Reduction Mammoplasty, also known as Breast Reduction
What You Need to Know About Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery
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Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to reduce the size of your breasts.
Where are the incisions for a Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty placed?
The most common method of reducing the breasts involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision follows the natural curve of the breast crease.
A circular pattern around the areola
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after
A keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease
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after
An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern
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after
After the breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty surgeon has removed excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in large breasts usually has been stretched, also is reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour under the arm.
Usually, the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this allows for the preservation of sensation. The ability to breast-feed may also be preserved by this method, although this cannot be guaranteed. There are many variations to the design of the incisions for breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty. The size and shape of your breasts, as well as the desired amount of reduction, are factors that will help your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgeon determine the best technique for you.
In some instances, it may be possible to avoid the vertical incision that runs from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease or the horizontal incision underneath the breast.
Rarely, if your breasts are extremely large, the nipples and areolas may need to be completely detached before they are shifted to a higher level. In such a case, you will need to have made the decision to sacrifice sensation and the possibility of breast-feeding in order to achieve your desired breast size.
Understanding Risks of a Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty
Fortunately, significant complications from breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of women undergo successful breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgery, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering plastic surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and the risks.
I understand that every Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?
The subject of risks and potential complications of breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgeon, or with a staff member in Dr. Glassman’s office.
Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Rarely, a patient may require a blood transfusion during the operation. This usually can be anticipated in advance, and your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgeon may, under certain circumstances, advise you to donate your own blood in preparation for breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty surgery.
Following your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple height may vary slightly. If desired, minor adjustments can be made at a later time. Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts may occur rarely. Revisionary breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty surgery is sometimes helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly. In the unlikely event of injury to or loss of the nipple and areola, they usually can be satisfactorily reconstructed using skin grafts.
You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgeon, both before and after surgery.
Depending on your age, or if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgeon may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination some months after your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination. Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty surgery will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
If you are a smoker, Dr. Glassman will ask you to stop smoking well in advance of your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty surgery may be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. If you are to stay in the hospital or surgical facility, it will most likely be for only one night. Whether you are released the day of surgery or the following day, you will need someone to drive you home and to stay with you for the next day or two. The goal of Dr. Glassman, Jacksonville plastic surgeon, and the entire staff is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.
What will the day of your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgery be like?
Your breast reduction surgery may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory center in Jacksonville or office-based surgical suite.
Usually, a general anesthetic is administered, so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. In many instances, small drain tubes will have been placed in your breasts to help avoid the accumulation of fluids. Gauze dressings will be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or surgical bra.
The day after your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time. After several days, you will be able to move about more comfortably. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, however, since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be instructed to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts.
Any surgical drains from your breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty will be removed a day or two after your plastic surgery, at which time your dressings may also be changed or removed. You will be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminishes. Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period of approximately three weeks, beginning about one week after the breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty plastic surgery.
You may notice that you feel less sensation in the nipple and areola areas. This usually is temporary. It may, however, take weeks, months or even more than a year before sensation returns to normal. Your breasts may also require some time to assume a more natural shape. Incisions will initially be red or pink in color. They will remain this way for many months following surgery.
After breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a couple of weeks, depending on your job. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after several weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported to your doctor.
Contact Dr. Glassman’s office today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Glassman and the friendly staff at Glassman Plastic Surgery will be more than happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have regarding a breast reduction procedure.
More Information About Breast Reduction Surgery
Here are some helpful links to help you learn more about breast reduction surgery:
Breast Reduction Surgery from American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web Site
Breast Reduction Surgery from The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Web Site
