Procedures For Breast Reduction

Women with very large breasts may choose to have a reduction mammaplasty.

A breast reduction operation (or reduction mammaplasty) removes excess tissue and skin from the breasts to reduce their size. The breasts are then reshaped and the nipples repositioned. Breast reduction surgery can even the size of a woman's breasts should one be larger than the other or relieve a series of breast-related problems. Women with very large breasts often suffer from back pain, discomfort caused by a heavy bra, rashes and skin infections under the breasts. Many women also undergo the operation for psychological or self-confidence reasons. Women who take part in sports may also choose to have the operation to make it easier to live an active life.

Preparation

A surgeon will always advise his or her patient on the best way to prepare for the operation. It may involve changes to your lifestyle immediately before the operation. For example, if you smoke, you make be asked to refrain from doing so in the weeks leading up to the procedure to reduce the risk of infection. Smoking may also slow the healing process. Breast reductions will usually be carried out under general anesthetic, which often means that you must fast for six hours before the operation. Once in hospital, the surgeon will mark your breasts with a pen to indicate their new shape while a nurse conducts safety tests and prepares you for surgery.

The Operation

The operation usually takes between two and three hours. The most common procedure begins with the surgeon making an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola and follows the curvature of the breast down in a vertical line. Excess skin, fat and tissue are removed to decrease the size of the breast before the remaining tissue and the nipple are moved into a higher position. The skin from either side of the incision is then brought back around the areola, shaping and supporting the new breast. The wound is then stitched together, completing the procedure.

Recovery

Many patients leave the hospital on the same day, though some stay for up to four nights. As the anesthetic wears off painkillers will be given and a support bra should be worn. Patients should be able to move fairly freely within a couple of days, though the breasts may ache for one or two weeks. Most patients return to work within 14 days but should avoid anything too strenuous for around six weeks. Most patients report that their breasts are smaller and firmer following the operation, though it does leave a small scar.

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