Experts recently provided the estimate that breast reduction surgeries have seen an uptick of 100% in the last five years in Delhi. It is good to see women taking agency of their bodies and willingly choosing their health and comfort over societal standards.
There can be many reasons why someone wants to go through with getting a breast reduction done, or why a doctor may prescribe it. Depending on that reason, there are many types of breast reduction surgeries. Here are five of the most common breast reduction surgery types:
Inverted ‘T’ Or Anchor Breast Reduction
If you want a significant breast volume reduction, your doctor will most likely recommend an inverted ‘T’ or anchor breast reduction. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) defines this as a method which involves making an anchor-shaped incision around the areola, which is the area of the nipple. This incision is extended vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed, and the remaining tissue is reshaped and repositioned.
Vertical or Lollipop Breast Reduction
If you need a moderate to large breast reduction, but much less scarring than the anchor breast reduction method, then this second type may be more suitable for you. The ABCS stated that the vertical or lollipop breast reduction technique involves an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.
Liposuction Breast Reduction
Also known as scarless or minimal scar breast reduction, this approach is ideal for those with good skin elasticity and minimal excess skin. A study titled ‘Breast Reduction Using Liposuction Alone’ explained that in this method, liposuction is used to remove excess fat from the breasts through small incisions. This results in minimal scarring and a quicker recovery compared to traditional methods. However, this technique is unsuitable for everyone and may not achieve the same breast lift or reshaping level as the above two methods.
Also Read: India Witnessing A Surge In Breast Reduction Surgery: When Should You Opt For Breast Reduction?
Pedicle or Anchor Lift
Heavy breasts can also lead to sagging because that is just how gravity works. If you want to reduce the size of your breast and a significant breast lift as well, then your healthcare provider could recommend a pedicle or anchor lift technique. This involves creating an anchor-shaped incision similar to the traditional method but also includes reshaping and lifting the breast tissue to achieve a more youthful and lifted appearance.
Swiss researchers published a study in 2022, stating that the pedicle or anchor lift method also involves relocating the areola while making sure that the nipple’s viability, sensation, and lactation potential are preserved.
Free Nipple Graft
For extremely large breasts or cases where significant reduction is needed, a free nipple graft technique may be considered. A study published by The Aesthetic Society’s Aesthetic Surgery Journal stated that a free nipple graft involves removing the nipple-areola complex, reducing the breast size, and then reattaching the nipples as grafts. This method is less commonly used and is reserved for specific cases due to the risk of nipple sensation loss.
Also Read: Breast Reduction Surgery: Procedure, Recovery, Risks & More
If you are wondering which type of breast reduction surgery is suitable for you, be open and honest about your needs, expectations, and hesitations with your doctor and surgical expert. During your consultation with a plastic surgeon, they will assess your breast size, shape, skin elasticity, and overall goals to determine the most suitable type of breast reduction surgery for you. Each technique has its advantages and considerations, so it's essential to discuss these options thoroughly to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and expectations.