Breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which the size and weight of large, heavy breasts are reduced to create a breast contour properly proportioned to a patient’s body. This is done by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and sagging, stretched skin. A cosmetic surgeon can resize and improve breast symmetry. Large breasts can cause health problems and may experience physical pain and discomfort. The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead an active life. There is a frequent discomfort and self-consciousness associated with having large breasts.
When Do You Need Breast Reduction Surgery?
You can opt for breast reductions surgery if you have large breasts (in comparison to your overall body structure) and face issues like:
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Chronic back, next or shoulder pain
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Chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
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Restricted physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
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Poor self image due to large breasts
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Difficulty in getting right sized bras and clothing
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Having one breast much larger than the other
Types of Breast Reduction Surgeries
Liposuction for Breast Reduction
Breast reduction can be performed using liposuction. The advantages of liposuction for breast reduction are a shorter, less invasive procedure. The procedure is done for those who need a slight reduction in breast size and have good skin elasticity.
Vertical Breast Reduction
Patients who require a moderate reduction in breast size and have more noticeable sagging are suitable for a vertical breast reduction. This involves two incision sites: one is around the edge of the areola, and a second incision running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inflammatory fold beneath the breast. This incision pattern allows a cosmetic surgeon to remove excess fat, skin and breast tissue, reshape the new smaller breast internally, and lift the breast into a more youthful position.
Inverted-T Breast Reduction
The inverted-T breast reduction involves 3 incisions: one around the edge of the areola, one vertically from the areola to the breast crease, and one made along the crease beneath the breast. This procedures is done for the maximum tissue removal and reshaping to a more significant breast size reduction.
Your plastic surgeon will decide the best surgical approach to take out of the 3 mentioned above depending on your breast size and your size reduction requirements.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction surgery involves a series of steps starting with pre surgery consultation with the surgeon.
1. Consultation With Surgeon
Are you are concerned about the size and heaviness of your breasts and become overtly conscious of your bust in public places and feel discomfort because of it, do you find it difficult to engage in physical activities like jogging, running, bending? Then it may be time for you to consider breast reduction. If you are in Hyderabad, as a first step you should fix up an appointment with Dr. Sharath Gurrala, the head of plastic surgery department at KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad. Dr. Sharath will understand your concerns and will advice you on the right course of action.
You will be asked about why you want to go for breast reduction surgery, all the problems you are facing right now. You will also be asked about your medical history and your expectations from the breast reduction surgery. You will be asked if you have noticed a reduction in breast size with weight loss. If yes, you might be asked go on a weight loss program first and consider surgery only when you have reduced and stabilized your weight.
2. Preoperative Evaluation
Once it’s decided that you will undergo breast reduction surgery, you will be asked to undergo routine evaluation tests to determine if you are ready for surgery and anesthesia. Your breasts will also be thoroughly examined to determine the size and shape of your breasts, the placement of nipples and areolas, the condition of breast skin and the amount of fat in the breasts. Clinical Photographs of your breasts will also be taken for filing in records. You will also be asked to sign consent forms and provided detailed information about the surgery process.
3. Breast Reduction Surgery
On the appointed date and time you will be asked to report at the hospital. Just before surgery your breasts will be marked carefully for incision points, with you standing upright. The incision marks will be done depending on the type of surgery Dr. Sharath decides for you. You will then be given general anesthesia and operated upon.
4. Post Surgery Recovery
Immediately after surgery:
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Immediately after surgery you will be taken to recovery area for close monitoring.
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A tube might be placed under each arm to drain excess blood or fluid.
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Your breasts will be covered with a gauze dressing or bandages.
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You will be prescribed painkillers and antibiotics to reduce pain and risk of infection.
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You may be asked to stay in hospital overnight and the next morning the drain tubes will be removed.
For the first days or week after surgery:
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Your breasts will probably feel sensitive, swollen and bruised
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Your surgeon might recommend an elastic compression bra to prevent the breasts from moving too much
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You will be asked to avoid physical activity other than self care
After 1 week:
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You can get back to daily chores or day job, with limited physical activity
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You'll need to limit physical activity for 2-3 weeks while the breasts heal
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You can exercise, jog or handle breasts only after 6 weeks
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Your surgeon might suggest avoiding underwire bras for a few months after surgery
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Surgery scars will usually fade over the next few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right age for breast reduction surgery?
It is generally recommended that breast reduction surgery be done on patients who are over 18 years or when their breast have fully developed. However in some cases it is recommended even for adolescents if the breasts are too large for the age and are causing chronic back pain, irritation under breast fold, limited hand movements, etc. So the answer may vary depending on individual conditions.
Are there any risks with Breast reduction Surgery?
Like any major surgery, breast reduction surgery also pose risks like infection, bleeding or adverse reaction to anesthesia. Other risks specific to this surgery include:
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Scarring
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Loss of sensation in nipples and areolas
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Difficulty in breastfeeding
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Difference in size and shape of left and right breasts after surgery
Is Breast Reduction Surgery really worth all the trouble and money?
Successful breast reduction surgery may reduce pain in your upper back, neck or shoulder. It will also help you get more active physically and improve your self confidence. It will also make your breasts easier to handle, firmer and tighter, resulting in a more beautiful figure and better sex life. So yes, it is definitely worth the trouble for most women who choose to undergo this surgery.
Will I be able to breastfeed after Breast Reduction Surgery?
The chances of you being able to breastfeed normally go down after a breast reduction surgery. Since breast reduction surgery requires removal of a part of the breasts, it may include glandular tissues and milk producing ducts as well, that will impact your ability to breastfeed. While some women are able to product milk after surgery, there is no guarantee that you will too.
Can my breasts enlarge even after surgery?
Normally breasts don’t enlarge after surgery. But if you gain too much weight, become pregnant or got the surgery done as an adolescent or teenager when the breasts were still growing, the size of the breasts may increase again. But such increases should be manageable. If not you may have to go for a follow up surgery.
Breast Reduction Surgery in Hyderabad
At KIMS hospital Hyderabad, Dr. Sharath Chandra Reddy and his team of plastic surgeons have decades of combined experience in all kinds of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Please fill out the form below to book your appointment now with Dr. Sharath and discuss your breast reduction requirements.
