Ilya Alekseevich Almazov, plastic surgeon at Olympus Clinic, told all about reduction mammoplasty.
When should I have breast reduction surgery?
The reasons may be different, but the most common is that patients do not like large breasts aesthetically. It also causes physical discomfort, specifically:
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Pain in the back, neck and shoulders is due to excessive chest weight, which creates additional stress on the muscles and spine.
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Unpleasant odor due to excessive sweating
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Limited mobility — large breasts can interfere with physical activity, making it difficult to exercise or daily movements.
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Skin irritation — Friction under the breast may cause irritation or inflammation of the skin.
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Incorrect posture — constant leaning forward due to the heaviness of the chest can lead to slouching.
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Compression of the straps — the heaviness of the chest can cause pain and traces of bra straps on the shoulders.
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Reducing the risk of breast cancer — up to 75% of the probability of breast cancer is reduced, as the volume of breast tissue decreases.
Because of the large breasts, it can be difficult to find clothes that you like. There are also moral problems: not everyone wants to receive excessive attention.
But some things may delay your surgery. For example, if the patient is overweight. In this case, doctors advise you to lose weight first, as this can reduce the risk of complications: people with a high body mass index often have an increased risk of infections after surgery due to slower tissue healing.
If the patient is planning a pregnancy in the near future, this may affect the results of the operation, since the breast may change in size and shape after breastfeeding.
And how to prepare for reduction mammoplasty?
Preparation is an important stage that helps to minimize risks and feel calm after surgery.
Consultation with a surgeon
During the meeting with the doctor, discuss your expectations, ask about the stages of surgery, possible risks and types of incisions. Olymp Clinic plastic surgeons always conduct an honest dialogue so that patients understand what result awaits them after surgery.
Analyses and examinations
You will be assigned a series of tests and, possibly, a mammogram to make sure that there are no health problems and that you are ready for surgery. What tests will you need to take?
General blood test (UAC), a biochemical blood test;
Blood test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis;
Determination of blood type and Rh factor;
Hemostasiogram (blood clotting test);
General Urine Analysis (OAM);
Mammography or ultrasound examination of the mammary glands (ultrasound);
Electrocardiogram (ECG);
Fluorography or X-ray of the lungs (valid for a year);
Quitting smoking
If you smoke, try to stop smoking a few weeks before surgery. This will improve blood circulation and help the tissues heal faster.
Transition to a healthy lifestyle
Eat more healthy food with vitamins and minerals, sleep at least 8 hours and exercise. You need to be in good shape before surgery so that recovery is quick and easy.
Planning a vacation
The operation will take several weeks and your strength to recover, so it's worth planning a vacation in advance.
A comfortable home
Prepare everything you need for your recovery for the first time after surgery: comfortable loose clothes (preferably strapless), pillows to support your back, and, of course, a list of good movies or books to relax.
Support for loved ones
After the operation, you will need help: from grocery shopping to simple care in the first days. Therefore, arrange in advance with relatives or friends so that they are nearby.
Types of reduction mammoplasty
Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia. The operation can take from one and a half to three hours.
During the consultation, the plastic surgeons of Olympus Clinics, together with the patient, determine which of the two incisions will be used: vertical or T-shaped, which is also called anchor.
A vertical incision is chosen when significant breast reduction is not required. It starts around the areola, then goes vertically down to the fold under the breast, without a horizontal incision.
T-the inverted incision has the shape of an inverted letter "T". The vertical line runs from the areola down to the fold under the breast, and the horizontal line is located along this fold. This method is used when removing a large volume of tissue or when correcting severe ptosis (breast prolapse).
The choice of incision also depends on the characteristics of the skin and the shape of the breast, as well as on the goals of the operation, for example, improving the shape and symmetry of the breast.
Recovery after reduction mammoplasty
After surgery, absorbable or non-absorbable sutures will be applied to your incisions. The absorbable seams will disappear by themselves and they will not need to be removed. If non-absorbable sutures were used, the plastic surgeon will remove them in about two weeks.
In Olympus Clinics, patients are left in a cozy hospital for a day after surgery. There, your condition will be monitored by a plastic surgeon and medical staff, who will respond to your concerns at any time.
A gauze bandage will be applied to the incisions, which will be held by a bra. Change the bandage if necessary, for example, if it gets dirty or wet, especially with a large discharge of liquid, as well as after a shower.
Within a few days after surgery, a small amount of bloody fluid may be released from the incisions — this is normal. Sometimes, especially after a shower, the discharge of fluid may increase. If too much fluid is released, it turns bright red, and the breast is hard or swollen, put an additional pad in the bra and inform the plastic surgeon.
Most patients are mobile from day one and return to daily life within six weeks. But everyone recovers in different ways. Be sure to discuss your return to work and physical activity with the surgeon.
Breast after reduction mammoplasty
Over time, the swelling after surgery will subside. It may take about 18 months for the red scars to turn into barely noticeable lines. With each passing week, your breasts will become softer and look more natural, and the new size will allow you to no longer experience pain.
The results of reduction mammoplasty are permanent. However, over time, breasts may change due to age, weight fluctuations, or hormones.
Olympus Clinic is about caring
Most of our plastic surgeons are candidates of medical sciences. They constantly hone their skills and learn new, less invasive techniques, undergo internships in different countries under the guidance of world doctors. But our specialists are also empathetic people who take care of each patient. From the first meeting until your discharge, they take care of safety and comfort: dispel fears, keep in touch at every stage, monitor proper recovery after surgery. It is important for us that you enjoy the result and enjoy communicating with the specialists of Olympus Clinics.