What is breast reduction surgery?
Breasts that are large and heavy compared to the body may cause several physical symptoms, such as postural errors, pain in the neck and shoulder area, and headaches. A large breast size can cause skin problems with the breast skin fold as well as disturb physical activity.
Breast reduction surgery is an operation in which skin on the breasts and breast tissue are removed surgically. The tissue left is reshaped to achieve a beautiful result. The nipple areola complex may be repositioned and the size of it can be reduced if desired.
Breast reduction surgery may help if the problem is:
- neck pain and tenseness
- tension headaches
- skin irritation under the breasts
- limited physical mobility
- ill-fitting clothes
- shoulder issues
- bad posture
Who does breast reduction surgery suit?
An appointment for planning is crucial for achieving a good result. At the appointment, the situation is evaluated and examined thoroughly.
The procedure doesn’t have age limitations. However, the possible effects on breastfeeding should be considered with younger clients.
There are several surgery techniques, and the suitable method is chosen based on the size and shape of the breast. The decision of surgery is made together with the client, and the planning related to the procedure is personalized, taking the wishes of the client into account.
The procedure always leaves scars. The eventual size and quality of the scars depend on the starting point.
Imaging the breasts before the surgery
Before the surgery, the need to image the breasts will be agreed upon (mammography and ultrasound). While evaluating the need, the age and possible previous findings will be considered.
The purpose of imaging is to rule out any possible illnesses related to the breast before the reduction surgery.
The result of breast reduction surgery is permanent
After the surgery, the shape of the breasts is enhanced in the beginning, and the breasts are located high on the chest. The result, however, will appear in a few months as the breasts lower to a more natural level because of gravity.
Even though the surgical result is permanent, aging and weight gain and loss may still affect the breast size and shape with time.
Clients who have gone through with breast reduction surgery are one of the most satisfied plastic surgery client groups because the procedure can improve the daily quality of life significantly.
More Information
Breast Reduction Surgery – The Procedure
Before surgery, you must not eat or drink for six hours. Before surgery, the surgeon makes the necessary markings on the skin with a marker while the client is standing upright.
Breast reduction surgery is almost always performed under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 2–3 hours.
The goal of surgery is always to achieve the most symmetrical result possible, and breasts of different sizes or levels are corrected to make them as even as possible. At the end of the surgery, the breasts are supported with tape, and a supportive bra is applied in the operating room.
The procedure can almost always be performed as day surgery, meaning you can return home on the same day. However, when you are discharged after surgery, you must have someone to accompany you, and this person must also stay with you for the first night.
Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
Rintojen pienennysleikkauksen jälkeen ei ole voimakkaita kipuja. Kipulääkkeitä voi kuitenkin tarvita ensimmäisinä leikkauksen jälkeisinä päivinä. Kudosten toipuessa erilaiset rinnan sisäiset ajoittaiset vihlaisut ovat tyypillisiä jopa muutama kuukausi leikkauksen jälkeen.
Sairasloman pituus on tyypillisesti noin 1–4 viikkoa. Pituudesta päätetään yksilöllisesti.
Using a Supportive Bra
Exercise
After surgery, heavy lifting, strong use of the pectoral muscles, and extreme arm movements should be avoided for the first week. Heavy straining and jumping should be avoided for the first month.
Exercise can be started gradually approximately one month after surgery. When returning to exercise, a very supportive sports bra or supportive bra should be worn.
Stitches and Supportive Taping
The wounds are mainly closed with dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed.
Supportive taping of the wounds should be continued for 2–3 months after breast reduction surgery so that the scars become as unnoticeable as possible. We will provide instructions for the best scar care after supportive taping.
Possible Complications of Breast Reduction Surgery
Surgical procedures always involve risks. In breast reduction surgery, the greatest risks of complications are related to tissue hematomas and blood circulation, as well as possible infections.
Hematomas and Blood Circulation
Bruising occurs on the skin as a result of surgery. Sometimes hematomas can be larger.
If blood leaks into the breast after surgery, it may cause pressure symptoms and may even need to be removed in a new surgery. This does not affect the final aesthetic result of the breast, but it does slow down recovery from surgery slightly.
During breast reduction surgery, the nipple often needs to be moved higher on the chest. The longer the distance it is moved, the greater the demands on blood circulation. When the nipple is moved, its blood circulation may be at risk.
Moving the nipple also often affects its sensation, and reduced nipple sensation is common as a result of surgery. The reduced sensation may be temporary or permanent.
Infections
Although surgery is performed under sterile conditions, bacteria on the skin can enter through the surgical wound and cause infection in the tissues even after surgery.
Minor infections can often be treated with medication. In rare cases, a more severe infection may even lead to repeat surgery, in which the tissues are cleaned in the operating room.
More information about possible complications will be provided during the surgical assessment appointment.
