Breast reduction surgery is also known as reduction mammaplasty or mammoplasty. It is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing large or sagging breasts to a more comfortable size and shape
Why is breast reduction done?
Many women with large breasts experience varying degrees of physical and psychological distress, often including:
The goal of the surgery is to reduce the breast size so that they are more comfortable and proportional to the woman’s physique. |
What results can be expected from breast reduction?
It is important to openly discuss your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon, who will then be able to offer advice on the results that can be expected from the surgery. Some examinations and investigations may be required before a decision is made.
Breast reduction surgery will generally improve a woman’s comfort and satisfaction with their body, but it may not be a perfect solution.
Benefits of breast reduction
Thousands of mammaplasties are performed every year, and most women are happy with the results. A study of 66 women who had undergone breast reduction reported that the women showed a 94% satisfaction with the results of the procedure (in terms of size, shape, nipple position, and sensation in the breast) This study also reported great improvement in self-esteem, and problems with appearance, exercise and embarrassment over breast size were substantially reduced.
Overall, this and other studies have shown that breast reduction improves function, wellbeing and quality of life for women with excessively large or sagging breasts.
Risks of breast reduction
The chances of any complications occurring depends on the type of breast reduction done and a number of other factors, including past medical history, smoking status, family history, and previous surgical history.
The risks of breast reduction surgery can be divided into risks of surgery in general, and the risks specific to breast reduction.
The general risks of surgery include:
- Anaesthetic risk;
- Post-operative pain;
- Respiratory problems;
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs: This is routinely prevented with heparin injections before the surgery; and
- Injury to surrounding organs: This will usually be treated during the surgery.
Specific risks of breast reduction surgery include:
- Infection;
- Wound breakdown;
- Bleeding;
- Asymmetry of breasts (size and shape);
- Abnormal scarring;
- Loss of sensation in the nipple or breast skin;
- Breastfeeding problems; and
- Need for repeat surgery.
Scarring
Scars are usually situated around the areola and under the breast, and are inevitable results of the surgery. However, their locations usually make them less visible with time. Tell your plastic surgeon if you have a tendency to scar.
Sensitivity
Changes in nipple and areola sensitivity depend on the surgical technique used rather than the amount of breast tissue taken out. Some techniques have a higher risk of injuring the nerves supplying the nipple and areola.
Breastfeeding
Cuts around the areola may sever some milk ducts and cause some nerve damage, and thus may affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed. Research on the impact of reduction mammaplasty on breastfeeding performance showed more difficulty and less success with breastfeeding in women who underwent the surgery, compared to women who did not. Some of the current breast reduction techniques may help preserve the ability to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is a concern, you should discuss it with your plastic surgeon before the operation.