Reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction)
Reduction mammoplasty is a surgical procedure in which a volumetric reduction of a woman’s breasts is done and the breast shape is improved. This surgery is undertaken not only for aesthetic reasons but also to avoid many physiological problems. Too large breasts can result in body axis displacement and cause such disorders as scoliosis and osteochondrosis. The owners of massive breasts often complain of pain in the back or muscles, labored breathing and poor sleep quality. Spinal deformities inevitably leads to the deformation and dysfunction of internal organs.
Process of breast reduction surgery:
In the course of surgery a surgeon removes excess breast tissue and skin. Besides removal of excess tissue it is necessary to preserve the breast sensitivity. If operation has been carried out correctly the scars will be almost invisible and new breasts keep their shape for at least a year. Before making incisions a surgeon applies necessary marking to the skin. In order to prevent possible bleeding a surgeon uses a special electric scalpel.
The incisions are made under the breasts. The excess tissue is removed through these incisions and the remaining tissue is shaped by means of additional sutures. At the end of surgery the incision is closed and the final breast shape is formed using skin flaps. The skill of a surgeon is crucial here as overstretching of tissues can result in the formation of rough scars and cysts. On the contrary, the insufficient stretching will lead to descending of a breast and a nipple will turn upwards.
Breast reduction surgery is a complex and extensive procedure. During surgery a large amount of tissue is removed resulting in the increase of the injured tissues area. All these factors can cause various complications.
Preparation to breast reduction surgery:
Reduction mammoplasty is a complex surgery which requires thorough preparation and preoperative examination. A doctor shall appoint a clinical and laboratory blood and urine test, electrocardiography, chest X-ray examination, determination of the Rh factor and blood clotting ability. A patient should pass an examination by a mammography specialist and breast cancer oncologist.
During an examination a surgeon estimates the patient’s body proportions, symmetry and balance in breasts size, determines the thickness of the subcutaneous fat, condition and elasticity of the skin, presence of the stretch marks and breast descend degree.
A consultation is held with an anesthesiologist to reveal possible allergic reactions to anesthesia and other drugs. A patient should not eat of drink 8 hours before surgery. At the same time the intestines are purged. The urinary bladder is emptied right before surgery.
Surgery/procedure duration: 3-4 hours
Anesthesia: general anesthesia
Postoperative period:
Immediately after plastic surgery the patient is transferred to a ward and stays there under a doctor’s supervision. In a day an examination is carried out and the patient is discharged from the clinic if no complications are observed. Intense physical activities are prohibited within the whole month after surgery. It will be necessary to wear special compression garments. During the first days after surgery the patients can feel discomfort at breasts, swelling and bruising can occur. However, all abovementioned will subside by itself soon. Postoperative scars will become less visible in a while.
The final result can be evaluated in 6 months approximately. This surgery has a long-term effect. Nevertheless, weight gain or hormonal disorders can influence this effect. This surgery also has a number of additional benefits: the risk of breast cancer will be reduced significantly and other breast diseases will be easier to identify.
