Surgery for breast reduction

The breast size is determined by genetics, the weight of the patient and hormonal influence. It can become a problem early adolescence or after menopause and during hormone therapy. However, large breasts cause the same problems for all ages, these being: back pain and neck, marks on shoulders bra, rash on the chest, feeling of inhibition and psychological stress. One of the most common complaints is the difficulty dressing fashion or for sport, especially in summer.

What is breast reduction surgery?

This is an operation that removes excess fat, skin and breast tissue, reshaping and repositioning the areola to form smaller breasts. There are several designs to reshape the breasts, all with a scar around the areola and different forms of scars depending on design preferences specialist in Plastic Surgery and the characteristics of the patient. Usually the patient seeks to inflict the least possible scars, to achieve the best result. Breast reduction can also be used to correct breast asymmetry, if it is the case that one breast is bigger than the other.

Consequences of surgery for breast reduction

The most obvious consequences of this operation, leaving aside the change in shape and size, are the scars. It is for this reason that are designed so that they can hide under the bra or swimsuit. Usually they fade with time and spend a reddish color to a pale pink, but never disappear. However, the ability to heal is individual and scars in some women may become more apparent and even aesthetically unacceptable.

Breastfeeding may not be possible after the operation for the damage caused to lactative ducts although according to the surgical technique used there is a good chance of being able to breastfeed. Breast reduction is not a contraindication for pregnancy, but the fact of a possible impossibility for future breastfeeding should be considered before embarking on this operation.

After surgery nipples may end up being less sensitive, due to the section of nerve endings. In addition, this lack of sensitivity can spread to the rest of the breast.

How long breast reduction is maintained?

Unless the operation is done at an age in which the breasts are still growing, these should not be further developed. Despite this, an increase in weight or pregnancy can again increase its size. Breasts tend to fall over time, and should expect some change in shape after a breast reduction, which can be delayed with the use of a good bra.

Limitations after breast reduction

It is very important to talk to the surgeon before surgery to explain the breast size you want. Some patients seek a total reduction of breast size and to achieve it is necessary to sacrifice the form and aesthetics of results. It is likely to be a degree of asymmetry, possibly lower than existed before the operation. In women with gigantomastia problems, the reduction benefits outweigh the potential imperfections of shape, besides the decrease in sensitivity and deterioration in the function of the nipple.

Risks of breast reduction surgery

Like any operation under general anesthesia, there is a risk of respiratory complications, especially among smokers. There is also a small increase in venous thrombosis in the legs, especially among patients taking the pill.

Brisk bleeding following the operation may require a second operation and even transfusion. Very occasionally, the infection caused by germs in the breast ducts can be treated with antibiotics, but will delay the healing process. If there is nipple discharge before surgery should consult with the surgeon.

Smokers are at greater risk of ending less aesthetic scars. Usually the scar disappears with the passage of time, and ends in the form of a white line barely distinguishable. After 6 months of the original operation can be carried out secondary operations to check some scars.

There is no evidence that breast reduction breast cancer cause, nor prevents patients being examined for diagnosis.

What to do during the preoperative?

The surgeon will recommend reducing weight (only if overweight) and leave the contraceptive pill. It is also advisable to stop smoking, since consumption of snuff seriously affect the process of wound healing. What to expect after surgery? The operation is performed under general anesthesia and after that you wake up with a drainage tube on each breast and a bandage. The stay in hospital can be between 1 and 2 days, depending on recovery. A rest period of 2 to 6 weeks is necessary according to the general condition of the patient.

Moreover, it is compulsory to wear a sports bra after surgery and for a period of six weeks both day and night.