Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty or breast size reduction, is a process using which some of the tissue and skin is removed from the breasts, allowing a surgeon to restructure, reshape and reduce the size of a breast. The same process can also be used to reduce the size of the areola (the dark area around the nipple).
It is important to understand that breast reduction and breast lift are two different things, because in the latter breasts are only tightened and the nipple area is elevated. Also it is important to understand inherent surgery risks with the procedure but generally this is a routine procedure.
Types Of Breast Reduction
- Traditional Breast Reduction
This is most the standard method and the primary incision is made around the nipple. The shape of the incision is almost like an anchor and hence the name. Opening up the breast will allow for easy removal of fat, tissue and excess skin. The nipple and areola will be relocated to ensure proper aesthetics.
- Pedicle Method
Another common method, wherein the breast size is reduced, but the function and sensation in the nipples as well as the breast are maintained completely.
- Free Nipple Graft
The nipple is removed first and then on its new location, a skin graft is used to attach the same. The blood supply for the newly placed nipple is taken through the deep dermis.
- Vertical Incision Surgery
A comparatively new technique, this is far less invasive, which means lesser scars and faster recovery. The incision made will be in the shape of a lollipop and once the excessive tissue and fat have been removed, the skin is overlapped over the incision and stitched up.
- Scar-less Breast Reduction
Through very small incisions, and by using liposuction, excess fat will be sucked out. The incision will be tiny and this is an ideal choice for women who do not have excessively large breasts.
- Stevens Laser Bra
This is the most recent of the methods and aims are creating an “internal bra”, instead of simply discarding the skin. An incision will be made and a laser bra will be attached to the chest, providing permanent support.
Possible Risks
Ideally, when brest reduction has been conducted by an experienced surgeon, there are little to no chances of things going wrong. However, there are some complications that can be associated with this procedure, such as:
- Perhaps the biggest risk with such a surgery is that the woman might not be able to breastfeed in the future
- There is bound to be scarring, but at time, the scars become too obvious
- There is the possibility of infections or blood clots
- If the anaesthesia has not been administered properly, it could lead to further complications
- The inexperience of the surgeon could lead to the lack of balance between the two breasts or irregular placement of the areolae
- Normally, a little extra fluid build-up post-surgery is normal and a drain might be placed to there could be a loss of drain the same out. However, in certain cases, there is too much fluid accumulation.
- There could be a change or complete loss of sensation in the nipples or even the entire breast
- There is the possibility of damage to the nerves or the muscles in the breast area.
- Since the breasts are so close to the lungs and heart, there is always the chance that they might be damaged during surgery.
- The skin around the breast could become discoloured or there could be pigmentation that does not fade away with time