Do you have disproportionately large breasts that are causing
neck pain, back pain or other physical symptoms? You may want to
consider a breast reduction. Most women who undergo breast
reduction will notice both physical and psychological benefits from
the surgery. It is also important to note that this surgery
isn't just for women, either. Men who have conditions such as
gynecomastia (where male breasts are enlarged abnormally) also may
seek a breast reduction.
Your consultation
Before getting breast reduction
surgery, you will go in for a pre-operative consultation. During
this time your surgeon will take a detailed medical history,
including asking you what medications you are taking, what
allergies you may have, your smoking history and any prior
surgeries. Your surgeon will also need specific information
regarding pregnancy and lactation, mammograms, personal or family
history of any breast problems and any history of breast lumps or
biopsies. You should be in good physical and mental shape in order
to undergo this surgery.
It's important that you are completely honest during this
consultation. That includes being completely open about your
medical history. It also means being very open about why
you're seeking a breast reduction. You should expect to
discuss the emotional issues you've dealt with. That is, how
you have felt dealing with your breast size. How has it made you
feelphysically? What types of physical conditions have you
experienced?
Your surgeon may take photos of your breasts, and measure your
breasts. During this time, he or she also will discuss how much
breast tissue should be removed to achieve the desired results. You
also will learn about how to prepare for the surgery and how to
plan for your recovery. Your surgeon also may prepare you for this
procedure by performing a mammography and breast exam.
How is a breast reduction done?
Depending on your
personal situation, the procedure can be performed in an outpatient
facility, or you may have to stay at least one night in the
hospital. In either case, you will be given general anesthesia,
which means you will be put to sleep for the procedure. It's
important to have someone with you who can drive you home and stay
with you at least the first night if you're not staying in
the hospital.
The surgery itself will take about three to five hours. Your
surgeon will make an incision around your nipple, then downward on
the breast, in a keyhole form. The excess skin, tissue and fat are
removed, and your nipple is relocated to a more youthful position
and the incisions are closed. Your surgeon may use drainage tubes.
The incision site is then sutured, and a dressing applied; if
required, you may also wear a surgical bra.