Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty is often used in women with large breasts that are out of proportion to their bodies, and heavy breasts who experience significant discomfort including neck pain, back pain and numbness or weakness due to the weight of the breasts, rashes underneath the breasts from sweat (intertrigo). During this procedure, excess skin, fat, and breast tissue are removed, thus decreasing the size of your breast.
Did you know…
That breast reduction is both a reduction in size and a breast lift all in one? This operation includes removal of extra breast tissue and skin, repositioning of the nipples to point forward, and reduction in the size of the nipple-areolar complex.
You may be a candidate for breast reduction if you are unhappy with the size of your breasts compared to your body, or if you are experiencing symptoms from your large breasts like pain and shoulder grooving.
Dr. Archa will take the time to go over your complete medical history to ensure there are no conflicts or issues that could arise during or after your plastic surgery procedure. She will discuss your goals and anticipated outcome of your surgery, as well as answer any questions you may have. Every consultation is done with the utmost professional courtesy and a thorough explanation of each step to ensure that you are informed and comfortable with the process. Once you feel fully assured and satisfied with the answers, you can move forward with scheduling your surgery.
You will be instructed to avoid food and drinks on the day of your surgery. Dr.Archa with partnering plastic surgeon will see you in the pre-operative area and place a series of planning marks on your breasts. You’ll be placed under general anesthesia for the duration of your procedure, meaning you’ll feel and remember nothing regarding the surgery. Breast reduction surgery typically takes between 2-5 hours depending on how much breast tissue needs to be removed.
After surgery, you’ll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain blood and fluids for the first day or two.
You may feel some pain for the first couple of days – especially when you move around or cough – and some discomfort for a week or more. Dr. Archa will prescribe oral medication to lessen the discomfort.
The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks.
Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still occasionally ache for a couple of weeks, and you should avoid strenuous activity for several weeks.
Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You’ll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.
However, you’ll need time to adjust to your new image – as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you’ll be pleased with the results.
