Reduction mammoplasty is a surgical procedure for achieving a decrease in the size of the breast. It is the surgical excision of a considerable segment of the breast, removing both the skin and underlying glandular tissue, until a clinically normal size and shape of the breast results.
What are the reasons for women choosing to undergo a reduction mammoplasty surgery ?
Each woman’s reason for opting for reduction mammoplasty is highly personal and totally dependent on her choices. There chief reason for women to choose Reduction Mammoplasty is female breast hypertrophy or macromastia. This is the growth of abnormally large or prominent breasts in the female. This condition is not just simply large breasts. It is associated with significant clinical features such as excessive breast weight harmfully affecting the supporting structures of the shoulders, neck and the back. There will be persistent shoulder, neck, or back pain, grooving of the shoulders or intertrigo (infection of skin folds caused by rubbing and heat). This condition can definitely be improved and the related signs and symptoms can be alleviated by reduction mammoplasty surgery. The other reasons include heavy breasts in women after child bearing or menopause.
How can you go about the process for reduction mammoplasty surgery ?
You will have to consult your general practitioner who will refer to you a specialist in plastic surgery of the breasts. At your very first consultation, you will be asked questions like what exactly is bothering you about your breasts so as to understand your expectations from the surgery. There will be a general examination with a more specific breast examination and there will be ensuing discussion will on the surgical approaches and techniques available. If you are a suitable candidate for the surgery, you will be informed about the expected outcomes, potential risks and complications. It is vital to be given a ‘cooling-off’ period of a minimum of 2 weeks before surgery. You have to be called in for a second consultation. The reason for this is reduction mammoplasty surgery once done is permanent and retracing your decision is not possible once the surgery is performed. A decision to have reduction mammoplasty should never be done in a hurry. It is best to give yourself that time to think it through before finalizing to go ahead with the reduction mammoplasty surgery.
What are the requirements of an ideal reduction mammoplasty surgery ?
- The breast should be lifted to its youthful and natural form, matching in proportion to the rest of the body
- It is best if the two breasts should be made as symmetrical as possible
- The nipple and areola should be moved and translocated to a suitable location
- The blood supply to nipple and areola should not be jeopardized
- The breast function should be preserved as much as possible
- The scars should be made as less visible as possible
- The operation should correct all types of deformity
- The procedure should be a single stage operation
What is the procedure for reduction mammoplasty surgery ?
Reduction mammoplasty surgery can either be done in an outpatient facility, or you may have to continue at least a night in the hospital. You will have to be put under general anesthesia, which means you will basically be put to “sleep” during the procedure.
Reduction mammoplasty surgery takes about two to five hours, sometimes even longer. Your surgeon has to cut around your nipple, then go downwards into the breast in the form of a keyhole. The operating team has to surgically remove extra skin, tissue, and fat from your breasts and then reposition your nipple. Drainage tubes may have to be placed to remove excess tissue fluid or pus and then stitch up your breasts. They will then be wrapped in special gauze. A surgical bra may have to be used after the procedure.
After reduction mammoplasty surgery, you will feel tired and and have breast pain. This is customary and you will be put on antibiotics and oral painkillers to ease the first few days after surgery. Heavy lifting is to be avoided.
What are the complications for reduction mammoplasty surgery ?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Altered sensation of the breasts (numbness, tingling or sensitivity)
What are the conservative alternatives to reduction mammoplasty surgery ?
It is appropriate to first try and use support bras with wide straps, exercises, heat/cold treatments and appropriate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents/muscle relaxants for the back, neck and shoulder pain. For intertrigo or skin infection, keep skin dry and clean and use topical anti-fungals.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for reduction mammoplasty surgery ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for reduction mammoplasty surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, get approximate cost of reduction mammoplasty surgery from various hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for reduction mammoplasty surgery.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for reduction mammoplasty surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
