Breast reduction

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the breasts in order to reduce breast size and improve patients’ quality of life.

• In which case
  • Breast hypertrophy
  • Back pain
  • Respiratory problems
• Course
  • Surgical procedure
  • Post-operative care
• Possible results
• Further information

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Determining whether breasts are excessively large varies from person to person and requires a medical assessment. However, signs such as back pain, shoulder discomfort, and posture issues often indicate the need for breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction surgery aims to alleviate physical discomfort and improve self-confidence by reducing the size of the breasts. This procedure involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin while reshaping the breasts to achieve a more proportionate size and shape. The surgeon may also adjust the position of the nipple and areola for a natural appearance.

During your consultation, you and your surgeon discuss your desired breast size and shape. Breast reduction not only ensures smaller breasts but also enhances firmness due to the lifting effect of the procedure.

It’s crucial to understand that breast reduction surgery goes beyond aesthetics, impacting patients’ overall quality of life and physical well-being. Therefore, it’s important to have a thorough discussion with a qualified healthcare professional before proceeding with the surgery.

Why opt for a breast reduction?

Breast hypertrophy, characterized by excessively heavy or pendulous breasts, often poses both psychological and physical challenges for many women. Physically, it can lead to shoulder and back pain, restricting mobility and hindering participation in certain activities.

Additionally, women with breast hypertrophy may experience discomfort due to the unwanted attention their breasts attract, affecting their psychological well-being. These concerns are commonly addressed through surgical interventions aimed at reducing breast size and enhancing comfort and confidence.

What is breast hypertrophy?

Breast hypertrophy is characterized by excessively large and heavy breasts, often due to genetic or hormonal factors, weight gain, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

This condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including back pain, muscle tension, posture problems, and general physical discomfort.

Breast reduction for back pain

Mammary hypertrophy, defined by excessively large breasts, often leads to various types of back pain.

The added weight places extra pressure on the spine, particularly in the thoracic and lumbar regions, resulting in muscle and joint pain, as well as overall back discomfort.

Furthermore, large breasts can disrupt posture, causing tension in the neck and shoulder muscles.

Breast reduction for respiratory problems

Breast hypertrophy can lead to breathing difficulties for some women.

The excessive weight of the breasts may put pressure on the ribcage, restricting lung capacity and making breathing more challenging. Patients may experience shortness of breath or a sensation of tightness in the chest.

If you are experiencing any breathing difficulties, it is crucial to consult a specialist before considering cosmetic surgery.

A thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is necessary to assess your condition, discuss potential treatment options, and guide you towards the best course of action for your overall well-being.

Breast reduction surgery and post-operative care

During the initial consultation, it is essential to discuss your expectations and concerns with the surgeon. This discussion allows for an informed decision regarding the desired size and shape of your breasts post-surgery.

Breast reduction surgery

The operation is performed under general anesthesia, typically on an outpatient basis. The surgeon makes incisions according to the volume to be removed:

• A simple incision around the areola for a small volume without associated ptosis.
• An inverted “T” incision to remove more glandular tissue and skin.
• A vertical “L”-shaped incision to remove excess tissue when the volume is greater.

After making the appropriate incision, the surgeon removes excess mammary gland and fat, then reshapes the breasts to achieve a harmonious shape. If necessary, a breast lift is also performed to elevate the breasts and rebalance posture.

Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures, and dressings are applied to protect the scars.

Convalescence after breast reduction

Most patients are able to return to work after one week.

Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes around two to three hours. You can return home the same day, but it is advisable to have someone accompany you.

In the first few days following the surgery, the scars will appear red but will gradually fade and even out. To accelerate the healing process, you can begin massaging the scars with a moisturizing cream two weeks post-operation.

In rare cases, minor scar corrections may be necessary. If needed, these adjustments are performed under local anesthesia and yield satisfactory results.

During the procedure, small subcutaneous drains may be placed to remove any secretions. These drains are generally removed about three days after the surgery.

For the first month, it is essential to wear a special support bra, which will be fitted immediately after the operation.

We recommend avoiding sports and heavy physical activities for the first few weeks to ensure optimal healing.

Possible results after breast reduction

After six months, the results of a breast reduction can be properly evaluated.

By reducing the volume and weight of the breasts, patients often experience relief from back pain and improved mobility.

In some cases, minor scar corrections might be necessary. These adjustments, if needed, are typically performed under local anesthesia and produces a satisfactory result very quickly.

Lifting effect of breast reduction

By performing a breast reduction, a breast lift effect is often simultaneously achieved.

Removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, while repositioning the nipple and areola for a more natural look, enhances both the appearance and support of the breasts.

The patient benefits from breasts that are not only lighter and more aesthetically pleasing but also firmer.

The difference between breast reduction and breast lift

Breast reduction and breast lift (or mastopexy) are distinct surgical procedures aimed at different goals.

Breast reduction focuses on reducing breast volume, whereas a breast lift enhances breast shape and position without changing their size.

However, in certain cases, these procedures can be combined if a woman desires both reduced breast size and improved breast position and shape.

More information on breast lift

Breast: Prices in Euros

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