Q & A’s: Types of Breast Reduction

1. Do I need to perform any tests before a breast reduction surgery?

Before a breast reduction surgery, you will be advised to do a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test,renal function test,thyroid profile,RBS, It will give your Cosmetic surgeon an overview of your general health. Also your doctor may ask for sonomammogram/mammogram  to rule out any possible breast problems.

Your cosmetic surgeon will also do a physical examination and an evaluation of your overall health prior to deciding on a breast reduction surgery.

You need to openly discuss with your surgeon the medications you are on or any other medical history or health complications that you have.

2. How will I know if I am a right candidate for breast reduction surgery?

The decision to have a breast reduction surgery is to be made by yourself. However, if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you may be considered a right candidate for a breast reduction surgery.

1. Breasts which are very large and look disproportionate to your body size
2. Back, neck and/or shoulder pain caused by heavy breast size
3. Poor self-image because of the large breasts
4. Difficulty fitting into bras and clothes
5. Frequent rashes and skin irritation under the breasts
6. Restricted activity due to large breasts

A Cosmetic Surgeon, will need to do an evaluation and confirm if you can go ahead with a reduction mammoplasty.

3. What is Liposuction for breast reduction?

Breast Reduction using Liposuction is apt for slight to moderate reduction in breast size. It is suitable for those who have good skin elasticity which will help the skin to snap back into place. This procedure aims to correct the excess fatty tissue which is the cause of the large breast size. The best part of liposuction procedure is that, it is minimally invasive and gives good results for long term. This procedure leaves virtually undetectable scars on breasts, it involves two small incisions around the breast crease and it is made under the breast to make it difficult to notice from normal angles.

4. What is “Benelli” Breast Reduction?

Benelli breast reduction is also called Doughnut breast reduction. It is more commonly used for breastlift where not much of reduction is needed.This type of reduction mammoplasty suits those who need moderate reduction in breast size and are looking for firming, lifting and shaping of breasts. Doughnut breast reduction is typically suitable for breasts which are mildly enlarged. It involves an incision around the outside of the areola, and the scars are not much noticeable as the darker skin of the areola helps to hide it to some extent.

5. What is Vertical or lollipop breast reduction?

If you require moderate reduction in breast together with correction in sagging and asymmetrical formation, then vertical or lollipop breast reduction is the best alternative. It is the commonest from of breast reduction done.It involves two incision, first incision made around the areola and the second incision starts vertically from the bottom of the areola to the centre of the lower half of breast.

Here the extra tissue and fat are removed, the breasts reshaped and lifted. From the scarring point o f view, it might leave some scars but it can easily hide with the use of bra or bikini top.

6. What is Inverted T or anchor breast reduction?

Inverted T breast reduction allows maximum degree tissue removal , so this procedure is adopted when there is sizeable removal of tissue for breast reduction. It is a best alternative if there is substantial sagging and asymmetry involved for correction. As the name suggest the incision forms the shape of an anchor or inverted T which involves three incisions, one around the areola and the second incision starts vertically from the areola and reach up to the breast crease and the third incision made along the crease underneath the areola.  It allows greatest control for the surgeon to shape the breast but may leave some scars.

7. What is ‘No Vertical Scar’ breast reduction?

As the name suggests, the ‘No Vertical Scar’ breast reduction technique tries to reduce scar and it involves two incisions. First incision is performed around the areola and another from the breast crease. In this type of breast reduction, the shaping of breast is limited since the skin cannot be removed from the horizontal axis. Although this type of breast reduction minimizes the scar and gives an unoperated look, it has been coitized for other reasons. This type of reduction is not ideal for all types of breasts.

It is understood that breast reduction surgery enhances the appearance of the breasts but more than that it will ease the emotional and physical discomfort. Many patients have reported about the immediate relief from back and shoulder pain. One must understand that healing is a time-consuming process and we should always be prepared for it.

8. What is the recovery time for a breast reduction surgery?

The breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two. For a full recovery, one needs between two to six weeks, however after a week one can start their daily activities but they need to avoid doing any strenuous activities for about a month. You will be advised to wear a surgical bra for six to eight weeks. It is important to make sure that once you are in your bras, the breasts need to be properly supported and the nipples facing forward or upward.  Your Cosmetic Surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You will need to work hand in hand with your Cosmetic Surgeon and follow the instructions carefully.

9. Are there any risks associated with breast reduction surgery?

Like any other surgical procedure, a breast reduction surgery also involves some level of risk. However, there are very rare cases of reported complications after a reduction mammoplasty. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss in detail about the risks, the recovery and the do’s and don’ts for a breast reduction surgery. It is very important that you closely work with your cosmetic surgeon and follow all the instructions religiously to get the best outcome.

10. Are there any age restrictions for undergoing a Breast Reduction Surgery?

A breast reduction surgery or reduction mammoplasty can be performed at any age. Like most of the Cosmetic Surgeons, the Breast Reduction Specialist at Pink Apple Aesthetics recommend that it is best to do a breast reduction surgery once the breasts are fully developed. It is also recommended to perform a reduction mammoplasty after one has had children, as the childbearing and breastfeeding makes the breasts saggy and cause many other changes in the size and shape of your breasts.

You can discuss your options with your cosmetic surgeon. It also depends on the reason for opting for a breast reduction surgery, which your cosmetic surgeon can advise you best.