What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery medically known as reduction mammoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure that removes a portion of breasts to achieve breasts that are proportionate with the body frame. The surgery aims to remove excess breast fat, skin, and glandular tissue and achieve breasts in desired shape and size.

Who are the ideal candidates for surgery?

Breast reduction surgery can yield good results in women having

• asymmetrical breasts, obese women who are more prone to have large breasts
• history of injury or infection to breasts, lumps in breasts due to cancer, or usage of drugs such as steroids
• feeling of depression, embarrassment, and deterioration in self-image due to huge breasts
• pain in the neck, shoulder, back, breast as a consequence to large breasts
• nipple deformities, abnormal discharge from breasts, or development of rashes on the breast
• large breasts running in families

Which individuals are not suitable for the surgery?

Pregnant women, feeding mothers, and mothers who have just ceased breastfeeding just a few weeks ago are not ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery. Performing surgery in patients having clotting diseases is risky.

How should I prepare for the surgery?

The doctor evaluates the medical and overall history to avoid any unnecessary complications during and after the surgery. The individuals on medications that interfere with blood clot formation will be advised to cease the medication temporarily. A mammograph can rule out any pathological conditions in the breasts.

A person with the habit of smoking is recommended to quit smoking atleast two weeks before the surgery to ensure maximum healing.

What will happen during the surgery?

The surgery can be carried out on day care basis or requires very minimal hospitalization. The patient is given general anesthesia to ensure that entire procedure is made painless. The future position of the nipple is outlined, and the cut is made around the outline. The cut is extended over the entire breast and rarely extends beneath the breast. This helps to maintain the functionality of breasts in the future.

The underlying structures are clearly visible. The excess of fatty and glandular tissue are cut and removed. The deeper structures are stitched together. The skin is placed in close approximation and stitched. A bandage is placed on the stitches.

Reduction mammaplasty may be used to correct asymmetry of the breast, where one breast is very much larger than the other and where it is considered to be the least normal of the two

What is the aftercare of the surgery?

The patient can walk on the same day after surgery.

Avoid taking a shower for 48 hours after the removal of the drainage tubes.

The patient can be discharged after 1-2 days of surgery.

However, it takes 3-4 weeks for the patient to recover completely and get back to normal activities.

Mild exercises are advised after 3 weeks, and heavy stretching exercises and weight lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks. Avoid exposing the scars to the direct sun for at least one year.

What can you expect after the surgery?

After surgery, your breasts feel small, lighter, and firm. The changes usually last for a lifetime. However, normal aging processes can cause sagging of breasts. Pregnancy can alter the size, shape, and appearance of the breasts. It is recommended to talk to your cosmetic surgeon if you are planning to have more children.

To maintain the results of surgery, use a well-fitting and supportive bra day and night up to three months. Maintain a healthy weight by consuming a balanced diet that can help prevent unwanted breast growth. Perform exercises such as pushups and weightlifting that strengthen the chest wall. It helps you to reduce sagging and gives the firmer appearance of breasts.