reduction procedure is generally within 2-3 weeks following the surgery where light exercises can be resumed. Gentle caution should be used when changing the clothes and compression garments up to 6 weeks.
Patients often report an immediate relief from back pain and enable them to do the activities that they have not been able to practice before. Incisions will be healed considerably after 3-4 weeks and the final look will be clear, whereas it may take up to one year for the incision lines to fully set into their final look.
WHEN CAN I HAVE SEX AFTER THE SURGERY?
Sexual activity must be avoided for the first three weeks following the surgery.
SHOULD I NEED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL AFTER BREAST REDUCTION?
Breast reduction surgery is generally an outpatient procedure meaning that patients are likely to be discharged from the hospital following a couple of hours observation period. It is important to ensure that a family member or a friend will drive you to your residence or alternatively we will be pleased to arrange your drop off organization.
WHEN WILL THE STITCHES BE REMOVED?
Stitches are internal dissolvable type, so there will not be any requirement of removing the stitches.
WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO WORK?
Most of the patients can return for a desk job within 3-7 days. It may take between 4-5 weeks to return work for a physically demanding job.
CAN I DRIVE AFTER THE SURGERY?
It is typically 2-3 days are required to start driving after the surgery.
WHEN CAN I START EXERCISING?
Short walks following the surgery is encouraged to reduce the risk of blood clots. Most patients are able to resume light exercises within 2 weeks after the surgery, whereas upper body exercises, heavy lifting and yoga can be resumed after 6 weeks.
WILL I BE ABLE TO BREAST FEED FOLLOWING A BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Some women are unable to breast feed whether they have underwent a breast reduction surgery or not, whereas some women have not breast fed before the surgery so they do not really know whether they can. For those women who had practiced breast feeding prior the surgery, there is some possibility to experience breast feeding rather more difficultly and there may be a minor risk of not being able to breast feed after the procedure. Although it is a rare risk and MediExpert will certainly do the utmost to preserve this function of the breast, it is recommended to undergo a breast reduction procedure when done with having children and breast feeding.
CAN I HAVE A BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY BEFORE HAVING CHILDREN?
Pregnancy and breast feeding can both alter the shape and position of the breasts dramatically. MediExpert usually recommends the patients to wait to undergo a breast reduction procedure, until they’re not planning to have more children in order to achieve long lasting results.
DO I NEED AN ADDITIONAL SURGERY TO KEEP MY BREASTS SAME SHAPE AND SIZE?
As long as not gaining and losing a significant amount of weight or becoming pregnant, the breast size should practically remain the same. However, the effects of aging may alter the size and shape. Undergoing an additional surgery may be chosen in the future whether dissatisfied with the appearance of the breasts in order to restore a more youthful contour.
CAN BREAST REDUCTION COMBINED WITH OTHER SURGERIES?
Multiple surgeries can absolutely be performed simultaneously including a breast reduction as many women desire to improve more than one aspect of the breast and sometimes different parts of the body as well.
Breast reduction is mostly combined with breast lift surgery procedure to address the sagging skin caused by large breasts. Moreover, liposuction is often used with breast reduction to remove excess fat especially in the lateral chest wall in order to improve upper body contour.
DOES BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY INCREASE THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER?
On the contrary, breast reduction reduces the chances for developing a breast cancer by reducing the total size of the breast and the area that breast cancer can potentially develop. Moreover, mammography can be practiced more easily after the breast reduction procedure.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS HAVING MULTIPLE SURGERIES?
There is not any hard scientific data supporting that the risks and complications are higher than those of the two surgeries performed separately.
On the contrary, there are benefits of having these surgeries at once as initially it avoids the risks of two surgeries, anesthesia applied one at a time and advantageous in terms of saving time and money accordingly.
HOW LONG WILL THE BREAST REDUCTION RESULTS LAST?
Breast reduction is a very effective surgery that the results can even last life-long as most of the patients enjoy their results for many years. On the other hand, each patient is unique and responds to a procedure differently. Therefore, realistically it all depends on many factors affecting the longevity of the results such as body type, surgery technique, skin, age, genetics, lifestyle, dietary habits, weight fluctuations as well as having pregnancy and breastfeeding after the surgery.
POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS AND RISKS OF BREAST REDUCTION
Although modern techniques for breast reduction are very safe, as with any other surgery there are some risks involved. Some of the rare complications and risks from a breast reduction procedure are as follows:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Breast asymmetry
- Scarring
- Anesthesia complications
- Breast contour and shape irregularities
- Loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts
- Problems with wound healing
- Fluid accumulation
- Skin discoloration
- Hematoma
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Skin and fat necrosis
- Partial or total loss of areola and nipple
- Blood clots
WHEN CAN I SEE THE FINAL RESULTS?
Changes to your breasts will be visible immediately and your breasts will be smaller and firmer right away after the surgery, however these changes will not be the final results. It may take a few months for swelling to subside as well as settling of breasts to position and shape. Although the breasts will look great after 3 months period as the shape will evolve, but it generally takes around 6-12 months to see the final shape and appearance of your breasts when the swelling is completely gone and the breasts are settled in its position.
