Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that can provide you with positive, long-lasting results. This procedure involves reducing the size of your breasts by removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin. The surgery is usually done in order to treat emotional and physical problems you may experience with overly large breasts, or to achieve a size in proportion with your body. We take a comprehensive look at what this procedure involves.
Who makes a good candidate?
If you are someone with overly large breasts, you may experience physical discomfort or outright pain. The excess weight of your breasts can interfere with your day-to-day life and can lead to serious problems, especially in terms of your back.
Large breasts may also cause emotional upset and low self-esteem which, for some, can be as important an issue as the physical symptoms.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if:
- You don’t smoke
- You are emotionally troubled by your breasts
- Your physical activity is limited by your breasts
- Your skin is irritated beneath the breast crease
- You have shoulder indentations from your bra straps
What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction has many benefits, but, like with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications you need to be aware of before deciding if it is right for you.
After your plastic surgeon explains the risks and complications to you in detail you will be asked to sign consent forms. These forms ensure that you understand the operation that will be done and the potential risks and complications of the procedure.
Risks and complications include:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Negative reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Excess bleeding
- Impaired wound healing
- Changes in sensation (nipple or breast), which may be temporary or permanent
- Breast contour and shape irregularities
- Discoloration of the skin or permanent pigmentation changes
- Temporary or permanent damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs
- Breast asymmetry
- Persistent pain
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Fluid accumulation
- Potential inability to breastfeed
- Potential loss of skin or tissue of breast
- Potential loss of nipple or areola, which may be partial or total
What does recovery involve?
Following your breast reduction procedure, the incisions will be covered by dressings or bandages. In addition to these dressings, an elastic bandage or support bra may be worn in order to reduce swelling and support your breasts as they heal.
A temporary small, thin tube is sometimes placed under the skin. This tube drains any extra blood or fluid that has collected.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions that you must follow for recovery. Instructions will explain how to care for your breasts, medications that help with healing and minimize the risk of an infection, what concerns to look for at the surgical site, and when you should follow up with your doctor.
