According to the Mayo Clinic, breast-reduction surgery, mammoplasty, can help women who have large breasts eliminate problems such as chronic neck, shoulder and back pain and poor posture, as well as skin rash under the breasts. Mammoplasty is a term used to describe changing the size of the breasts. It can refer to breast enlargement (augmentation) and breast reduction.
Breast-reduction surgery is generally reserved for women age 20 and over, however, the surgery is sometimes performed on teenage girls who are suffering substantial psychological and/or physical effects. Several potential complications are involved with this surgery.
Effects
The most frequently used mammoplasty technique involves an anchor-shaped incision though which the surgeon removes a surplus of breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce the size of your breast.
In the majority of cases, the nipple and areola, the darker skin of the breast which is around the nipple in a circular area, remain untouched during surgery. However, when breasts are excessively large and tend to dangle, the surgeon may have to remove the nipple and areola from their blood vessels and nerves and reattach them at a higher position.
This procedure causes a permanent loss of sensation in the nipples and can make a woman unable to breast-feed.
Post-Surgery
Upon completion of a mammoplasty, your breasts are protected with a gauze dressing or elastic bandages. You will be given pain medication and antibiotics to reduce your chance of infection. Some patients have same-day surgery, while others will spend a night in the hospital.
Your breasts will most likely feel tender and sensitive for about one month, and there may be bruising and swelling. The scars from your incisions are permanent.
It can take as long as six months for your new, smaller breasts to take full shape.
Risks
Several risks are associated with breast-reduction surgery in addition to the problems with breast-feeding. As with most major operations, there is the possibility of infection. Symptoms include swelling, soreness and redness.
Subtle differences in shape or size of the breasts (asymmetry) are common after mammoplasty. The majority of breast-reduction patients will experience temporary alteration in nipple sensation that can take months to return.
Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, mammoplasty complications may include impaired blood supply to the nipples, which can result in scarring and possible loss of the nipple. There is also a chance of irreversible numbness in the nipple and/or entire breast.
Some patients may have psychological reactions following breast reduction surgery as they adjust to their new body image and change in appearance. There is always the possibility of patient dissatisfaction after the operation either because they think the breasts are still too large or too small.
Outlook
Despite the various risks and possible complications, most breast reductions provide satisfactory results. You may need to wear a supportive bra for several months, as your breasts reform to their new, smaller size.
Breast reduction surgery alleviates shoulder pressure from bra straps, allows physical activities that were once burdensome and can result in an improved self-image.
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