Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty is a procedure that involves the removal of excess tissue within the breast which leaves the patient with a smaller, lighter breast. Individuals most often go through this surgery for physical relief as opposed to aesthetic or cosmetic improvement. Patients considering this treatment most often have very large breasts which are disproportioned with the rest of their body. The excessive weight at the upper chest can cause chronic back, neck and shoulder pain; conditions that can greatly affect a woman's daily life. If this excessive weight is left untreated, it can even lead to skeletal deformities.
There are several techniques used for making the incision for breast reduction surgery, but the most common incision used is the anchor-shaped incision. The incision circles the areola and then extends in a vertical line downward which follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Once the incision is made the procedure can begin. During the surgery, the surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and afterward, moves the nipple and areola into their new position.
In most cases the nipple will be able to remain attached to the blood vessels and nerves, but if the breast is very large, the nipple and areola might have to be removed in order to be properly repositioned. This removal unfortunately results in the loss of sensation in the nipple and areola tissue. Once the nipple is repositioned, the surgeon will then bring skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, which will shape the contour of the breast. Afterward, liposuction can be used if excess fat remains in the armpit and surrounding area.
It may be six months to a year before the breasts completely settle into their new shape and patients can see their final outcome. It is important to remember that your new shape can still fluctuate depending on pregnancy, weight gain and other hormonal changes. Out of all plastic surgery procedures available to individuals, breast reduction offers the quickest visual bodily change. Patients will feel happier and more comfortable with their new breast size; back, neck and shoulder pain will quickly disappear, clothes will fit better and patients will find their body much more evenly proportioned. Like all plastic surgery procedures, women will need time to adjust to their new look and feel, but most patients find themselves very pleased with their results. |
