Breast Reduction

Reduction mammaplasty is the reduction of the mammary gland, fat tissue and surrounding tissue and shaping of the breasts.

This operation reduces the weight of the breasts, which brings relief from pain and brings satisfaction with the appearance of the breasts.

• The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
• Skin incisions are placed in the areola, the inframammary fold and the horizontal line (in the region between the areola and the breast fold).
• The areola is lifted along with the nipple, the skin is stretched and the breast is shaped.
• The wounds are sutured with absorbable sutures and a Redon drain is inserted to drain secretions from the wound.
• The breasts are bandaged with an elastic bandage, which is then replaced with an elastic compression bra.
• Breast reduction takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

The precondition for this procedure is a good physical and emotional condition of the patient and a clear idea of the result or the desired breast size.

• The procedure is not recommended for women under 20 years of age (as their breasts still grow) and for women who plan to become pregnant and breastfeed within a few years (the operation should ideally be scheduled at least 6 months after the end of breastfeeding). 

Breasts can vary in size, the following criteria are distinguished:

• Ideal breast size - 200 to 350 ml
• Mild hypertrophy - 400 to 600 ml
• Medium hypertrophy - 600 to 800 ml
• Significant hypertrophy - 800 to 1000 ml
• Macromastia - 1000 to 1500 ml
• Gigantomastia - more than 1500 ml

If you suffer from pain in your back and headaches due to the excessive size of your breasts (usually in patients with moderate to significant hypertrophy), breast reduction will help relieve this pain.

Before the operation

• It is important to undergo a mammography or sonography examination of the breasts to rule out cancer.
• Breast reduction should preferably be carried out in the first week after menstruation (the period), because the breasts are less perfused and retaind less fluids in the tissues.
• If the patient is using hormonal contraception, it is recommended to discontinue it and to plan the operation at least one to three months after discontinuation.
• The operation takes place under general anesthesia, so all preoperative examinations are necessary.

Aftercare

• Pain that may occur during the first few hours after the procedure is usually relieved with analgesics (pain killers) and after the operation the breasts are bandaged with dressings, which are replaced with an elastic bra that must be worn continuously 24 hours a day for 6 weeks.
• Hard ohysical activity is not recommended until one month after surgery.
• For the following six months, it is also necessary to protect the resulting scars from the direct sunlight.

The result of the surgery is permanent, but it is necessary to take into account that over time, due to gravity, a decrease of the breasts may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to wait around 6 months for the definitive outcome.

The benefit of breast reduction is relief from the pain caused by their excessive size, as well as increased self-confidence and satisfaction with your appearance.

Risks and complications of reduction mammaplasty include:

• The inability to breastfeed (due to the fact that the gland is reduced, it is not possible to guarantee the ability to breastfeed).
• Risk of nipple and areola necrosis or changes in their pigmentation (discoloration). 
• Changed sensitivity of the nipples.
• Skin sensitivity may also be altered, but usually corrects itself within 3 months.