The breast reduction, Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty or breast reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breast.
As well as improving the appearance of the breasts, this procedure can provide significant physical and emotional relief for women who have excessively large breasts.
In this article, we cover the essential aspects of before and after breast reduction surgery, namely the benefits and post-operative care.
Breast reduction
Reduction mammoplasty, also known as breast reduction, is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to reduce the size of the breasts, altering their contour and shape so that they are proportional to the woman's body.
To reduce the size of the breast, excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed. This is a completely personalised procedure, so the amount removed depends on the patient's goals and expectations, as well as the diagnosis made by the plastic surgeon.
The nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher position in the new breast contour, and the size of the latter can be reduced if necessary.
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic with sedation and can last between two and four hours, depending on the complexity of the case. It is generally a treatment sought by women who experience physical and/or emotional discomfort due to excessive breast size, and it is one of the plastic surgeries that has the most impact on patients' lives. In fact, it can alleviate a number of problems, including: back, neck and shoulder pain, skin irritations, difficulty performing physical activities and self-image issues.
The decision to have breast reduction surgery is a personal one and should be made in an informed and conscious manner, so it is crucial to understand the procedure, the aspects associated with it and to have realistic expectations about the outcome.
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Before breast reduction
Who is suitable for breast reduction?
Breast reduction is indicated for women who experience physical, emotional and/or aesthetic discomfort due to the excessive size of their breasts, a condition also known as macromastia.
On a physical level, The excessive size of the breasts can lead to back pain, posture problems and skin irritations:
- PainThe weight of the breasts means that many women suffer from chronic back, neck and shoulder pain.
- Skin irritationsMany patients with macromastia have skin irritations, rashes or frequent infections in the folds of their breasts.
- Posture problemsPosture problems related to breast weight are common.
- Bra marksoverly large breasts leave deep bra strap marks on the shoulders, again due to excessive weight.
In the emotional field, There are also many implications, as many patients report feeling low self-esteem, social anxiety and other psychological problems.
- Low self-esteemdissatisfaction with the appearance of the breasts often leads to low self-esteem and confidence problems.
- Social anxietyfeelings of embarrassment or shame in social situations or when wearing tighter clothes, underwear or swimwear are also common among women who have too much breast volume.
- Psychological problemsThe feeling of unhappiness due to the aesthetic appearance of the breasts, in this case because they are too large, can cause depression or anxiety, which is linked to physical and emotional discomfort.
The following should also be considered functional limitations, These include limitations on physical activity and the difficulty of finding suitable clothing:
- Limitations to physical activityExcessive breast volume can make it difficult to perform certain physical activities or sports due to the size and weight of the breast, limiting some movements.
- Lack of suitable clothingOne of the most common complaints among women with very large breasts is the difficulty in finding clothes that fit correctly or that are comfortable to wear.
This applies not only to women of adult age, but also to young women who have reached adulthood and experienced excessive breast growth during puberty, resulting in physical and psychological discomfort. In these cases, breast reduction is indicated.
Preparing for surgery
Before deciding to go ahead with breast reduction surgery, it is essential to undergo a full assessment with a qualified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this type of intervention.
At LMR, during the first consultation, the doctor discusses the patient's goals and expectations, makes a detailed diagnosis to determine the indication for surgery and makes a 3D simulation of the result that can be achieved with the surgery. Vectra XT simulation software.
Subsequently, it may be necessary to carry out a mammogram or other imaging tests to obtain a detailed view of the structure of the breasts and identify any anomalies that could interfere with the surgery.
Understanding the patient's personal motivations and the emotional impact of the surgery is essential. At this stage it is important to have realistic expectations and the emotional support of family and friends.
The aftermath of breast reduction
As already mentioned, reduction mammoplasty removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts, remodelling them so that they are more proportional to the patient's body.
The benefits of breast reduction surgery are diverse:
- Increased self-esteemThe realisation of the desire to have smaller breasts in proportion to the rest of the body provides an increase in self-esteem and confidence;
- Physical well-beingWith breast reduction, physical problems related to breast size improve: back pain, shoulder pain and changes in posture;
- Freedom of clothing choicethe worries about choosing clothes that hide the size of the breast disappear. Women now have greater freedom in their choice of clothes and swimwear;
- Improved quality of lifeWhen the breast is excessively large, it causes difficulties in carrying out everyday tasks, particularly physical activity. By reducing the size of the breast, women gain agility and comfort.
Recovery
Recovery after breast reduction it's a gradual process and requires the patient to take some essential precautions to ensure proper healing and the best possible result.
After having breast reduction surgery, the patient may experience pain, swelling and discomfort in the first few days after the operation. However, prescribed pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs help a lot in relieving these symptoms. Wearing a compression bra for the first month after surgery will also help minimise swelling and support the breast during healing.
It's important to follow your doctor's instructions to the letter when it comes to caring for scars, particularly when it comes to applying ointments and changing dressings. Incisions can take between six months and a year to heal completely. The use of specific creams or treatments may be recommended to improve their appearance.
Benefits of breast reduction
As mentioned earlier, breast reduction offers numerous physical and emotional benefits. Firstly, there is almost immediate relief from the physical discomfort associated with excessive breast weight - back, shoulder and neck pain disappear almost automatically. The same goes for improved posture. There is also a reduction in the incidence of irritations and infections on the skin under the breasts.
In general, there is an improvement in the quality of life of women who have undergone breast reduction. For example, in the case of patients who avoided certain physical activities due to the discomfort of the weight and excessive movement of the breasts, after surgery patients often feel more motivated to exercise.
The improvement in the appearance and proportion of the breast for those who have been dissatisfied with this situation boosts self-confidence and satisfaction with body self-image. Breast reduction is a transformative procedure that can provide physical relief and a new sense of confidence and well-being, since after surgery the vast majority of women experience positive and lasting results.
The LMR, This plastic surgery clinic in Lisbon and Porto is equipped with the most modern technology and has an experienced, competent and humane team that is always available to welcome you. If you are interested in having a breast reduction and would like to know prices, ask for more information or book your assessment appointment, fill in this form. We'll answer briefly.
