December 2020

What is breast reduction surgery like?

Having more beautiful breasts does not always mean having bigger breasts. It's all about shape and proportion, and a skilled cosmetic surgeon can improve both using breast reduction techniques tailored to a patient's unique needs. The traditional, surgical techniques for breast reduction remodel the breast mound using both skin and breast tissue, pedicle, and then trim and re-drape the skin envelope into a new breast of natural size, shape, and contour. However - as result - it can produce long surgical scars upon the breast hemisphere. The most professional approach towards breast reduction surgery (mammoplasty) is presented by a minimal-scar periareolar incision technique that produces only a periareolar scar. [1]

 

breast reduction procedure

 

Stages of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reduces the size and weight of large, heavy breasts, helping to create a more aesthetically pleasing breast contour that is better proportioned to the patient’ body. By removing excess breast tissue, fat, and sagging, stretched skin, a cosmetic surgeon can not only make the breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer, but also improve breast symmetry and eliminate sagging. Reduction mammoplasty can be done via the vertical scar technique and the inferior pedicle flap technique also are applicable to breast lift surgery.

 

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed through incisions on your breasts with surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin. In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques described below. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, only liposuction may be used in the procedure for breast reduction. The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences - as well as - the surgeon's specific suggestions. Highly professional team of Prague-based clinique - Medical Travel Czech - provides both consulting and relevant operation help to suit each unique patient’s case. 

During preparations for the breast reduction operation, it is essential to choose the right medications. Often, it can be administered for the patient’s comfort during breast reduction surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. After that - generally - the operation may involve the following stages:

The entire surgery operation might take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the extent of the breast reduction.  Afterwards, the patient usually needs to stay in hospital for 1-2 nights at least. Depending on each unique case, time may vary. [2]

When fully recovering after breast reduction surgery, it is advised to allow up to 2-6 weeks for the entire process. You may need to take 2 to 3 weeks off work, as well as, you’d need some help with housework, childcare and/or shopping. Moreover, you should not drive until it's no longer painful to wear a seatbelt, which may last for several weeks. [3]

 

large breasts

 

How to Choose the Right Doctor

If you’re considering having a breast reduction, the most important decision is to select an experienced surgeon and highly skilled team for the after-care period. While some in the plastic surgery field consider breast reduction to be a reconstructive procedure - the patient’s goal is rarely to solely correct physical symptoms, with no consideration for aesthetic improvements. You should feel confident that your cosmetic surgeon can both reduce your breasts to the right size to alleviate any discomfort caused by large breasts and create a more beautiful breast shape that looks natural with your own body. [4]

When visiting potential surgeons, ask how frequently if he/she performs breast reduction surgery - as well as - how many total procedures the surgeon has performed. In some cases, the preliminary consultation involves paying closer attention to those cases, which photos look similar to your own shapes and conditions. In such a way, it will help you to understand the aesthetic style of the chosen doctor. Obviously, it’d play a significant role in how the breasts will look after surgery, as well as, it will impact your feeling of self-confidence over a long period of time. 

 

Sources:

[1] Wikipedia: Breast Reduction

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_reduction

[2] American Board Cosmetic Surgery: Breast Reduction Guide

https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/breast/breast-reduction-guide/

[3] Plastic Reconstructive Surgery: Breast Reduction Procedure

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/procedure

[4] UK National Health Service:  Breast Reduction Female

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/breast-reduction-female/