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Reduction mammoplasty

Mamoplastia-de-reduccion

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, removes excess fat from the chest, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a size of the breasts in proportion to the body and to relieve the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.

In addition to self-image problems, large breasts can also cause physical pain and limit an active life.

Indications for reduction mammoplasty:

Breast reduction is often done more to alleviate a physical problem than a purely aesthetic problem, although the ultimate goal is to have a beautiful and proportionate breast. In most cases it is waited until the chest has fully developed, although it can be done earlier if the physical problems are very important. There is a condition called virginal hypertrophy or nulliparous hypertrophy of the breast that causes excessive growth, diffuse in adolescents and that is surgical because of their disability.

Reduction mammoplasty is not recommended if you intend to breastfeed after pregnancy.

Breast reduction is a good option for you if:

  • You are physically healthy.
  • You have realistic expectations.
  • You don’t smoke.
  • You are upset by the feeling that your breasts are too big.
  • Your breasts limit your physical activity.
  • You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of the breasts.
  • You have skin irritation under the chest crease.
  • Your breasts hang and have stretched the skin.
  • The nipples rest below the breast crease.
  • You have large areolas caused by stretched skin.

The first visit :

You should be prepared to discuss your expectations and the desired outcome.

We will ask you about:

  • Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments.
  • The use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
  • Previous surgeries.
  • Family history of breast cancer and the results of previous mammograms or biopsies.

During the first visit also the surgeon will examine your breasts, the shape, the quality of the skin, the placement of the nipples and areolas he will be taking measurements .

You have to leave the consultation with a clear idea of how the mammoplasty procedure will be, the scars that will remain in your specific case, possible side effects and possible complications.

Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery:

Before surgery you should:

  • Have lab tests or a medical exam.
  • Perform an electrocardiogram and chest x-ray.
  • Take some medications or adjust your current medications.
  • Get a basic mammogram before surgery.
  • Stop smoking at least 20 days before surgery.
  • Avoid taking aspirin-type anti-inflammatory medications that may increase bleeding.

Steps of surgery:

  1. Anesthesia: Medications are administered intravenously and surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
  2. The incision: The incision options are: Racket-shaped pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the chest fold or an inverted T (we add in this case an incision in the submammary fold)
  3. Removal of excess: Tissue and replacement of the breasts.
  4. Closure of the incisions: The incisions are joined to form again the now smaller chest. Sutures are placed in deep layers within the breast tissue to create and support the breasts and also in more superficial layers to avoid wide scars. The incision lines are permanent, although in most cases they will improve significantly and fade over time.
  5. See the results: The results of breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical inflammation will resolve and incision lines are concealed. Satisfaction with the result improves over time.

Recovery:

  • You will leave the operating room with a bandage or surgical bra and, on some occasions, with tubes to drain the bleeding in case it occurs. This drain is removed before leaving the clinic.
  • On the day of discharge you will come out with some tape on the wounds and the bra.
  • You can shower at 48 hours of the procedure.
  • Care consists of putting Betadine on the wounds every 12 h and taking some medications for the first 7-10 days.
  • It is recommended that you avoid making efforts for the first 2-3 weeks.
  • The first visit is usually made between 3 and 7 days after surgery.

Breast reduction results:

The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting.

The new chest measurements will help relieve the pain and physical limitations experienced before mammoplasty, although there is never any guarantee that back pain will decrease if you have it, given that there are many factors that influence back pain regardless of the weight of the breasts.

Your most proportionate figure It is likely to improve your image and can also improve self-confidence.

Although the results of breast reduction are long-lasting over time, it is possible that over time your breasts will change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity.