Breast reduction is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing breast volume while simultaneously reshaping the shape. Here's what you should know about this procedure:
Objectives of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction offers many benefits, including:
- Harmony of the Body: Try to find a balance between the shape and volume of your breasts and the rest of your body.
- Weight Reduction: Eliminates excessive breast weight, thus reducing static imbalance that can affect the spine.
- Improving the Quality of Life: It promotes a more active and comfortable lifestyle, allowing greater freedom in sports and in the choice of clothing.
Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery
This intervention can be considered when:
- The breasts are disproportionately large in relation to the body.
- The breasts are pendulous and heavy, with the areolas pointing downwards.
- The breast causes back pain due to the weight and the shifted center of gravity.
- Breast size limits physical activity.
Before surgery, it is important to evaluate breast shape, volume, skin quality, and the current positioning of the areola/nipple. During the specialist consultation, the patient's expectations, surgical techniques, risks and complications, as well as postoperative care will be discussed. Preoperative clinical tests will also be prescribed.
During the procedure, which lasts an average of 45 minutes, three incisions are made: around the areola, from the areola to the inframammary fold, and along the inframammary fold. The breast tissue (glandular and adipose) and skin are reduced, and the areola is usually also resized. Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is used.
After surgery, it is normal to experience some soreness and fatigue. The patient will follow the pharmacological and behavioral recommendations and will schedule medications within the first 12-14 days after surgery. The final shape of the breast will be appreciated only after a few months. The scars, although initially red, will tend to fade over time.
Final Considerations
Breast reduction offers permanent results, but it's important to note that the breasts are still subject to aging, gravity, and loss of skin firmness. Any weight gain may have a marginal effect on breast volume, but a significant mass will not return.
In summary, breast reduction surgery offers an effective way to reduce breast volume, improve aesthetic appearance, and promote a more active and comfortable life.