Breast Reduction
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If you're considering breast reduction...
Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety
of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and
neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing
problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders.
And unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel
extremely self-conscious.
Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is
designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue,
and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer.
It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding
the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped
breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.
If you're considering breast reduction, this will give you a basic
understanding of the procedure- when it can help, how it's performed,
and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions,
since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be
sure to ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure
you don't understand.
The Best Candidates for Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather
than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery
are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their
activities and cause them physical discomfort.
In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's
breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if
large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort. The best
candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the
procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast
reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe
when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as
with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications,
including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some
patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery;
these can be treated with antibiotic creams. You can reduce your
risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and
after surgery.
The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although
they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and
wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also
leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned
nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery
removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples.
Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their
nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their
blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can
usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on
the body.)
Continue reading about breast
reduction.
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Incisions outline the area of skin,
breast tissue, and fat to be removed and the new position for the
nipple.
Skin formerly located above the nipple
is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close
the incisions, giving the breast it's new contour.
Scars around the areola, below it,
and in the crease under the breast are permanent, but can be easily
concealed by clothing.
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