Excessively large breasts (macromastia) are not just a source of embarrassment; they can also cause significant physical discomfort and several medical issues. Breast reduction surgery is a viable solution to these concerns as it makes your breasts proportionate with the rest of the body and prevents medical problems associated with large breasts.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Breast Reduction?
- 2 The Ideal Candidate For Reduction Of Mammoplasty
- 3 Benefits of Breast Reduction
- 4 Breast Reduction Procedure
- 5 Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques
- 6 What to expect from a breast reduction surgery
- 7 How long is recovery from breast reduction?
- 8 Does breast reduction surgery have side effects?
- 9 How much does it cost to reduce your breast size?
- 10 Breast Reduction FAQs
- 11 Consult our plastic surgeon
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery or Reduction Mammoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of the breast, reshape, and lift the breast to achieve better breast proportions and appearance. This involves removing excess glandular tissues, breast fat, and skin and adjusting the areola and nipple to achieve the desired breast size and shape.
Breast reduction surgery addresses medical issues such as pain and the physical discomfort that comes from the weight of the breasts. Women who choose to undergo the procedure for cosmetic purposes cite a variety of factors including wardrobe concerns and social stigma. Macromastia does not only cause physical ailments but can also cause emotional distress or other mental health problems.
The Ideal Candidate For Reduction Of Mammoplasty
Having overly large breasts is known to cause both health and emotional issues. In addition to physical pain and discomfort, they can also bring about self-image issues plus the excess weight of the breasts may get in the way of leading an active life.
A good candidate for reduction mammoplasty is a person who is:
- Generally healthy both physically and psychologically
- Has realistic expectations about the breast reduction surgery
- Is a nonsmoker
- Bothered by their breasts being too large
- Being limited during physical activities due to her breast size
- Experiencing pain in their neck, shoulder, and back due to the weight of her breasts
- Experiencing skin irritation under the breast crease
- Having shoulder indentions from bra straps
Benefits of Breast Reduction
In addition to reducing breast size, it also has physical, psychological, and aesthetic benefits which include:
- It reduces the breast tissue volume to achieve the desired size
- Removes restrictions on performing physical activities
- Aesthetically enhances the breast contours
- Increases confidence and self-esteem
- Relieves chronic pain caused by overly large breasts
- Helps you achieve firm and perkier breasts
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2-5 hours depending on the breast composition, personal preferences, desired amount of tissue removal, and the surgeon’s advice.
During the procedure, different techniques can be used. The procedure can be done through surgical incisions or liposuction to remove the excess fat from your breasts.
The surgeon will make an incision on the breast, and remove excess breast fat, tissue, and skin to reduce the size of the breasts. They will then reshape the remaining breast tissue and reposition the areola and the nipple.
The areola and the nipple usually remain attached to the breast throughout the procedure but sometimes they may need to be removed and then reattached at a higher position.
Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques
Different breast reduction techniques can be used during the procedure and they include:
- Anchor pattern technique. The surgeon creates horizontal incisions under the breast crease which extends straight up and around the areola. Also known as the inverted T, it is the most common type of breast reduction technique.
- Vertical incision or lollipop technique. This involves making an incision around the areola which extends vertically down the breast crease. This is best for oversized breast issues as it helps with the pull of gravity and also maintains shape.
- The Periareolar reduction. This involves making an incision around the areola only. This is best when reducing minor breast size.
- Breast liposuction. This involves creating small incisions in the breast and inserting a tube connected to a vacuum that suctions fluids and fats from the breast.
What to expect from a breast reduction surgery
Immediately after the surgery, the breasts will be covered in bandages or gauze dressings. A drainage tube might be placed to collect excess fluid and blood. To decrease the risk of infection, you will be given antibiotics. You may have an overnight stay in the hospital for close monitoring.
Your surgeon will give you post-op instructions to follow during your recovery and also follow-up appointment dates to monitor your healing progress.
After a successful breast reduction surgery, you will have relief from pain in your neck, shoulder, and upper back. Your participation in physical activities will also increase as well as your self-esteem.
How long is recovery from breast reduction?
In the first week after your breast reduction surgery, you will experience pain, which is controlled with pain medication and gradually diminishes. The swelling will last a couple of weeks, but most women can resume their normal activities within two weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least four weeks or as your surgeon recommends. Avoid wearing underwire bras for a few months after the surgery.
The results are immediate, but swelling prevents them from being visible for some time. The final results are usually permanent but are still subject to change with aging and weight fluctuations.
Does breast reduction surgery have side effects?
Like any other type of surgery, breast reduction also carries some risks and they include:
- Temporary bruising
- Scarring
- Difficulty in breastfeeding
- Loss of nipple sensation and around the areola
- Breast symmetry differences
How much does it cost to reduce your breast size?
The cost of breast reduction surgery is not exact and varies from person to person. It depends on the following factors:
The surgeon’s expertise
Location of the clinic or hospital
The surgical technique used
The patient’s desired results
Breast Reduction FAQs
Does breast reduction leave scars?
There is usually some form of scarring present after breast reduction surgery but the extent usually depends on the incision technique used.
How long does a reduction mammoplasty take?
The breast reduction surgery itself can take between 2-5 hours but this depends on how much breast tissue, fat, and skin is being removed, the technique used, the patient's preference, and the plastic surgeon’s advice.
Do you lose weight after breast reduction?
Yes, because fat and breast tissue are removed from your body. The amount of weight loss will depend on how much fat and tissue has been removed from the body.
Consult our plastic surgeon
Are you thinking of undergoing breast reduction surgery in Dubai? Schedule a free consultation with our expert plastic surgeons who are skilled in this procedure. Our board-certified plastic surgeons always ensure that the patients are happy and satisfied. Fill in the online form or give us a call to schedule a free consultation.
Check Out Our Specialists Profiles
Dr. Ken Arashiro
Physician Specialist Plastic SurgeryDr. Ken Arashiro is a seasoned plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in this field. He is certified by several prestigious organizations and licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
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