How many techniques are there for breast reduction surgery?
There are a variety of different techniques for reducing the large breast. They all fundamentally, however, revolve around keeping the nipple alive while reducing breast size and creating a better breast shape by skin removal and tightening. The scars that are created are very similar resulting in fine lines around the nipple and then vertically downward into the lower breast crease. The common breast reduction technique used in the United States is known as the inferior pedicle method.
Is breast reduction permanent?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. Once breast tissue is removed, it will not regrow. Only when the breast reduction was done in the early teenage years couldsome regrowth potentially be seen as one continues to develop. The breast shape seen after breast reduction, however, is subject to change based on potential weight changes (gain or loss) and future pregnancies.
What does a typical breast reduction consultation entail?
Besides the usual taking of a medical history, examination and measurements of the breasts are taken as well as a family breast cancer history and documentation of a recent (in the past year) mammogram. If submitting to insurance for pre-determination, photographs of the breasts are also taken.
How is breast reduction surgery performed?
Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia. It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to perform. All sutures are under the skin so there are none to remove. The breasts are simply taped and you wear a surgical bra. Most plastic surgeons do place drains and they will be removed the following day in the office.
Where are the incisions made?
Where the incisions are made is not as important as to where the final scars end up being. The final scar placement in breast reduction is known as the anchor pattern. The final skin closure and scars go around the nipple, then down vertically to the lower breast fold, and thenalong the lower breast fold. This ends up looking like an inverted-T or anchor pattern.
Is there much breast reduction pain?
Contrary to popular perception, there is only mild discomfort and not severe pain after breast reduction surgery. There is some mild burning and pressure which occurs during the first night. By the second day most patients report general soreness but not significant pain. Many breast reduction patients do not take pain medication for more than a few days after surgery.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana