Breast Reduction - How To Go About It?

While some women feel their breasts are too small, others have heavy breasts that they feel are too large for their frame. Large breasts not only affect the silhouette of a woman but can also lead to health problems such as backaches, posture problems and can restrict a woman’s participation in sporting events. Thankfully, with cosmetic breast surgery, a woman can choose to reduce the size of her breasts if need be

Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of skin and tissue from the breasts to resize and reshape the breasts. The darkened area around the areola may also be made smaller. This surgery is usually performed as an inpatient procedure and the person is put under general anesthesia for the duration of the surgery.

Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon will make one or more incisions in the breast. Skin and tissue will then be removed and mobilised from these incisions before stitching the incision cut mainly in a keyhole manner. The nipples and areola may also be cut and repositioned to suit the new contours of the breast. In some cases, liposuction may also be performed. In cases where there is no excess skin and most of the breast comprises of fatty tissue, liposuction alone may be able to reduce the size of the breasts. 

The first step to undergoing breast reduction surgery is to find a cosmetic breast surgeon who agrees with your sense of aesthetics and whose work you have confidence in. Ask to see before and after photographs of your doctor’s earlier patients and be open and honest with him or her about how you would like your breasts to look. Discuss any emotional and physical conditions you may have felt as a result of your breast size as well as your medical history and surgical history if any. 

Steps taken during the procedure of breast reduction

• During your consultation, your doctor may photograph and measure your breasts.
• A mammography and breast exam may also be conducted.
• Once you and your doctor have decided how much tissue needs to be removed and a surgery date is set, it is important for you to start preparing your body for the surgery.
• Have nutritious, well-balanced meals and quit smoking and alcohol for some time.
• If you take any blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin, you will also need to stop taking these for some time.
• In case you are overweight, you may be asked to reduce weight before the surgery so as to reduce chances of complications. It would also be a good idea to take a week or two off work while you recover. 

The surgery itself should not take more than 3-5 hours for one breast and you should be able to notice the results of the surgery quite soon. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!