Breast reduction which is also known as reduction mammoplasty is a Plastic Surgery procedure that is designed to remove excess breast fat, tissue, and skin from excessively large breasts. If you have excessively large breasts, you might choose to undergo Breast Reduction to alleviate the discomfort that is caused by them and also to achieve a breast size that is proportionate to your body.
Why it is Done
Breast reduction is performed on women with excessively large breasts or macromastia and is seeking to resolve issues that are caused by this condition such as:
• Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Chronic skin or rash irritation under the breasts
• Nerve pain
• Restricted activities
• Difficulty fitting into clothing
• Poor self-image due to the large breasts
• Shoulder indentions from bra straps
Good Candidate for Breast Reduction
The ideal candidate for Breast Reduction in Dubai is a woman with the above-listed issues. Her breasts should also be fully developed to avoid undergoing another procedure in the future. She should also be physically fit and have realistic expectations.
In addition to this, you should not be obese or have any underlying medical condition that may interfere with the surgery or recovery.
It is imperative to consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who is an expert in Breast procedures if you are considering breast reduction.
Preparing for Breast Reduction surgery
During your consultation for breast reduction, your Plastic Surgeon will evaluate your overall health and medical history in addition to discussing your expectations from the surgery. He/she will examine and measure your breasts, take you through the procedure and the possible benefits and risks.
You will also be asked to do the following:
• Get a baseline mammogram
• Undergo various lab tests
• Avoid smoking a couple of weeks before and after surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements a few weeks to the surgery to control bleeding during the procedure
The Procedure
Breast reduction is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.
There are different techniques that the Plastic Surgeon can use to reduce the size of the breasts and they include:
• Liposuction to remove the excess fat from the breasts if the breast size is due to fatty tissue only
• Surgery through incisions
The technique used is determined by the breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preference, and the Plastic Surgeon’s recommendation.
During the procedure, the Plastic Surgeon will make an incision around the areola and down on each breast. The excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to reduce the size of the breasts. The Plastic Surgeon will then reshape the breast and reposition the nipple and areola.
The incisions of the newly shaped smaller breasts are closed with sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tapes.
Although the nipple and areola usually remain attached to the breast, in cases where the breasts are too large, they might need to be removed and reattached at a higher position as a skin graft.
Recovery and Results
Immediately after surgery, the breasts will be covered with bandages or gauze dressings. Drainage tubes might be placed under each arm to drain excess fluid and blood. Pain medication and antibiotics will be provided to avoid infection.
In the first week, the breasts will feel tender and sensitive as well as swollen and bruised but this will fade away with time. To manage the swelling, and protect the breasts, an elastic compression bra will be worn for a couple of weeks.
Physical activity should be limited for about 2-4 weeks as the breasts heal. Underwire bras should be avoided for a few months following the procedure.
The results are immediate, but it’ll take a few months for the final ones to be visible because of the swelling.
To Know More
Would you like to understand what options are available for Breast Reduction in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or Book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.