BREAST REDUCTION
Breast reduction surgery reduces excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast shape and size most in proportion with a patient's body. Reduction surgery is also performed to alleviate any undue stress on the body as a result of overly large breasts. Women with very large breasts often report back, shoulder, and neck pain. Many women feel uncomfortable with the size of their breasts and struggle to find clothing that fits properly.
Men who have enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) may also be appropriate candidates for breast reduction surgery.
DESCRIPTION
Breast reduction is also referred to as reduction mammoplasty. It is performed in a surgical center on either an inpatient or outpatient basis depending upon the specific case and can last from two to four hours. The most commonly made incision encircles the areola and extends downward and around the underside of the breast to result in the least conspicuous scar possible. Excess fat and tissue is removed and the nipple and areola are repositioned.
RECOVERY
After surgery, an elastic bandage is placed over gauze bandages and drainage tubes. Bandages and tubes are removed within a few days, and stitches are removed within the next couple weeks. Activity is typically restricted for several weeks. The scars after surgery will be red for for up to several months but will fade to a more normal appearance within about a year.
RISKS
The risks associated with this procedure are similar to those risks of any surgical procedure and could include bleeding, unexpected scarring, infection, reaction to anesthesia, decreased feeling in the breast or nipples, or the inability to breastfeed.
BREAST LIFT
A Breast Lift is fundamentally different from either Breast Augmentation or Breast Reduction in that it is intended to change the shape of the breasts, not the size. The procedure shapes and raises sagging breasts, by removing extra skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and the nipple to improve the appearance of the breasts. A Breast Lift may also be performed to reshape the size of an overly large areola.
DESCRIPTION
A Breast Lift can be a life changing procedure for those affected by the effects of gravity, aging, pregnancy, and weight fluctuation. The most common incision is an anchor-shaped incision that follows the natural contour of the breast. This incision outlines the area where skin will be removed and defines new positioning of the nipple. The operation is performed in a surgery center on an outpatient basis and can last up to three hours.
RECOVERY
Recovery time after a Breast Lift is at least a week. Strenuous activities should be avoided for up to a month and scarring will fade and diminish within a year.
RISKS
The risks associated with this procedure are similar to those risks of any surgical procedure and could include bleeding, unexpected scarring, infection, reaction to anesthesia, or decreased feeling in the breast or nipples.
