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Breast Reduction Surgery- Definition, Need, Preparation, & Recovery
Pristyn Care Team
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Continue reading to learn more about breast reduction and other aspects of the surgery.
Table of Contents
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is the method to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. The procedure allows a patient to get smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts, therefore, improving overall breast symmetry. Breast reduction surgery is also known as Reduction Mammaplasty. All the excess tissues are removed from the breasts which resolves sagging and other issues of the patient’s body.
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Reasons for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction is a procedure that can be done for cosmetic purposes as well as physical concerns. Many people choose breast reduction to alleviate physical problems, such as-
- Backaches
- Neck pain
- Shoulder grooves
- Discomfort while exercising
- Poor posture
- Rashes under the breasts
- Inability to participate in sports
But the cosmetic concerns are also worth considering. Some common cosmetic reasons for having breast reduction involve-
- Bra-strap groove
- Scar-like lines in the breast crease
- Issues in finding clothes that fit
- Low self-confidence
In some women, doctors also recommend non-surgical treatments, such as exercising, losing excess weight, wearing supportive bras, etc. If these methods don’t work, surgery is always the better option. You can undergo breast reduction surgery at any age. Still, doctors advise waiting for the procedure until the breasts are fully developed.
Note: A doctor may also put the procedure on hold if you are planning to get pregnant in the near future.
What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?
The potential risks associated with breast reduction surgery are similar to other surgical procedures, including bleeding, infection, reaction to anesthesia, etc.
Other specific risks that are common with breast reduction surgery are-
- Bruising in the breast region
- Scars that may not disappear completely
- Loss of sensation in the nipples
- Difficulty in breastfeeding
- Differences in the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts
An experienced plastic surgeon has the expertise and knowledge to reduce these risks.
How to prepare for breast reduction?
The preparation for breast reduction starts with an evaluation of the overall health of the patient. For that, the surgeon is likely to-
- Take your medical history report.
- Discuss your expectations from the surgery.
- Explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.
- Examine the breasts.
- Take photographs of the breasts from various angles as a medical record.
Once the surgery is planned, the surgeon will also ask you to-
- Complete diagnostic tests recommended by the doctor
- Get a baseline mammogram
- Stop taking certain medications that can increase the risks
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other supplements
- Avoid smoking entirely at least 2 weeks before the procedure
On the day of surgery, the following instructions will be given to you-
- Stop eating or drinking 6-8 hours before the surgery.
- Take the prescribed drugs with a small sip of water.
- Wear loose clothes that can be removed easily.
- Arrive at the hospital on time.
As soon as you are admitted to the hospital, the staff will start the preparation.
What happens during breast reduction surgery?
The procedure takes place in the following steps-
- An anesthetist will administer anesthesia to numb the patient’s body.
- The surgeon will use a marker to draw the outline for the incisions. The incision location and size are decided by the surgeon after measuring the size, position of nipples, and the patient’s preferences.
- For reduction, any of the following techniques may be used-
- Liposuction- It is the least invasive method to reduce breast size. Modern liposuction techniques are used to melt the fat tissues and extract them. This method is suitable for candidates who have moderate to no sagging and have good skin elasticity.
- Vertical or Lollipop Technique- In this method, two incisions are made, one around the edges of the areola and one vertically from the areola to the inframammary fold. It is suitable for candidates with noticeable sagging.
- Inverted-T or Anchor Technique- This method involves using 3 incisions- one around the areola edges, one from the edge of the areola to the breast crease, and one along the crease underneath the breast. It allows maximum removal of excess skin and provides better results.
- After making the incision, the surgeon removes the excess tissues and reshapes the breasts and nipple accordingly.
- The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape and the breasts are covered with bandages.
What happens after breast reduction?
Immediately after the surgery, a gauze dressing will be wrapped around the breasts. The surgeon will advise you to wear a surgical bra to reduce the swelling and bruising. There will be lingering effects of anesthesia and you may also feel pain or discomfort. To manage pain, medications will be given by the doctor. Drainage tubes are also inserted for the removal of excess body fluids and blood.
Breast reduction surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in most cases. It means that the patient is likely to get discharged within 24 hours. Thus, the doctor will prepare a recovery guide for you with specific instructions regarding the dos and don’ts after surgery.
The follow-up consultations are also scheduled to monitor the healing process and for stitches removal.
Know more: Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
FAQs
How long does it take to recover after breast reduction?
Typically, it takes around 3-6 weeks to recover completely after having breast reduction surgery. It will be better if you take around 2 weeks off from work. Let the pain be your guide to resuming activities and ask a friend or family member to accompany you during the recovery period. With proper care, you can go back to your daily life within a month.
Is breast reduction surgery safe?
Yes, breast reduction surgery is completely safe when performed by an expert plastic surgeon. All surgeries carry some kind of risk. But an experienced surgeon can mitigate them and carry out the procedure in the safest manner.
How much does breast reduction surgery cost in India?
The average cost of breast reduction surgery in India is Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1,50,000. This expense covers the surgeon’s fee, hospitalization charges, anesthesia fee, operating room charges, medications, diagnostic tests, etc. To get a closer estimate, you can call Pristyn Care and talk to our medical coordinators.
Is breast reduction covered by insurance?
Breast reduction surgery is covered by insurance when performed for medical reasons. If a patient is undergoing breast reduction for cosmetic reasons, the expenses are to be borne by them personally. To understand the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy better, talk to the provider.
Know more: Breast Reduction Surgery Insurance
Can I get a breast reduction if I am overweight?
If you have a few extra kilos on your body, it won’t be an issue to have a breast reduction at all. The best practice is to operate on patients who have a BMI of less than 30. However, a BMI of 35 can also be considered for breast reduction.
Does breast reduction surgery affect breastfeeding?
Yes, breast reduction surgery and other types of breast surgeries have the potential to affect the nerves and milk ducts in the breasts. This will reduce lactation, therefore, milk production which will affect breastfeeding.
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