When a Woman Decides to Have Her Breasts Reduced

26.09.2011 | By: I. M.

Breast reduction surgery makes everyday life easier for many women, but this procedure also entails risks.

Breast reduction surgery is an option to correct large or asymmetric breasts. (PhotoXpress)

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What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is an operation in which excess tissue and skin are removed from a breast. This therefore involves reduction and reshaping of the breasts, on which women decide if their breasts are too large, or asymmetric where one breast is visibly larger than the other one. The procedure also requires a shift of the nipples, where the areolas may be reduced. During an operation, an incision in the form of an anchor is made to successfully remove the tissue. Therefore, the surgeon must make an incision around the areolas, down to the bottom part of the breasts and under the breasts themselves from the breastbone to the armpit. When excess tissue and skin of the breasts are removed, the opening is sewn up with stitches. Sometimes the nipples and areolas have to be removed and placed again on a higher position. This can sometimes cause insensitivity in the nipples. The surgery lasts 3 to 5 hours, but hospitalisation usually isn’t necessary. After six weeks, a woman can stop wearing a supportive bra ensuring that the weight of the breasts doesn’t burden the post-operative wounds, and after a few months, scars disappear as well.

Why women decide to undergo breast reduction?

Women decide to undergo the aforementioned procedure if they want to change the weight, size, shape and firmness of their breasts, but most often the procedure is performed if everyday activities are hindered because of the breasts. Large and heavy breasts often cause pain in the neck, back and spine, while excessive sweating under or between the breasts can lead to dermatological problems, such as irritated skin or rash. Many times, the breasts cause deteriorating posture and burden a bra to the extent that it leaves marks on the shoulders. Large breasts can hinder many sporting activities and also make the purchase of a bra or other clothes for the upper part of the body difficult. Apart from what’s said above, women decide to undergo the surgery because of their self-image and self-confidence.

What can you expect from the procedure?

Immediately after the operation, wounds are covered with gauze or an elastic bandage, or you wear a special post operative bra. In some cases, each breast has a small tube inserted to discharge blood and fluids from the breast. Stitches are removed after one or two weeks. Some women still feel pain in their breasts or an unpleasant feeling a few days after their surgery, which can be alleviated with appropriate drugs. Swelling and bruising last up to a few weeks, but swelling can slightly go down if you constantly wear the bra. After a few weeks, you can start your daily routine, but it isn’t recommended that you lift heavy burdens or take part in any demanding sporting activity a month after your surgery. Scars don’t disappear completely, but they’re less visible after a few months. After the operation, you have to follow your doctor’s advice on getting out of bed, washing yourself, eating a proper diet and exercising.

Risks of breast reduction surgery

Although women who undergo breast reduction surgery feel very satisfied, self-confident, freed from physical pain and full of life, there are certain risks involved similar to any other cosmetic operation. After the surgery, the most unpleasant risks are visible scars, asymmetric breasts and nipples, loss of sensations in the nipples and the inability to breastfeed. As side effects, a woman can experience pain, swelling, itching or a bad reaction to an anaesthetic. In addition, there may be other complications, such as heavy bleeding during the operation, infections, internal bleeding or an unsatisfactory position of the nipples. The most unpleasant side effect of the whole procedure is, without doubt, dissatisfaction with the result and, for that reason, the decision to undergo such an operation is so difficult to make.