Breast skin, breast muscles, and fat are removed during breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty. Breast reduction surgery can help women with large breasts feel better and less uncomfortable. One’s ability to engage in physical exercise and sense of self may benefit from breast reduction surgery. Consult a board-certified physician if one is considering having breast reduction surgery. Understanding the risks and potential issues related to breast reduction surgery is crucial.

What is mammoplasty?
Mammoplasty is an optional operation carried out with a general anesthetic. While uncommon, the procedure could be carried out while the patient is sedated using an IV. The surgeon will remove tissue, fats, and skin through two to three breast cuts during the procedure. After that, the breast is shaped, and the areola is moved to a new location on the chest. Even though breast reduction surgery is regarded as a cosmetic procedure, it is frequently covered by insurance due to the symptoms and health issues resulting from having large breasts.

Why is it done?
Rash or skin irritation under the breasts
Neck, shoulder, or back pain
Nerve pain
Poor self-image due to large breasts
Not being able to participate in certain activities

Mammoplasty – Procedure
Preparation
Before beginning the procedure, the surgeon will check the patient’s overall health. They will also discuss the size and shape the patient wants their breast to look like. Then, the doctor and anesthesiologist will brief the patient about the procedure. At this point, one could be asked to submit a consent form. The consent form will list the likelihood of unsatisfactory outcomes after surgery, such as unexpected breast shape/size, inequality in nipple position, and potential medical hazards of anesthesia and surgery. One will then be taken to the surgery room alone.

The surgery
If a person has been recommended general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will provide inhaled or intravenous anesthetics to make the person fall asleep in the surgery room. The surgeon will insert a tube into the throat through the mouth. During the operation, a ventilator attached to this tube assists one’s lungs in breathing. A mammoplasty will generally take about 3 to 4 hours and go as follows generally:
Incision: The doctor will create two to three incisions using a scalpel based on the technique employed. The residual breast tissue will subsequently be reshaped after some of the skin, fat, and breast tissue have been removed. Additionally, the nipple or areola will be moved. These features often keep their connections to the current blood and nerve flow. By surgically removing skin from the areola’s edges, the thickness of the areola can occasionally be reduced.

Grafting: The nipple and areola may have to be excised and transplanted into a higher location on the breast in those who have very large breasts.

Drain placement: A temporary drain may occasionally be positioned beneath the skin close to the incision sites to drain extra blood or fluid.

Closure: The breasts will be shaped, and any extra tissue will be eliminated. The incisions will then be stitched, surgically adhered, or both to shut. Then a support bra will be fitted over the breasts, along with gauze bandages.

Pathology review: The breast tissue removed will be taken to a pathology lab to be checked for pre-malignant or cancer cells.

Prep for recovery: The breathing tube will be removed, and the anesthetic will be terminated. A postoperative care facility will be prepared for the patient.

After the surgery
Following the surgery, one will be sent to a care unit where one will slowly wake up from anesthesia. One might experience nausea or breast soreness during this period. The nurse will give treatments to reduce these symptoms. In some cases, the doctor may keep the patient under observation for a day and let them go when they think the patient is ready to be moved.

Recovery
While a breast reduction procedure only takes a short time, the recuperation process requires extra effort and patience. Therefore, it’s crucial to delegate domestic duties to a partner, a family member, or a friend for a few weeks after surgery so one can concentrate on recovering.

However, the surgeon won’t want the patient to spend the entire day in bed. Starting the day following the breast reduction surgery by taking walks that gradually increase in the distance and frequency is suggested.

Due to large breasts, issues such as the back, neck, and other physical complaints can occur. Hence, some women opt for breast reduction surgery. A few might choose this surgery to boost their confidence and well-being. However, gynecomastia patients with unusually enlarged male breasts can also opt for breast reduction.