Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia).
Patients with macromastia may experience physical discomfort resulting from the weight of their breasts. The resulting pain can make it challenging for some patients to perform common physical activities. Along with the physical ailments of macromastia, some patients may suffer from emotional distress or more significant mental health problems as a result of their large breasts.
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed through incisions on your breasts with surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin.
In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques described below. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used in the procedure for breast reduction.
The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences, and the surgeon’s advice.
The operation takes 3 to 5 hours according to the size of the breast and the technique will be applied. We want you to stay in the hospital overnight. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. That drains will be taken off when their duty end approximately 2 to 3 days. When your breast reduction procedure is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
Many patients have questions about recovery from breast reduction surgery. I observe that my patients recover within an average of 2 to 3 days. Of course, there will be a limit for arm movement but in 2 to 3 days you will be starting to do your daily activities.
If you have any questions about this topic please don’t hesitate to reach out and forward them to us.
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