Breast reduction (also known as mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure aiming to reduce the size of the enlarged, saggy breasts so that your breasts will feel small, light, better shaped and uplifted
Breast reduction can also be considered when enlarged breasts are out of proportion to the overall figure or produce problems or symptoms, such as.
- Pain in the back, neck, shoulder and breast
- Grooving of the shoulders caused by bra straps
- Inflamed reddened skin under the breast
- Difficulty finding a suitable bra that fits and supports the breast correctly
- Difficulty finding clothes that fit – often needing much larger size tops compared to bottoms
- Difficulty undertaking exercise owing to pain and discomfort caused by the movement of their heavy breasts
Or if enlarged and uneven breasts are causing low self-esteem and confidence.
Additionally, males with the condition known as gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men due to hormones or being very overweight) can also consider breast reduction surgery.
What does the entire procedure involve?
Breast reduction surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia.
Generally, the operation involves:
- Moving your nipple to its new position – usually while it’s still attached to the blood supply
- Removing excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from your breasts
- Reshaping the remaining breast tissue
The operation takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the breast reduction. You will usually need to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 nights. However, it may take 2 to 6 weeks to fully recover after breast reduction surgery since it is a major surgery.
Does this procedure leave scars on my breasts?
You’ll probably have scars around your nipples. Depending on the type of surgery, you may have a vertical scar running down your breast and a horizontal surgical scar across the crease, below the breast (anchor-shaped) or only have a vertical scar running down your breast. However, these scars are invisible under clothes, bras and bikini tops, and they will lighten/ fade away with time.
References:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/breast-reduction-female/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/breast-reduction-male/
- https://www.bapras.org.uk/public/patient-information/surgery-guides/breast-reduction