Breast Reduction Surgery-Facts

The aim of breast reduction surgery is to remove the excess fat, breast tissue and skin. Even though liposuction can be used to remove fat, it is not an ideal method to reduce the breast; liposuction is only used to remove localized fat collections. If the breast size is large, then liposuction is not only a waste of your time but also your money.

Surgery to reduce the size of the breast is technically refined and the amount of breast and fatty tissue removed will be predetermined by your surgeon and your personal preferences.

Breast reduction surgery is generally done under general anesthesia. The procedure is painful and can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, thus anesthesia is highly recommended.

There are various incisions designed to perform breast reduction. In each case, the nipple and areolar tissue are preserved to give the remaining breast a natural look

All the underlying breast tissue and fat is carefully removed and the blood supply to the nipple area is preserved intact.

Once the adequate amount of breast is removed. The incisions are roughly closed and both breasts are compared to ensure that the surgery is symmetrical in size and shape. The skin is then closed and pressure dressings are applied to the breast. Most surgeons leave a plastic tube (Drain) into the breast to allow drainage of blood. The plastic tube is removed when there is no more drainage. This usually takes anywhere from, 7-10 days after surgery.

Once the surgery is over, the results of breast reduction are obvious. Once the swelling and bruising subside, the incision lines will fade away. The final cosmetic picture will be seen at around 3-6 weeks after surgery.

After breast reduction surgery one should be aware of a few facts:

- the surgery can interfere with the interpretation of mammograms

- it is best not to pierce the nipple after the surgery as the chance of an infection is high

- breast feeding is usually difficult after breast reduction surgery

- Breast reduction surgery is generally done after full development of the breast. This may be after the age of 20. Individuals younger than this are not suitable for breast reduction surgery since the breasts still have the capacity to grow

- future pregnancy, weight gain or lack of exercise can lead to alternations in the breast despite the surgery

Breast reduction surgery is either performed in a hospital setting or in an outpatient surgery center. Outpatient surgery centers offer more convenience and are much cheaper than hospitals.

After surgery, one should avoid heavy exercise, sporting activities or any motions that will affect healing.

The best results are usually obtained in individuals who follow the surgeon's advice closely