Breast Reduction Surgery for Women

Very large breasts can be a cause of embarrassment and personal discomfort for young women. Moreover, they may cause discomfort and can make assessment for swelling/lumps for cancer detection difficult.

Breast reduction surgery is done to reduce of breast volume to achieve a smaller aesthetically shaped breast mound to suit height, weight, body frame, rib cage and hips of the woman. Besides, this the surgery provides concomitant relief from symptoms of a large breast. Breast feeding is possible after breast reduction surgery but you may not be able to nourish your infant completely by breast feeding.

 

Indications for Surgery

Breast reduction can be done in women of any age. Women with very large breast may want to go for breast reduction surgery due to;

• Shoulder pain and / or backache—in many women this is the primary indication for breast surgery.

• Embarrassment, physically or sexually and

• Infections below the breast   

• Other indications are inability to exercise due to breast discomfort, difficulty in finding well fitting clothes and grooving of shoulder by bra straps.

In breast reduction surgery the breasts are repositioned, reduced in size, and the shape is changed. The amount of breast gland is reduced and lifted, and most women need reduction of nipple areola complex as well.

 

Breast Reduction and Breast Cancer

Breast reduction surgery probably reduces the risk of breast cancer as a significant portion of the breast tissue is removed. But you should go for regular screening and check ups even after the surgery, as the risk of cancer is not completely abolished.

 

Breast Reduction Procedure

The surgery is done under general anesthesia. The amount of breast tissue to be removed is marked before the surgery. The position of the nipple-areola is aloes decided before the surgery. In general it takes about 3-4 hours to complete the surgery. The technique used for surgery is decided based on the amount of breast tissue and the amount of skin sagging that needs to be removed. Some women may need liposuction to remove excess fat if it is easily accessible.

 

After Surgery

The post-operative period is usually uneventful. You will be allowed to walk within a few hours after surgery. Most women do not have pain and will experience only a tight pulling feeling on the chest. You can resume desk work/light work in about 10-14 days after surgery but avoid physical exertion for about a month after the surgery. Avoid gym activity or fondling of the breasts for 6-8 weeks.

 

Your doctor will call you for frequent follow ups for some time after the surgery. Use of cotton sports bra is recommended after the initial few days after the surgery. You may wear under wired bras after 6-8 weeks.

 

Complications

Major complications occur rarely after breast reduction surgery. Minor complications which can occur include;

• delayed wound healing,
• fat necrosis,
• collection of fluid in the breast
• reduced sensation on the nipple-areola area or other parts of the breast
• minimal breast asymmetry

Outcome of Breast Reduction Surgery

You will be satisfied with the results of the surgery. There is significant relief of the symptoms due to heavy breasts, and in addition the breasts appear aesthetic after the surgery.

 

 

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