Large, pendulous breasts can be burdensome and make it difficult to complete even the simplest of tasks. They can be painful and affect your posture from the constant strain. Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the size and volume of your breasts to make them more proportionate to your body. This procedure provides both alleviation of physical strain as well as an increase in self confidence when women are finally able to rock a strapless dress without worry.
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure performed on women with large breasts (macromastia) which may be causing a variety of medical problems such as back and neck pain, skin irritation under the breasts, and bra strap grooving on the shoulders. The breasts are also lifted, and the areola can be reduced in diameter to make them more proportionate. Very often this can be done using a minimal incision technique that eliminates the long scar under the breast. Breast reduction surgery delivers one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of all plastic surgery procedures performed.
Consultation
During your private consultation with Dr Mohamed EL Assal
you will explain the physical and/or emotional strain macromastia is causing you. He will perform a thorough examination, and both you and he will determine together the best method for optimal results. You surgeon will go over pre-operative instructions, post-operative instructions, and write prescriptions for medication you will require before and after your procedure. He will also explain the process from start to the end of your recovery period. Please feel free to ask questions at this time; it is important that you are aware of all aspects of the procedure and fully comfortable with your decision.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are women who are in good health but struggle with symptomatic macromastia or emotional distress caused by their large breasts. Women who suffer from symptomatic macromastia experience physical aches and pains due to their large breasts. Macromastia most typically causes back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, and permanent indentation in the shoulders due to the heavy strain on bra straps. Exercising can be a hard feat for women with macromastia as their breasts tend to “get in the way,” let alone finding a properly fitting sports bra. And rashes tend to develop under the breast fold from the skin rubbing.
Sometimes, women may have one breast that’s larger than the other and seek breast reduction for aesthetic symmetry. While for others, macromastia causes emotional distress from social discomfort and unwanted attention. No matter if physical, mental, or aesthetic reasonings, a breast reduction at M-E CLINIC will decrease the size of your breasts to your aesthetic desire. And you will not only look good, but feel good too.
Vertical(Lollipop) Incision
Mimicking the shape of a lollipop, the vertical incision method uses 2 incisions. One is made around the border of the areola, while the other runs from the base of the areola border down to the bottom of the breast. The appropriate amount of breast skin and tissue is removed to reach the desired size, and the incisions are then closed. The breast becomes slightly lifted from this procedure, giving you a proportionate-sized bust at a youthful elevation.
Anchor Incision
Making the shape of an anchor, this method uses 3 incision to achieve great reduction. One incision is made around the areola border, the second runs vertically down from the areola base to the breast crease, and the third is made along the breast crease. The anchor lift is reserved for those who require a severe reduction in size or have lost a significant amount of weight.
Recovery
Recovery varies between patients, but you surgeon will give you a personalized recovery plan to optimize your results.
It is normal for your breasts to feel tender and sensitive, and your nipples may feel slightly numb; these sensations should subside on their own. Pain medication can be prescribed to help alleviate discomfort. Although you may not feel up to it, walking is important to prevent blood clots.
You will not be able to shower for 2 days; sponge baths are okay. When sleeping, keep your head and back elevated. You will most likely return to work and social activities in about two weeks. Do not partake in strenuous activity for at least 3-4 weeks to ensure proper healing; rest is the key to a full, successful recovery. After you are fully recovered, women often experience a great increase in self-esteem and self-confidence when they find that their clothes fit much better and they are able to exercise worry free and pain free.
