Breast reduction is not just a cosmetic procedure for women, it is an effective solution for those who suffer from back and neck pain, or from difficulty in moving due to the large size of the breasts, and this procedure is important to give women a symmetrical appearance of the body, enhance their self-confidence, and make them feel more comfortable daily, if you want to improve your life from a health or aesthetic point of view, breast reduction is the best option, with Almoosa Specialist Hospital we sail with you to learn more, keep reading.

What are breast reduction surgeries?

They are surgical procedures aimed at reducing the size of the breasts by removing excess skin, fatty tissue and mammary glands, and these operations are performed to improve physical symmetry and alleviate pain that results from large breasts, such as back and neck pain, or to solve psychological issues related to self-confidence, and the most prominent types of breast reduction surgeries include:

• Traditional surgical breast reduction, done through surgical incisions to remove excess tissue and tighten the skin, is mostly used for women with very large breasts.
• Liposuction breast reduction, a less invasive technique that involves suctioning fat from the breasts without removing skin or glands, is suitable for cases where most of the breast volume is due to fat.
• Breast reduction with breast lift, which combines a reduction in size with a breast lift to improve the overall shape and appearance.

The most appropriate type of procedure is determined by the size of the breast, the elasticity of the skin, the patient's health status, and aesthetic desires.

Reasons for breast reduction surgery

Many women resort to breast reduction surgery for many different reasons, including health, aesthetic, and psychological reasons, and these reasons are as follows:

• Chronic pain such as back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the extra weight of the breasts.
• Difficulty moving or exercising, as large breasts hinder physical activity and cause a lot of discomfort during exercise.
• Skin irritation, where rashes or inflammation appear under the breasts as a result of friction and constant sweating.
• In some severe cases, large breasts can put pressure on the chest, affecting breathing.
• Physical asymmetry and a woman's desire to achieve greater balance and symmetry in her body shape.
• Difficulty in choosing clothes, as some people have trouble finding clothes that fit or are comfortable for them.
• Stress, anxiety and low self-esteem.
• Visible sagging and thus prompting some to go for this procedure to reduce and lift the breasts to improve the appearance.

How to Perform Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, and it takes from two to four hours, depending on the case, and the following are the steps to perform breast reduction surgery:

• General anesthesia to ensure no pain during surgery.
• The location of the incisions is determined based on the size of the breast and the desired appearance. The most common incisions are the circular incision around the areola, the vertical incision from the areola to the bottom of the breast, and the horizontal incision along the crease at the bottom of the breast for very large cases.
• A portion of the fatty and glandular tissue and excess skin is removed, and in some cases the nipple and areola are relocated higher to maintain symmetry.
• The breasts are reshaped to appear firmer and more symmetrical.
• The incisions are then sutured with dissolvable sutures or closed with stitches, and temporary drainage tubes may be used to prevent fluid collection.
• The patient then wears a corset to support the breasts, and may require a hospital stay of several hours or overnight for observation.

Types of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgeries vary according to the technique used and the patient's condition, and the most prominent types of breast reduction surgeries are as follows:

• Traditional surgical reduction, which is most common in cases of very large breasts, is done through incisions around the areola and vertically downward, and sometimes horizontally under the breast and lifting the nipple.
• Liposuction reduction is used when most of the breast volume is caused by fat rather than skin or glands, it is less invasive, characterized by small incisions and faster recovery, and is not suitable for cases with sagging or excessive and large skin.
• Breast reduction with breast lift, which combines size reduction with breast lift and firming to achieve a taut and symmetrical appearance, and is suitable for women who suffer from sagging as well as oversized breasts.
• Laser or ultrasound-assisted reduction, a technique used as an adjunct to suction to break up fat and stimulate skin tightening, is not a complete replacement for traditional surgery.
• Gynecomastia reduction, also known as gynecomastia treatment, is used to treat gynecomastia in males and is mostly performed with aspiration or surgical removal of the gland depending on the cause.

