What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 6 years of experience
What is the meaning of Breast Reduction?
Breast Reduction is a surgery done to remove extra fat, tissues and skin present on the breasts. This is done in women who have complaints of irregular size or shape of breasts, women who want to reshape their breasts for aesthetic purposes, large breasts that cause neck pain, back pain, etc. This is also known as the Reduction Mammaplasty procedure. Breast reduction gives excellent and satisfactory results to women, and also to men who have conditions of gynecomastia ( where men have aesthetically large male breasts ). It helps to improve your self confidence, improve self image and help to improve your daily physical activities. Let us tell you in details about Breast Reduction Surgery Purpose –
- What is the purpose of Breast Reduction Surgery ?
- Who should avoid Breast Reduction Surgery?
- What are the tests done before Breast Reduction Surgery?
- What are the steps of preparation before Breast Reduction Surgery?
- What is the procedure of Breast Reduction Surgery?
- What should the patient expect and do immediately after Breast Reduction Surgery/Treatment?
- What are the complications with Breast Reduction Surgery?
- What is the cost of Breast Reduction Surgery in India?
What is the purpose of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast Reduction Surgery is done in women who have the following complaints-
- Severe, chronic pain in the back or neck, shoulder due to heavy breasts. This requires regular pain medications, which is not good for a person in the long run.
- Due to large sized breasts, if females are getting chronic rashes or skin irritations, they must get breast reduction surgery done.
- Chronic nerve pain in the breasts
- Due to large sized breasts, the physical activities might get limited.
- Poor self image or appearance complex due to large breasts
- Difficulty in getting correct size bras, shirts or other garments.
It can also be done for men, who have large-sized male breasts and want to improve their physical appearance.
Who should avoid Breast Reduction Surgery ?
The following group of people should avoid breast reduction surgery-
- Heavy smokers ( as the results of the surgery will not be satisfactory and recovery will be prolonged )
- Patients with diabetes and other heart problems, or patients having history of cardiac surgeries, patients who are on long term medications for chronic illness.
- Obese patients
- People who do not want scars on their breasts
- Females who are planning to get pregnant soon must postpone the breast reduction surgery as breastfeeding is difficult after the surgery.
- People planning to lose weight by diet modifications and exercise, must also postpone breast reduction surgery, as losing weight also causes reduction in breast size. ( Know more about- Diet for Diabetic Patients )
What are the tests done before Breast Reduction Surgery ?
- Before the breast reduction surgery, the patient is evaluated for detailed medical history, family history and overall physical health. ( Know more about- What is Vaginal Cyst ? Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Complications )
- The surgeon discusses with the patient the expectations of the patient, the various treatment options and results.
- The patient is also made aware about the various aspects of the surgery, is told about the risks as well as the benefits of the breast reduction surgery.
- After the initial examination, the breasts are measured and examined for any lumps, or any other abnormalities.
- Photographs are taken before the surgery for medical records, as it will assist the doctor to evaluate post surgery results.
- The patient is also told about the anesthesia that will be used, the medicines to be taken before and after the surgery.
- Blood tests and lab tests are done.
- Mammograms may be advised and done to check for any abnormality with the breasts.
What are the steps of preparation before Breast Reduction Surgery?
- The patient is asked to quit smoking before and after surgery, to have proper healing.
- Patients are asked to stop certain medications like- aspirin, antibiotics, etc. These must be stopped only after consultation with doctors.
- One must be ready with plenty of ice at home, to help in healing after the surgery.
- One must also be ready with gauze, clean towels and washed clothes, loose shirts, prescribed ointments or creams, to come back home to
What is the procedure of Breast Reduction Surgery ?
The procedure is done either in the clinic/ hospital as an outpatient facility or the patient is asked to get admitted a night before the surgery. The surgery takes around 2 to 5 hours.
- The patient is given general anesthesia.
- Depending upon the shape and size of breasts, amount of fat that the surgeon needs to remove and also the results the patient expects, any one of the following procedures are used by the surgeon-
- Liposuction- In this procedure, small cuts are made on the skin around the breasts, a thin tube is inserted that sucks out the fat tissue and the fluid from the breasts, and thus helps in breast reduction. This is most suitable for people who need less breast reduction. (Know more about: What is Liposuction)
- Vertical or Lollipop method- This method is suitable for moderate breast reduction. Also is used in cases of prominent breast sagging. The incision or cut is made around the areola, it is extended down the breast tissue, the extra fat is removed, the breast is reshaped and lifted up again.
- Inverted T or Anchor Method- This surgery involves a longer incision around the areola, and is used for larger breast reductions, sagging and unevenness.
After the surgery, a surgical drain is placed to drain off the unwanted blood, the breasts are stitched up back, they are wrapped in a special gauze for a few days and the patient is asked to wear a surgical bra.
What should the patient expect and do immediately after Breast Reduction Surgery/ Treatment ?
- For the first few days, the patient might feel pain and tenderness in the breasts, the breasts feel very sensitive. The patient is advised to take the pain medications on time.
- The breasts will feel swollen and some amount of bruising will be there for a few days.
- Elastic compression bra is given to be worn for a few days after the surgery. This will keep the breasts protected.
- Patients are advised to limit/ reduce their physical activity for a few weeks, 2 to 4 weeks roughly. This is important for the complete healing of the breasts.
- Underwire bras should be completely avoided for 4-5 months after the surgery.
- Patients must go for scheduled follow up visits, to get the stitches removed and to know the recovery rate.
What are the complications with Breast Reduction Surgery ?
The risks with breast reduction surgery are-
- Bleeding from the incision site
- Infections at the site of wound
- Adverse reactions due to anesthesia
- Bruising and prolonged swelling
- Scarring or permanent scar tissue formation
- Loss of sensation in and around the nipples
- Difficulty with breastfeeding or complete inability to breastfeed
- Rarely, the breast may differ in size and shape ( this might require another follow up surgery )
What is the cost of Breast Reduction Surgery in India ?
The total cost of breast reduction surgery in India can be between INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000. However, the cost may vary across different cities and hospitals across India. There are many specialised doctors in India trained for breast reduction surgery.
If you are coming from abroad, apart from Breast Reduction Surgery, there will be an additional cost of hotel stay, local travel and food expenses. Patients may be asked to stay in hospital for 2 days and locally in a hotel for 5 days, for speedy recovery. This will add the expenses, so the total cost of breast reduction surgery in India can range between INR 1,30,000 to INR 2,00,000.
We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding Breast Reduction Surgery through this article.
If you need more information and treatment of Breast Reduction Surgery, contact a Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.
We only aim to provide you with information through the article. We do not recommend any medicine or treatment to anyone. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.
