Breast Reduction | Plastic Surgery | Reduction Mammoplasty | Cosmetic Surgery | Plastic Surgeon | Breast Reconstruction

breast reduction

Reduction Mammoplasty - breast reduction

reductionWomen with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive size and weight of their breasts . Symptoms may include back and neck pain and skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman or a teenage girl feel extremely self-conscious.

Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammoplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give you smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of your body.

Breast reduction is usually performed primarily for physical relief rather than cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.

In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious problems. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction reduces your chance of successful breastfeeding by about 25%.

Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anaesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's advice both before and after surgery.

The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breastfeeding may not be possible, however studies show that your chance of successful breastfeeding is still quite good.

Some patients (5%) may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Very rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die - a problem seen almost exclusively in smokers. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however.)

In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his opinion. Every patient has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.

Your surgeon will examine your breasts, and will photograph them for reference. He will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure - such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin.

Your surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. He will also explain the anaesthesia he will use, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs. Medicare & health insurance funds will contribute towards your surgery.