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Tips before breast reduction surgery

Here are some important tips before undergoing breast reduction surgery to ensure the best results and minimize risks:

• By choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified and experienced in breast reduction surgeries, the results are guaranteed, God willing, and goals, expectations, and health status should be discussed with the doctor in detail.
• The doctor will order blood tests and a mammogram, and may order additional tests to accurately assess the condition.
• Stop smoking 4-6 weeks before the operation, as it affects wound healing and blood circulation.
• Avoid using blood thinners such as aspirin or herbal medicines that increase bleeding, at least two weeks before the procedure.
• The procedure is best performed when the weight is stable, as weight loss or gain after surgery may affect the results.
• Prepare comfortable clothes that open in the front before the procedure.
• It is important to prepare mentally as the breast shape will take time to stabilize and finalize.

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After Breast Reduction Surgery Tips

To help you recover safely and quickly, there are a few tips to follow:

• Take adequate rest and sleep, especially in the first week, and follow the doctor's instructions strictly, take medications, clean wounds, and change bandages.
• A special supportive bra is worn throughout the day, as recommended by your doctor, to minimize swelling and support the new breast shape.
• Do not lift anything heavy and do not do any strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks, avoiding lifting your arms above shoulder level for the first few days.
• It is important to sleep on your back and slightly elevate your upper body with pillows to minimize swelling.
• Eat nutritious meals rich in protein and vitamins to promote wound healing, and drink enough water.
• Monitor the wounds for any signs of severe redness, abnormal discharge or heat, and tell your doctor immediately if they appear.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol during the healing period as it negatively affects wound healing.
• You can return to work after one to two weeks if the work is not strenuous, and light exercise can be followed after a few days, while chest exercises can be postponed for several weeks.
• It is important to be patient, as swelling and bruising is normal but will gradually fade, and the final shape of the breast will become apparent after several months.

Who are candidates for breast reduction surgery?

Candidates for breast reduction surgery are those who suffer from physical or psychological issues as a result of large breasts and are looking for an effective and comfortable solution:

• Those who suffer from chronic back, neck or shoulder pain due to the extra weight of the breasts.
• Those who suffer from skin issues under the breast such as inflammation and rashes.
• If you have difficulty with daily activities or sports.
• Visible sagging or asymmetry in the shape of the breasts.
• Difficulty in choosing the right clothes or bras.
• Emotional embarrassment or dissatisfaction with the overall appearance of your breasts.
• The candidate must have completed puberty, as performing the operation before the growth is complete will require the operation to be repeated at a later date.
• It is best to be at a stable weight, as a significant change in weight after the procedure may affect the results.
• For non-smokers or those willing to temporarily quit smoking, smoking negatively affects wound healing and increases the risk of complications.
• The candidate must have a clear understanding of the process and its outcomes.

Men are also candidates for gynecomastia, especially if exercise or drug therapy has not been successful in reducing breast size.

Book your consultation now at مركز الجلدية والتجميل At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

Frequently asked questions 

Is it possible to reduce breast size without surgery?

Of course, it is possible to reduce breast size without surgery in some cases, especially if the main reason for large breasts is fat accumulation, and weight loss can help reduce breast size naturally, by following a healthy diet and regular exercise, especially fat burning exercises and chest exercises, as well as the use of some hormonal or medical treatments in special cases under medical supervision, however, these methods may not be effective if the breast is large and the result of genetic factors, or in the presence of glands and dense tissues, and in those cases, surgery is the most effective solution, as it achieves results

Does losing weight make breasts smaller?

Yes, weight loss can lead to a reduction in breast size, and because the breast is partially composed of fatty tissue, when you lose weight, the percentage of body fat decreases, including the breast area, although the effect varies from person to person, depending on the composition of the breast, if the mammary glands are the main component of the size, the change may be slight, also, significant weight loss sometimes leads to breast sagging, and for this it is recommended to practice exercises to strengthen the chest, to support the overall appearance during weight loss.

What are the causes of increased breast size in women?

The causes of breast enlargement in women are multiple, and they include genetic factors that play a major role in determining the size and shape of the breast, in addition to hormonal changes that occur during periods such as puberty, pregnancy, lactation, or even PMS, and weight gain contributes to breast enlargement due to the accumulation of fat, in addition to the effect of some hormonal drugs such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, and in some rare cases health issues or endocrine disorders may cause an abnormal increase in the size of the breast.

Almoosa Specialty Hospital has proven its worth in the field of breast reduction, so if you are suffering from this issue, book your appointment now for the doctor to start an accurate diagnosis of the case and start the various procedures.

المصادر:

Breast reduction surgery – mayoclinic

Breast reduction – spirehealthcare