Breast Reduction Surgery (Female)

Reduction Mammoplasty

Oversized breasts have been seen to cause far more discomfort and loss of confidence than having smaller breasts in women. Apart from large size it is also associated with a host of medical problems like pain in the back, neck and shoulders; shoulder notching due to constant digging in by bra straps; unpleasant smell of sweating under the breasts, sometimes may be accompanied by infection, rashes and dark pigmentation in the folds.

This condition may present itself at puberty, after childbirth, after considerable weight gain or later in life following the menopause or because of the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Breast reduction surgery has today evolved to a much safer procedure with predictable and better cosmetic results, as well as fewer complications making it one of the most frequently requested procedures.

Q: Who are the ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery and how is the surgery performed?

A: Breast reduction can be achieved by either Liposuction or Mammoplasty. Liposuction offers a minimally invasive alternative when the breast tissue has more fat than the glandular part especially where patient is unmarried and want to preserve breastfeeding function. Liposuction, which involves removal of excess fat, is less expensive, causes lesser trauma to the breast, can be done under local anaesthesia with sedation and leaves no visible scars.

The more invasive traditional mammoplasty procedures are preferred when the gland part is of greater proportion than the fat like in women with children and who have completed the family and don’t need the breastfeeding function anymore. Mammoplasty however needs to be done under general anaesthesia and involves removal of excess fat, glandular tissue and skin, makes the breasts firmer and less wobbly as well as lighter than before. In most cases of breast reduction surgeries, the nipples and areolas remain attached to the blood and nerve supplies, while the excess breast tissues are removed. The areolas are also reduced in size. The nipples and areolas are then repositioned at a higher level and the incisions are closed.

Since this procedure is usually combined with breast lift (Mastopexy), the breasts also get lifted, with the nipples pointing forwards instead of downwards making them aesthetically more appealing.

Q: What type of anaesthesia is used in the surgery?

A: Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation.

Q: How much time does surgery take?

A: Breast reduction surgery itself takes take about two to five hours and generally an overnight stay at hospital suffices and the patient can get back to office work in 10-14 days. The bruising and swelling usually takes about 2-3 weeks to subside. Complications of this surgery would be similar to those of any invasive surgery and include infection, bleeding and rarely loss of nipple and areolar tissues that may require reconstructive surgery later. The risk of complication can be minimized in hands of an experienced cosmetic surgeon.

Q: What are the precautions and postoperative care after surgery?

A: After surgery rest is advised for about 48 hours. Pressure garment or specialized bra is worn for 4 weeks. Gym exercises are avoided for 4-6 weeks. One should avoid sun exposure on breasts for few months and take special care of the incision sites by applying scar reducing creams and silicone gel sheet.

Q: What are the risks or complications from this surgery?

A: The bruising and swelling usually takes about 2-3 weeks to subside. Complications of this surgery would be similar to those of any invasive surgery and may include infection, hematoma and rarely loss of nipple and areolar tissues that may require reconstructive surgery later. The risk of complication can be minimized in hands of an experienced cosmetic surgeon. There could be scar formation in the lower half of breast after vertical scar mammoplasty. The scars usually fade after surgery depending on individual healing characteristics. However these scars are acceptable and are hidden when you are wearing a bra.