Breast reduction surgery is a solution to the sagging problem that occurs due to birth, genetic factors and frequent weight gain and loss. It can be applied to individuals over the age of 18 who have completed breast development.
The fact that the breast is much larger than normal can cause the body to lean forward, causing spine and back pain, the formation of sores and rashes under the breast, and bone deformations. Moreover, these people have difficulty in finding clothes suitable for their height and weight. Breast reduction surgery eliminates all these problems. It makes the breasts proportional to the body. During this procedure, part of the skin and fat tissue that gives fullness to the breasts is removed. The fact that the breasts are below the chest fold line indicates that you need this surgery.
On the other hand, breast reduction operation can be performed not only for aesthetic purposes but also for medical reasons. Breast hypertrophy or macromastia is an example.
Advantages of Breast Reduction Surgery
- The operation in question makes the breasts look upright and symmetrical.
- The breasts are reduced to a size that the patient can feel comfortable with.
- A more attractive and dynamic appearance is obtained.
- It relieves chronic pain caused by large breasts.
- It eliminates problems such as restricted mobility and neuralgia.
- It strengthens the self-image.
Before Breast Reduction Surgery
The patient’s medical history, general health and postoperative expectations; possible risks, including loss of sensation and scarring, are evaluated.
Breasts are examined and measured. Photographs are taken and some laboratory tests are requested.
If necessary, breast ultrasound or mammography is requested.
Smoking should be stopped 2-3 weeks before the operation.
The use of herbal supplements, hormonal drugs and acne thinners such as aspirin should be discontinued, as they may increase the risk of bleeding.
How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Lollipop technique is generally used in this surgery. The nipple area, skin of the breast, gland and fat tissues are reduced. Thus, the problem of sagging in the chest is eliminated and tighter, upright and smaller breasts are obtained. The duration of this operation, which is performed under general anesthesia, varies between 3-5 hours.
Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques
- Breast Reduction with Graft Technique: In this operation, the vessels and nerves feeding the nipple are not preserved. This technique is used in elderly patients with very large breasts. Since the milk ducts will deteriorate, there is no possibility of breastfeeding after the surgery.
- T-shaped watch breast reduction: It is usually applied to the breasts from 33 cm. An incision is also made in the lower fold of the breast by performing breast reduction with a lollipop watch. It allows more skin to be removed with the Lejour technique.
- Lollipop (Lejour) watch breast reduction: The incision starting from the brown part of the nipple goes straight down. It is preferred in patients whose breast tissue is not very large. It is also known as short follow-up breast reduction operation.
After Breast Reduction Surgery
- The person stays in the hospital for 1 day after the surgery. Then, you will need to visit your doctor at regular intervals for regular dressing and follow-up.
- Pipes called drains are placed against blood collection. These are removed on the first or second day after the operation.
- The first 3-7 days should be rested.
- If non-melting sutures are used, they are removed within 10-15 days.
- Smoking and alcohol use should be avoided for the first 4 weeks after the operation. These constrict small vessels. It reduces the skin blood supply in the operated area and negatively affects the nutrition of the tissue. Stitching and wound dehiscence can lead to conditions such as inflammation, cell destruction and cell death.
- Again, strenuous work and heavy sports should be avoided in the first month. It should not be heavy, and uncontrolled movements that will force the chest muscles should not be made. This includes push-pull.
- Special corset bras are used for 1 month during the recovery period. These play an important role in reducing pain and shaping the breast.
- Painkillers and antibiotics recommended by the physician should be used for the specified time and dose, and the dressings should not be interrupted. In the event that everything is normal, dressing 5-6 times is sufficient.
- The bruises go away in about 7-10 days. It takes 6-8 weeks for the swelling to go away completely. It is necessary to wait 5-6 months for the breasts to reach the desired natural appearance.
- Since there will be breast tenderness after the operation, it is recommended to return to active sexual life after 6 weeks in order not to adversely affect the healing process of the suture lines.
- Treatments such as silicone sheat, contractubej gel, silicone gel can be applied to reduce scarring after the surgery. If you follow these treatments, your scars will fade to skin color and become indistinct.
Can Those Who Have Breast Reduction Surgery Breastfeed?
During breast reduction surgery, a part of the milk ducts is cut.
Therefore, breastfeeding problems may occur. But special techniques can be used to keep this probability low. It is possible to preserve breastfeeding function by applying techniques that protect the nipple and mammary gland.
However, sometimes, with the patient’s knowledge, it may be necessary to renounce the breastfeeding function of the breast for adequate reduction.
Does Breast Reduction Surgery Leave Scars?
It is inevitable that a small trace will remain. What kind of scar will remain in which region depends on the technique applied.
After the surgery, T-shaped scars may remain around the nipple and on the lower side of the nipple. The scar around the nipple ring is not very obvious. Because it intersects with the dark colored area.
