subject: The Basics Of Breast Reduction [print this page] There are a number of reasons why women will choose to have breast reduction surgery. Of course, many will opt for it simply because of aesthetic reasons, but there are also several health conditions that can be caused by large breasts; skin irritations, back strain and breathing problems are all surprisingly common in women with a bigger than average bust.
The Actual Procedure
This type of surgery will be carried out under general anaesthetic. The majority of women will receive their treatment as outpatients, although some will require a short hospital stay. The actual technicalities of the procedure will vary as every patient has different needs and each doctor will work in a slightly different manner.
However, in general, an incision will be made from the lower crease of the breast, up and around the top part of the nipple and back down to the crease on the other side of the breast. This will result in an overall incision that resembles a keyhole.
Next, any excess skin, tissues and fat are removed from the area. The nipple and areola (which remain connected throughout the procedure) are then moved upwards on the breast to create a new contour and the incision is stitched back together. On average, surgery will last somewhere between 1 and 3 hours per breast.
The Instruments Used
Most doctors will use standard surgical equipment to carry out a breast reduction procedure. Depending on the individual (and how the surgeon prefers to work), liposuction may sometimes be used during the operation.
The Recovery Period
Once the procedure is complete, the patient will be given a gauze dressing along with a supportive bra. It will normally only be necessary to wear the gauze for a few days after the operation, but the bra must be worn for several weeks whilst swelling and bruising goes down. Most patients will be well enough to return to work within a month or so. However, it will often take around three months for the breasts to be completely healed.
The Risks
Any form of major surgery will have certain risks involved and breast reduction is by no means an exception. Even a general anaesthetic can cause an adverse reaction in a small amount of people.
Other complications that can result from this type of operation include; blood clots, infection, loss of sensation/nerve damage, excessive scarring, asymmetry, the inability to breast feed and the need for additional surgery.
The Big Question - Who is the Ideal Candidate for This Operation?
Most surgeons will be uncomfortable about operating on a patient if she is below eighteen years of age. This is because breast development can vary considerably and it may be that natural growth is still not complete.
An ideal candidate for this type of procedure would be someone with large breasts and a history of chronic back pain or another related health problem. However, anyone considering this operation should be fully aware of the risk of scarring and the possibility of being unable to breast feed in the future.
