Breasts have been accepted as the symbol of femininity in women, serving as both a symbol of fertility and beauty where they enhance overall body attraction. But when breasts grow beyond the average, they’re likely to cause physical pain and functional issues.
Most women seek breast reduction surgery to alleviate back, shoulder and neck pain; as well as improve posture, expand closet options, and reduce under breast rash. In young girls, very large breasts also cause psychological problems, initiating low-self esteem and feelings of embarrassment.
Breast overgrowth typically affects may affect one breast, leading to self-image problems and further feelings of embarrassment and self-loathe.
Preparing for Breast Reduction
Preparing for breast reduction involves investigating the underlying cause of breast growth:
- Whether the growth in the breasts is due to a hormonal problem
- Whether the growth in the breasts will continue.
- Whether there is a painful or painless lump in the breast.
- Whether there is an infection in the breast.
Typically, breast reduction is more suitable for breast growth that is not due to a hormonal problem and breasts that have stopped growing in the last 6 months.
It’s best to perform breast reduction after completing breast development to reduce the possibility of repeating the surgery in the near future. However, there are some exceptions to this.
In young girls with virginal breast hypertrophy, surgery may be required before the development is complete.
You’ll have to opt for imaging such as mammography.
Other preparations
- Don’t consume anything 6–8 hours before your breast reduction. But if you have medications to take consult your doctor to know when and how you should fast.
Breast Reduction and Breast Feeding
The relationship between breast reduction surgery and breastfeeding:
For normal lactation, your functional breast tissue must connect to the milk ducts and the nipple. If your breast reduction procedure doesn’t disrupt the anatomical and physiological features; you will not face problems with lactation after breast reduction.
Likewise, nipple sensitivity is a very essential aspect of the process. So if the method that your surgeon is performing will affect the the nerves for nipple sensation, you may experience difficulty with breast feeding. Discuss all the details with your surgeon at Esthete Clinic to avoid disappointment.
Breast Reduction Procedure
Pre-surgery
Our team of anesthesiologists at Esthete Clinic will administer your general anesthesia. Beforehand, we’ll perform routine laboratory tests to make sure your suitable for this type of anesthesia. And while you’re in the operating room, we’ll monitor your heartbeats and blood oxygen levels continuously.
Surgery
There are many methods to perform a breast reduction. But most procedures work by first removing the excess fat, tissue, and skin from the area. And to avoid a sagging appearance, it’s important to reshape the breasts and reposition the areola and nipples. But most approaches preserve the blood supply and nerve connections.
There is no standard incision in a breast reduction, the location of the incision varies with the method. There’s the vertical scar that starts around the nipple and descends to the breast crease forming the shape of an anchor. There’s another incision that work around the nipple alone. Lastly, there’s an incision that goes around the nipple descending down but ending before the breast crease.
Post Surgery
You will remain in the operation room for an hour until doctors ensure your body has stabilized. After that we’ll transfer you to your room where you’ll stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.
Duration of Breast Reduction
The procedure of breast reduction can t take about 2-4 hours.
Breast Reduction Recovery
4 hours after the procedure you’ll be allowed to stand up and eat as well. You will not be able to see the results immediately, as the are will be covered in bandages. You’ll also find drains placed underneath the bandages to remove excess fluid and blood leaking from the operation area. Your doctor will remove these drains in a day or two.
You must limit your arm and chest movements during the first days after a breast reduction. You should note that big and sudden movements can re-open your wounds and increase your risks of infection.
After a week, your doctor will remove the bandages covering your breasts. Instead you’ll have thin tapes covering your sutures, these can be water proof.
As for showering, you can shower after 48 hours once your doctor removes your drains.
Results of Breast Reduction
Results of breast reduction are immediate but will look better over time. Scarring will eventually fade out, and the breasts will have a long-lasting natural appeal.
Maintaining your weight is key to maintaining your results. Weight fluctuations can impact the results of the surgery in the long run
