Breast Reduction Surgery Is Typically Performed For Relief Of Medical Or Physical Pain

A reduction mammoplasty, in contrast to a mastopexy, is usually performed for relief of physical or medical problems that are a result of the weight of one's excessively large breasts. Back and neck pain, breathing problems, and skin rashes are some of the medical conditions that are frequently associated with large breasts. Many women who need this plastic surgery procedure feel an extreme sense of self consciousness secondary to the large size of their breasts. Reduction mammoplasty, usually referred to as breast reduction surgery, is designed to alleviate these issues. The procedure involves the removal of fat, skin, and breast tissue from the breasts thereby creating a lighter, smaller, and firmer structure. Also, if the size of the areola is excessive, this may be corrected during the procedure.

Depending on the size of a woman's breasts, the desired post-operative size and the technique used, a breast reduction procedure may take anywhere from two to five hours. Breast reduction is performed in office-based ambulatory facilities or in a hospital setting. There are some insurance companies that require a minimum volume of tissue to be removed to cover the surgery. This should be pre-determined by your plastic surgeon and a letter of pre-determination sent to your insurance carrier along with photographs of your condition to demonstrate the necessity for breast reduction. There are various techniques available to alleviate the problem which will likely be discussed with you when you meet your plastic surgeon. The most often performed technique involves an inverted T-shaped incision similar to the most common incision used in a mastopexy. There are several new techniques that are available, but most of these techniques don't apply to many patients.

If your breasts are pendulous and excessively large it may require removal of the nipple areola complex and replacement of these structures as free grafts. Your plastic surgeon will let you know if this is the best technique for your situation and should apprise you of the benefits and risks of this specific technique. In the majority of situations however, the nipple areola complex is left attached to the blood supply and underlying skin. Your plastic surgeon should also explain the possible changes in sensation to the nipple areola complex that can occur with reduction mammoplasty. Liposuction can be added to the surgery for removal of fat primarily at the outer portions of the breast.

After the surgery has been performed, you may have surgical drains which will typically remain in place for around 24 hours. The use of these drains is a matter of your plastic surgeon's preferences and what he or she has found throughout the procedure. Your breasts will likely be bandaged in an elastic wrap or in a surgical bra. These dressings are usually changed a few days after the procedure and when the stitches are ready to begin being removed. This will take place roughly one week after the procedure.