Breast Reduction

Not just too small, but too big breasts may cause problems to the ladies. Big breasts may burden the backbone to a great extent, may cause poise and psychological problems. Breast reduction is advised for those women, who have already given birth and are not planning any more children, or for those who have medical problems with their breasts. Of course the procedure may be done just from esthetical point of view. With breast reduction, not just the size is reduced, but the shape of the breasts is ideally shaped by the surgeons.  

Before the breast reduction operation it is very important to discuss the desired breast-size and shape with the surgeon since this will be the most important part of the preparation for the operation. You should also discuss the techniques, where the incisions should be and how the nipple and the areola should look like after surgery.

Before the surgery in every case it is necessary to have a mammogram (breast x-ray), electrocardiogram, laboratory test and breast-ultrasound before surgery. A breast reduction is a procedure where both skin and breast tissues are removed from the patient. All breast reduction surgeries are usually performed under general anesthesia, and the techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Then the excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed and the nipple and areola are moved into their new position. After this the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola are brought up, shaping the new contour of the breast. Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions, giving the breast it's new contour. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the vertical part of the scar.

The operation is not always performed under general anesthesia, the duration of the surgery is 1,5-2 hours. After the surgery the patient spends one night in the hospital and later goes home to heal. The stitches are taken out after two weeks, and the wear of a special sports bra is advised for 4-8 weeks and during this time if its possible patients are recommended not to do any physical work.