Having beautiful breasts that you feel comfortable and happy with doesn’t necessarily warrant having bigger breasts. Sometimes, breast reduction is a considerably better option compared to breast augmentation. Of course, the ideal breast size will solely depend on the individual and their unique proportions and body shape. This is why a professional opinion from an expert breast surgeon in Miami is all the more valuable. That said, in the following article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of breast reduction surgery.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure where extra tissue, skin, and fat from the breasts are removed. This procedure might be necessary for women whose breasts are too large for their body shape, and this disproportion is causing issues such as pain in their back and neck. Aside from female candidates who need breast reduction, this surgery can also be very helpful for men suffering from gynecomastia (male breast enlargement).

This procedure is considered a major surgery, which is precisely why it’s so important to get the most out of consultations and learn as much as possible about breast reduction surgery recovery as well as be aware of the common problems after breast reduction surgery that could happen.

Breast Reduction Surgery Consultation

Portrait of Female Doctor Choosing Mammary Prosthesis in the Office.

Obviously, you can’t just go into the doctor’s office and request breast reduction surgery. The doctor has to assess your overall health condition and check your breasts first. You will have to provide answers about your own and your family’s medical history. Make sure to mention whatever medical condition you may have, no matter how small it may seem to you. Of course, be sure to tell the doctor if you ever head a breast lump removal.

You’re always welcome to seek medical help from the Breast Care Center Team. Be ready for complete transparency and honesty with your doctor. This doesn’t only include the physical issues you may be dealing with because of your breasts but also the emotional problems this may be causing you.

During the consultations, the doctor will have to examine your breasts. This often includes measuring and photographing them. You will discuss the ideal shape and size of the breasts based on your proportions and how much reduction will be necessary to achieve that.

You will also have to be very open about your daily habits, especially bad ones like smoking. Make sure to share what meds and supplements you take with your doctor, even the herbal ones. For instance, adequate breast reduction surgery recovery will require you to stop smoking for the time being before and after the procedure. It might also be necessary to avoid taking some meds that could affect the recovery, such as aspirin and similar anti-inflammatory drugs.

Breast Reduction Preparation

Aside from quitting smoking and using certain meds before the surgery, the biggest preparation practices actually have to do with your post-op. Essentially, preparing your home for a smooth recovery process, faster healing, and minimal risk of breast reduction scars is crucial.

That said, make sure to arrange and adjust your home in a way that would be the most comfortable for you after the surgery. Remember to prepare the essentials such as ice, enough towels, washcloths, and gauze, as well as different tops to wear that will be loose and comfy enough. The doctor will tell you what creams and ointments you’ll need to apply on the incision sites to minimize the appearance of breast reductions scars and speed up the healing process, so definitely get those before the surgery as well.

In case you won’t be staying the night in the hospital, it would be best to ask someone to spend the first night after the surgery with you at home. Furthermore, arrange to have someone drive you home after the breast reduction as well.

Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure

It all depends on your particular case. You might have to spend the night in the hospital or an outpatient facility. However, you will definitely have to receive general anesthesia and be fully asleep during the surgery. The entire process can last between two and five hours, sometimes even longer.

Depending on what the goal is in terms of how much fat and tissue will be removed and how your breasts should appear, there are different breast reduction methods:

  • Liposuction; the surgeon will remove the fluids and fat from the breasts with a suction. This is effective for people who don’t need to have their skin removed as well.  
  • Vertical or lollipop method; ideal for saggy breasts that require moderate reduction. The surgeon makes an incision from the areola to the breast crease, removes the fat and tissue, and then lifts and reshapes the breast.
  • Inverted-T or anchor method; the cut is the same as in the vertical but extends along the entire breast crease. This method is most effective for those patients who have a lot of unevenness and sagging and generally large reductions.

Once they do the stitches, the surgeon will wrap the breasts in a special gauze, but it also might be necessary to wear a surgical bra for a while.

Common Problems After Breast Reduction Surgery

Portrait of Doctor With Measure Tape Measuring the Size of the Patient’s Breast.

One of the most common problems after breast reduction surgery has everything to do with breast reduction scars. This is a normal occurrence considering that the surgery involves incisions. The appearance of the scars will fade over time, but they will never go away completely. Make sure not to do any heavy lifting too soon post-surgery, or they could become even worse.

Other issues that could happen are similar to other risks related to major surgeries in general, such as:

  • Brief or long-term feeling loss in nipples/breasts
  • Side effects of general anesthesia
  • Bleeding or blood clots
  • Nerve and/or blood vessel damage
  • Bruising and swelling
  • Infections

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Depending on your particular case, you might need to take a couple of weeks off from work, but one week will definitely be necessary. Make sure to avoid physical activity for one month, minimum. Also, go on all follow-up appointments that your doctor schedules for you so that they can keep track of your recovery and remove the stitches and bandages accordingly.

It’s normal to feel pain in your breasts and overall fatigue after the surgery. You will get a painkiller that you can safely take during this period. It’s also not uncommon to feel emotional and a bit depressed after the surgery. That should pass on its own after a while but don’t hesitate to let your doctor know about it if the condition persists.

Breast reduction surgery may be necessary for people suffering physically and emotionally from the overly large size of their breasts. In most cases, it’s covered by health insurance. If you believe you’re a good candidate for breast reduction, feel free to reach out to us at Breast Care Center Miami.