Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is the second most common breast operation, right after breast augmentation. Large breasts are both an aesthetic and a health problem, because they put strain on the neck and upper back, causing the patient pain. Skin inflammation under the breasts is common, and playing sport is difficult.
Methods
In the surgical short vertical incision technique, excess breast tissue is removed, and the scar runs around the nipple, where it is invisible because it lies on the edge of the darkly pigmented skin. The vertical scar is below the nipple, on the lower part of the breast, and is 5–9 cm long, depending on the size of the breasts before the procedure. In addition to reducing the size of the breasts, this method also lifts them and gives them a beautiful shape.
This aesthetic operation is technically relatively simple and takes less time than classic methods, while giving permanent results.
Anaesthesia
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia, so the patient sleeps during the procedure, which is therefore painless and takes about 3 hours.
The patient must not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the operation. Nail polish must be removed from the fingernails and toenails.
Recovery
After the operation the patient remains under observation in the operating room until the anaesthesiologist confirms that her condition is stable, and she is then moved to the recovery room, where she stays one night under the supervision of qualified staff. The next day the patient is discharged with her breasts bandaged and wearing a special firm bra. Antibiotics and painkillers (if needed) are recommended.
The stitches are removed after about ten days. Recovery after breast reduction takes 2–3 weeks of home care, after which the patient can return to her normal daily and professional activities.