Breast Reduction Surgery

Overview

Breast reduction surgery helps in resolving issues including:

Chronic shoulder, back and neck pain
Irritation under the breasts
Deep grooves caused by bra strap pressure
Restricted physical activity
Sleep difficulties
Difficulty fitting into clothes
Finding the right bra size
Poor self-image

Breast reduction can be opted at any age. However, doctors advise waitinguntil the time breasts are fully developed. Furthermore, breast reduction surgery can also affect breastfeeding, so it should be put on hold if someone is planning to start a family.

Unlike any other surgery, breast reduction also has a few risks associated with it. Possible risks of breast reduction surgery include:

Loss of sensation in and around the nipples
Difficulty in breastfeeding
Difference in size of the breasts or irregular placement of the areolae
Blood clot or infection
Scarring
Discolouration of the skin around the breasts

Before the surgery is conducted, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, discuss the breast size expectation and explains the benefits and risks involved. Furthermore, the patient is also asked to undergo a series of lab tests, a baseline mammogram, avoid aspirin, quit smoking and take any anti-inflammatory drugs.

During a breast reduction surgery, the breast is cut open, excess fat and tissues are removed, and the skin is stitched back together. However, in certain cases, if the excess tissue is only fat, cutting the breast is not required, liposuction may also work. The four steps involved in a breast reduction surgery include:

Anaesthesia
Incision
Removal and Repositioning of Tissue

Patients should expect a little pain for a few days after the surgery. However, the surgeon will prescribe pain relief medication
The swelling and pain will subside in a few days, but the discomfort may stay for a little longer
The breasts are usually covered with a bandage or a gauze dressing for proper recovery of the wound and to avoid infection
The doctor advises avoiding indulging in any strenuous physical activities to avoid pressure on the breasts
Because the breasts need to be protected, doctors advise wearing a supporting bra

A successful breast reduction surgery can effectively relieve the patient from chronic neck, back and shoulder pain. The advantages of breast reduction surgery include: