Breast reduction refers to operations in which fat and glandular tissues are removed from the breasts. The purpose of these operations is to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. Breast reduction surgeries are performed by plastic surgeons and can take between two and four hours.
The main purpose of breast reduction operations is to provide a more comfortable life for people who suffer problems due to large breasts.
What is Breast Reduction?
Surgical procedures to reduce the size and weight of the breast are called breast reduction aesthetics. Women with large breasts can suffer from health problems such as back pain and poor posture. In addition, large breasts can also cause aesthetic problems. By reducing the size of your breasts, you can overcome these problems and have a more aesthetic appearance.
In breast reduction surgeries, the relevant tissues or fat are basically removed through incisions. Large breasts can be a burden for many women. The weight and dimensions of the large breast can lead to chronic back and neck pain. In some cases, even herniated discs may occur.
Psychological problems can also arise due to very large breasts. This also interferes with your sex life and sports activities. In addition, the fact that both breasts are not the same size can lead to aesthetic problems.
The aim of breast reduction operations is to relieve the complaints of the patient and to create more symmetrical breasts. Breast reduction surgeries last 2 to 4 hours depending on the case. After the operation, hospitalization is usually required for 1 day.
Things to Consider Before Breast Reduction Surgery
Before breast reduction operations, certain preparations must be in place. Your surgeon will inform you about the things you need to pay attention to before the operation. Your compliance with these will also influence the success of the surgery.
You should share all your concerns and questions with your surgeon before the operation. In addition, if there are people in your family who have been treated for cancer, you should share this information with your surgeon. Most breast reduction operations are performed under general anesthesia. If you are currently taking any medicines, do not forget to consult with your physician.
Before surgery, it is necessary to stop taking blood thinners. You should also share this with your surgeon if you have a cold or similar illness before the operation.
In case you are taking supplements such as multivitamins, you should stop taking them 3-4 days before the operation. You should also quit smoking as early as possible after surgery. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. This has a negative effect on wound healing. If you quit smoking, it will positively affect both the success of your surgery and the recovery time afterwards.
In addition, you should have realistic expectations about the breast reduction operation. Unrealistic goals may disappoint you.
Things to Consider After Breast Reduction Surgery
Patients are usually hospitalized for 1 day after breast reduction surgery. Once you are discharged the day after surgery, you will need to rest at home for at least three days. You will need to take painkillers and antibiotics after this surgery. Do not neglect to take your medication regularly. You should also have your dressings applied periodically after surgery.
The healing state of your body will continue for a long time. For this reason, you should not perform activities that will strain your arm for at least 4 weeks after surgery. You should avoid movements such as weight lifting, pushing and pulling. Besides this, you should also use the sports bra recommended by your doctor for 1 month. This bra should be worn as much as possible day and night. Sports bras that will relieve your pain will also help shape the breast.
Occurenc of swelling and edema in your breast tissue after surgery is quite normal. The edemas will subside rapidly for 3 to 4 weeks. This will depend on your body resistance and environmental factors. It may take 6 to 12 months for your breast to take its final shape. You may feel mild symptoms such as stinging and burning from time to time during this period.
There will be no sutures removed after the operation. The sutures will dissolve and fall off in about 3 weeks. Heavy sports should be avoided for 1 month after breast reduction surgery. You can only do sports such as light walking during this period. Exercises that strain the arms and chest muscles are extremely discouraged. If these muscles are strained, you may experience bleeding in the chest and your sutures may open.
One of the issues you should be aware of after surgery is smoking. You should continue smoking for 1 month after the operation, even if you stopped smoking before the operation. Smoking will narrow the small vessels and impair the nutrition of the tissue and skin at the operation site. This leads to slower wound healing. Smoking can also cause wound dehiscence, suture dehiscence, cell destruction, cell death, and inflammation.
From What Age Can Breast Reduction Be Performed?
The general approach to breast reduction surgery is to perform these operations after the age of 18, when breast development is complete.
Is There Loss of Sensation After Surgery?
There may be a temporary loss of sensation after breast reduction surgery. However, this situation will improve shortly. Later in the healing process, the sensation of the nipple will be restored.
Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cause Cancer?
Since the existing tissues will be reduced in breast reduction surgery, the possibility of cancer formation is also reduced. Nevertheless, remember that it does not eliminate the risk of cancer. Even if you have had a reduction, cancer can develop in your existing breast tissues. This is why you should continue to have regular breast screenings.
Are Scars Left After Breast Reduction?
In breast reduction surgeries, small incisions are made. These incision scars will become much less visible over time. Although some scars remain after the surgery, these scars will be minimized and become indistinct over time.
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