Reduction Mammoplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breasts by excising excess fat, glandular tissue and skin of large or drooping breasts, resulting in more comfortably shaped and sized breasts. This procedure is recommended for patients who feel uncomfortable about the shape and size of her breasts, suffer pain or aches in the breasts, shoulders, back, or discomfort during physical activities.
These problems are minimized through breast reduction, which also helps to correct and enhance posture, better your appearance and increase your self-esteem. There are many techniques that may be used on reduction mammoplasty, and the most commonly used procedures as far as incisions are racket shaped, vertical and inverted “T” or anchor. Scarring is of great final quality, but may require several months to reach acceptability.
The surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours and it can be performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure. Most frequently used anesthetics are epidural or general anesthesia.
The patient must wear a bandage for 3 days post-op, and then wear a
appropriate brassiere. Postoperative pain is well tolerated with the use of common painkillers.
There might be some edema of the breasts for 2 to 3 weeks post-op, and final results can take several months to be seen.
Patients may return to their normal activities after 1 to 3 weeks, and should abstain from more strenuous activities for a longer period of time.
Mammogram and/or Breast MRI are requested pre-op. This surgery does not impair patients of retaking these exams in later time.
All information provided on this page is merely for patient instruction and enlightenment. It is not specific medical advice and does not intend to substitute a formal doctor-patient relation.
Every patient presents a different case and not all patients make the same options. Each patient has a unique tissue and thus results may vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions:
1. HOW IMPORTANT ARE PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN REGARD TO THIS PROCEDURE?
Emotional stability is a determining preliminary factor and must be considered before any type of plastic surgery is executed. A “new body” does not guarantee a new life or the elimination of one’s personal problems. A successful result is determined, in most cases, by the frame of mind of the patient. Abdominoplasty can significantly improve your appearance and renew your self-confidence.
2. HOW IS BREAST REDUCTION PERFORMED?
There are many techniques currently in use for breast reduction. They all aim to remove excess mammary tissue, reshape breast contour and reposition the nipples. Your surgeon will examine you and take into consideration your requests and physical condition, and will determine what technique is more appropriate for you.
3. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THIS PROCEDURE?
This procedure, as any other, will leave scarring. Scarring occurs around the areola and under the breast fold, and usually fades and becomes barely noticeable after 6 to 12 months. Though this is a long period of time, the vast majority of patients do believe that the surgery is worth doing. There may be nipple desensitizing, but this is also temporary and improves over time. Current techniques do not influence breast-feeding, though you should discuss this with your surgeon. It is common for breasts to be slightly different from one another, and this difference may persist after the surgery. Thousands of breast reduction surgeries are done every year, and the majority of patients are extremely happy with the improvements provided by the surgery.
4. DO I NEED TO BE ADMITTED TO A HOSPITAL FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
Reduction mammoplasty is usually an inpatient procedure, done using epidural or general anesthesia. However, it can be done as an outpatient procedure or as an inpatient procedure in which the patient is cleared for discharge after only one day. The length of your hospitalization will depend on your general health, the extension of the procedure, and your surgeon’s assessment.
5. WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
The goal of the surgery is to reduce the size of your breasts, bringing you to a more comfortable size and better proportion to your body. Your surgeon will be key in determining if your expectations can be met and fully satisfied.
6. DOES THE PROCEDURE LEAVE SCARS?
Scars are inevitable results of surgical procedures, but your surgeon will make every effort possible to leave them inconspicuous. Scars can be hidden beneath the fold of the breasts, and become barely noticeable with time. Some patients have the tendency of developing thick scars and you should notify your surgeon if you are aware of having such tendencies.
7. WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO MY USUAL ACTIVITIES?
Healing time varies from patient to patient, though most patients return to their normal activities after a period of 3 weeks. However, patients should abstain from more strenuous activities for a period of 3 to 4 weeks. Going back to work and to your usual activities will depend solely on an individual evaluation of your routine, and is best determined by your surgeon.
Before and After - The Federal Board of Medicine forbids the display of pictures of patients who underwent plastic surgery. On ASAPS’ web site, several pictures are available for viewing and under public domain:
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ATENÇÃO : Seguindo as normas do Conselho Regional de Medicina, este
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