Breast reduction treatment, sometimes referred to as mastopexy, is the cosmetic plastic surgery procedure used to decrease the size of heavy, overly large breasts. Women with excessively large busts are more likely to experience social embarrassment and self-consciousness, but there may be a solution to this problem. A surgeon will remove excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the breast during a breast reduction mammoplasty. This surgery will also improve a woman’s posture who may have developed drooping breasts over the years. In addition, a breast reduction will allow a woman to reclaim her lifetime breasts and look her best in one of the most prominent and often admired physical attributes: Her bust.
Women can be scheduled for breast reduction treatment no longer than two weeks apart. There should be absolutely no delay in surgery, even if the breasts are not noticeably swollen at the time of the surgery. A few days or a week after surgery is recommended, depending on the extent of the surgery. Recovery from surgery typically takes two weeks or less.
After surgery, your breasts may swell for several weeks, so follow-up visits to your doctor will be helpful. A normal recovery process consists of two to three days of light walking, resting, and taking plenty of breaks. The pain and swelling will likely be reduced or eliminated within a few weeks. You can resume normal activities in between recovery sessions.
Since reduction procedures are considered major surgeries, finding a board-certified plastic surgeon well experienced in the procedure is important. Your surgeon should be board-certified and have at least two years of experience in breast reductions. Scarring from this procedure is usually minor and will be hidden by the natural appearance of your breasts. However, scars may be noticeable if implants are used or if the procedure is performed improperly.
Breast reduction is an excellent method to reduce the size and shape of your breasts while also reducing the risk of breast cancer. Abnormal fat is surgically removed from under the skin, while the excess fat and tissue are reshaped through lipolysis and liposuction. After surgery, patients may require a period of downtime to allow the body to heal and regain its elasticity. Most patients can go back to work and finish their day-to-day routines a few weeks after surgery.
During your recovery period, you may experience varying degrees of shoulder pain and discomfort, depending on the area where the procedure was performed and whether or not you had a lumpectomy. Pain medications are available at your local pharmacy, but most patients report reduced pain over several weeks. Some patients, however, do experience pain beyond the initial recovery period. If this occurs, it is important to contact your surgeon as soon as possible to diagnose complications.