The reduction mammoplasty or breast reduction surgery, is the set of techniques that aim to reduce the size of the breast. It should be noted that this type of operation implicitly includes a remodeling of the breast. It can be said that reduction mammoplasty is also based on achieving more harmonious breasts in relation to the characteristics of the patient.
It is an intervention very well valued by women because the aesthetic result is very good and the discomfort and pain caused by excessive breast volume disappear after the operation.
When is a breast reduction recommended?
In cases where the breast volume is excessive in relation to the patient’s anatomy. The most common factors that lead to an overly large breast are:
- An abundant development of the size
- Cases in which the breast has not been reduced after the lactation period.
- Women with overweight that affects the breast tissue.
In any case, the patient seeks to reduce the volume to end a series of discomforts such as back and neck pain, difficulty performing physical exercise and even psychological disorders.
What does a breast reduction consist of?
The first step is the diagnosis. It is necessary to anatomically analyze the breast to be operated on, studying its dimensions, possible deformities or distance from the areola and nipple. Once the assessment of the breast is done, the plastic surgeon will choose the most appropriate surgical technique in each case. Some are less invasive and allow a moderate volume reduction while others are somewhat more invasive due to the large volume to be reduced or the level of sagging. It is important at this point, to put yourself in the hands of a plastic surgeon expert in this field, since he will know perfectly all the techniques and will know how to select the best in each case. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually lasts about 2 hours and a half or 3. The patient remains hospitalized because of the general anesthesia, but is usually discharged within 24 hours.
Postoperative period for breast reduction
The postoperative period is not painful. In addition, the techniques have advanced to the point that uncomfortable bandages are no longer necessary as they were years ago. Currently, after the operation, only dressings are applied to the scars and a special bra. The scars that remain after surgery are permanent and the only thing that can be done is to disguise them but they will not disappear. A good plastic surgeon will make the scars as discreet as possible and will advise the patient on the procedures to heal in the best possible way.
Postoperative physiotherapy in mammoplasty
To shorten the postoperative period it is advisable to resort to physiotherapy, always in the hands of professionals specialized in this type of therapy. It consists of a series of exercises that allow manually drain all the inflammation to the lymphatic system so that postoperative discomfort lasts as little time as possible, and the patient can return to work sooner.
Revisions after breast reduction
Like most surgeries, breast reduction requires a certain amount of follow-up and revision. During the same, plastic surgeons will assess whether the healing has been good and that its evolution over time is correct. It should also be noted that breast reduction is permanent but, of course, the breast can change over time and modify its shape or size. For example, gaining or losing weight or pregnancy can be circumstances that affect the volume of the breasts once they have been operated on.
Pregnancy and breast reduction
A woman who has undergone mammoplasty or breast reduction surgery can become pregnant without problems, but in most cases she will not be able to breastfeed. This is due to the fact that in the surgery a multitude of canaliculi are cut, which are the ducts through which the breast milk reaches the nipple.