breast lift
breast reduction
Breast reduction is often performed for more than just cosmetic purposes. Women with very large breasts may suffer from a variety of symptoms; discomfort and/or pain in the shoulders and back, changes in skeletal anatomy, difficulty working and sleeping because of breast size, etc. In more severe cases, permanent grooves in the shoulders appear where the bra straps have exerted their pull. Some patients may even have scars in this area. Especially in the warmer climates, chronic skin rashes on the undersurface of the breasts may develop.
who is a candidate for breast reduction?
Every woman who suffers
from the burden of enlarged breasts, whether physically or mentally,
can undergo a reduction procedure.
In younger patients, the
surgery is performed after completing breast development, usually
no sooner than age seventeen or eighteen. Rarely, the surgery may
be performed at an earlier age if the patient is suffering emotionally
as well as physically from the large size of her developing breasts.
In adulthood, the surgery can be performed at any age.
the surgery
The operation lasts
three to four hours and is performed under general anesthesia. There
are currently several techniques for breast reduction. They all
aim to remove excess breast tissue, reshape the breasts, and reposition
the nipples. There is great individual variation in the anatomy
and the symptoms experienced by women with large breasts. No single
surgical technique will suit everyone.
In the most frequently
performed type of operation, incisions are made in the shape of
an "anchor" -- a circle around the areola, a vertical
line from the bottom of the areola to the crease under the breast
and within the crease itself.
The excess breast tissue, fat, and skin is removed, shaping and "sculpting" the breasts to form their new size and contour. The nipples and areolas are moved into their new more youthful position; they remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves to make every effort to preserve their normal color, sensation.
In some cases, own blood is donated prior to surgery which will be transfused back after the surgery
The scars are situated around the areolas of the nipple and under the breasts. They usually fade over 6-12 months. Thus although scars will always be present, most patients believe they are worth it. There may be an alteration in sensation of the nipples, but this often improves with time. Fine stitches are used to close the incisions and a supportive bandage is applied around the breasts. Drains are left inside the wounds and are usually removed the next day.
recovery
Most patients are
back to their regular routine in about two to three weeks. Excessive
exercise should be avoided for the first three to four weeks.
The pain following a breast reduction is described by most patients
as mild to moderate. Pain medication is prescribed, although this
is usually unnecessary after the first day.
There may be mild bruising and swelling which lasts for approximately one week. Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be three months before the breasts settle into their new shape. Even after three months, their shape may fluctuate in response to hormonal influences, weight change, and pregnancy.