The aim of breast reduction surgery is to reach the symmetrical breast. In this method, it is aimed to reduce the breast size in order to improve the self-image of the patients and the ability to take action in physical activities. It also helps relieve ailments such as surgery, chronic back, neck, nerve and shoulder pain, limited physical activity, and chronic skin irritation under the breast.
The majority of patients who require excess skin removal also have excess breast tissue, so an incision is made to remove the excess skin. Incisions are made from the edge of the areola and below the areola to the inframammary fold, also called the ‘vertical’ or ‘lollipop’ technique. If necessary, a third incision in the crease under the breast can be made to allow for even more size reduction. Extra skin just to the side of a woman’s breast on the chest wall, also known as “bra rolls,” can often be corrected. The bra rolls frequently protrude above or below the side bra straps.
Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure
Before undergoing breast reduction surgery, the patient meets with the surgeon to discuss the process. The breasts are then photographed in order to organize the surgical plan. This is how the operation is carried out. Because each body type has a different breast size, the surgeon must carefully plan the procedure.
Following the consultation, the process is carried out in accordance with specific techniques and plans. The bladder tissue, adipose tissue, skin, and nipple area of the breast are all reduced during the surgery. While reducing the breast tissue, the drooping skin caused by the excess tissue is also removed. This makes your breasts smaller and firmer.
It is essential to understand that scars will form as a result of incisions made during breast reduction surgery. These scars usually heal well and lighten in color over time. Scars are not visible when wearing clothing or bathing suits. However, as with all scars, they are visible when you are not wearing clothing and are permanent.
There may be a small surgical scar around the nipple, depending on the size of the breasts and the patient’s age. These scars are red and pink right after the operation, but they fade over time to match the patient’s skin tone.
Recovery
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery time varies depending on the size of the breasts, but it usually takes about 3-5 hours for both breasts. For the first day, patients must remain in the hospital.
On the first or second day after the operation, thin resins in the breasts (tubes that drain the blood inside) are removed. 5-6 dressings should be enough if everything goes smoothly under the surgeon’s supervision.
Dressings are facilitated with special carrier bras in the days following surgery to help reduce swelling. Patients could take a bath after the 5th-7th days, and after the 8th day, they could swim in the sea or pool. While bruises disappear in 7-10 days, swellings take 6-8 weeks to heal.
Risks
There are two types of problems following surgery. These are referred to as early and late problems. Bleeding, infection, and wound healing issues are all possible in the early stages, but they are extremely rare. Late problems may be related to breast shape and scars. Scars, redness, and itching may be more common in people with dark skin than in people with light skin.
