BREAST REDUCTION

Unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious and cause a variety of medical problems such as back and neck pain, skin irritation and breathing problems.

Breast reduction procedure (reduction mammaplasty) removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.

Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief in addition to cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.

The breast reduction procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit.

In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion. Every patient-and every physician, as well-has a different view of what size and shaped breasts are desirable.

After breast reduction surgery, you should feel better physically and emotionally. Your body will look better proportioned and your clothes will fit you better as well.

The Breast Reduction Procedure Surgery
Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. He or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.

In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the vertical part of the scar. And occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.

AlthAltough you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks.

Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work (if it's not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks.

Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Lasers such as the Vbeam pulsed dye laser can be used right after stitches come out to minimize the scars. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.