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Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most well-known and sought-after procedures among women. However, it is also possible to perform what is known as reduction mammoplasty .
This is an option for those who want to reduce the size of their breasts , especially due to functional and health issues. To do so, you need to have an experienced plastic surgeon who knows how to use the technique to maximize the chances of a good result.
Next, understand how breast reduction is performed and what its main benefits are!
What is breast reduction?
Mammoplasty is any type of surgical procedure performed on the breasts . Therefore, the adoption or removal of silicone implants are examples of this type of surgery.
Breast reduction surgery is performed to reduce the size of the breasts . It is usually recommended for women who have larger and heavier breasts, causing discomfort and even health problems.
Read also: How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation surgery?
Why are some breasts so big?
There are several reasons why breasts can be very large and above average.
One of the main causes is genetic inheritance . Although each person has different body characteristics, it is likely that a woman whose family has very large breasts will also have this structure.
Another reason for increased breast development is related to hormone levels — especially during puberty and pregnancy. Overall, a longer-term hormonal imbalance is a common reason for breast enlargement.
Among pregnant women, it is common for glandular tissue to increase for milk production. However, even after breastfeeding, the breasts may remain enlarged and heavier.
In terms of lifestyle, overweight and obesity can be responsible. Due to excess weight, fat cells and tissue, the breasts can become exceptionally heavy.
When to have a breast reduction?
Since excessively heavy breasts can cause several unwanted impacts, it is essential to know when it is time to undergo breast reduction surgery.
Below, see the main indications for this procedure:
Health problems
One of the main reasons for undergoing breast reduction surgery is the range of health problems that can be caused by large breasts. In addition to causing discomfort, these situations can aggravate other conditions.
Among the most common complaints is pain , especially in the back, neck and shoulders. The weight exerted by very large breasts tends to overload these areas, causing inflammation and chronic pain.
Another situation that can occur is irregular posture . Since heavy breasts pull the shoulders forward, it is common to have a hunched posture.
Depending on the severity, this condition can lead to serious spinal problems such as scoliosis, lordosis and herniated discs. In addition, it is common to have difficulty moving around .
Furthermore, large breasts can put excessive pressure on the chest and make breathing difficult , even affecting the quality of sleep .
From a dermatological point of view, excess breast tissue and friction make the area prone to diaper rash and irritation . The accumulation of moisture in the area favors the appearance of skin rashes .
Low self-esteem
In addition to physical issues, very large breasts can have an impact on a woman’s mental health . One of these issues has to do with low self-esteem .
It can be caused, for example, by body disproportion . The sensation is that the chest is much larger than the rest of the body, which can cause several problems with self-image.
Another issue is the difficulty in finding clothes that fit well. With very large breasts, it is common for many clothes to not fit well or to have to be adjusted later, leading to psychological discomfort .
Social isolation
All the discomfort caused by very large breasts can cause a woman to start to isolate herself socially . This can happen, for example, due to the unwanted attention that the area receives, or that she thinks she receives, which is why it is an issue.
This can cause the client to stop attending social events or going to clubs and beaches. Excessive breast weight can also make it impossible to practice physical activities , worsening the quality of life from a physical and mental point of view.
Benefits of breast reduction surgery
By having breast reduction surgery with an experienced plastic surgeon, you can obtain different benefits . Below, discover the main advantages of having breast reduction surgery:
Reduction in muscle and back pain
With breast reduction, it is possible to relieve the extra weight that causes muscle tension and posture problems. As a result, the procedure is crucial for reducing muscle and back pain , improving well-being in everyday life.
Elimination of irritations and other dermatological symptoms
Removing excess breast tissue is also essential to prevent friction and moisture build-up under the breasts . This helps prevent infections and dermatological problems and eliminates pain and discomfort in this regard.
Improved sleep quality
This surgery also helps improve the quality of sleep by improving discomfort when lying down and any breathing difficulties. After recovering from the procedure, you can have more freedom when sleeping, improving your rest time.
Improved quality of life
In general, breast reduction surgery is a way to improve your quality of life . It helps you experience less pain and discomfort, makes it easier to do different activities, improves your confidence and raises your self-esteem.
Pre-surgical preparation
Before the surgery is performed, it is necessary to go through a pre-operative process to prepare for mammoplasty. It begins with a consultation with a specialist , who will be responsible for evaluating the situation in full.
The surgeon will begin by analyzing the case, checking what the main complaints are and expectations about the procedure. He will also perform a physical examination , which includes analyzing the size of the breasts, possible asymmetries and skin conditions.
Regarding exams, it is common to check the general health status , which includes a mammogram and ultrasound. The doctor also evaluates the patient’s history to understand what the risks and points of attention are.
Next, expectations are aligned . This step is essential to have a realistic view of the possible results, including what the incision scar will look like. At this point, the surgical technique is also defined .
Other precautions are recommended, such as:
- Fast for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure;
- Quit smoking for a period recommended by your doctor;
- Stop taking medications prescribed by the surgeon
How is breast reduction surgery performed?
Once the preoperative care has been followed, it is time to perform breast reduction surgery. The procedure begins with the application of anesthesia , which can be epidural with sedation or general anesthesia — the choice depends on the results of the tests, the surgeon and the conversation with the patient.
The incision is then made in proportion to the amount of tissue to be removed. Once the breast structures are visible, the fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed.
Depending on the case, the areola can be reduced and repositioned. After that, the breast is reshaped according to the client’s wishes and her physical condition.
After removing excess tissue, remodeling and repositioning the breast structures, the deep layers will be sutured.
The closure of external incisions can be reinforced with surgical glue or adhesive tape. Care and attention to detail during this step are essential for more discreet scars and a more resistant breast structure.
What is the recovery from breast reduction surgery like?
After breast reduction surgery, the client may remain under observation for up to 24 hours to avoid risks associated with opening the stitches, bleeding or subsequent complications.
The rest recommended by the plastic surgeon is also essential to avoid problems during recovery and increase the chances of obtaining better results with the procedure.
Other care that is usually necessary after the procedure includes:
- Perform proper and periodic dressing changes;
- Keep the incision area dry to avoid infections;
- Use the surgical bra indicated to support the breasts and maintain their shape;
- Administer medications prescribed by the doctor;
- Avoid physical exertion and excessive movement;
- Resume activities only after medical clearance;
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor results.
Preliminary results of breast reduction surgery can be seen immediately after the procedure . However, swelling and edema decrease in the following days.