Neck and back pain, incisive bra straps and irritated skin under the breasts represent complaints that women with very large breasts have to deal with. In addition to the physical complaints, there may also be impairments of the freedom of movement during sports and other activities. In many cases, it makes sense to surgically reduce the size of the breasts in order to alleviate the symptoms. Breast reduction can also be recommended for purely aesthetic reasons. After breast reduction, also called breast reduction, the breasts are smaller and have a reduced weight, which reduces the load on the tissues. In addition, the breast tissue is always tightened during a reduction plasty.
How does a breast reduction work?
A breast reduction is very similar in its process to a breast lift and differs from this primarily in the amount and type of tissue removed. The breast reduction is performed inpatient and is performed under general anesthesia. In the run-up to the treatment, it is determined in close consultation between doctor and patient how much tissue should be removed from the breast. The extent of the reduction has an influence on the incision during surgery. If it is a moderate reduction, which should be particularly tissue-friendly and scar-saving, this is carried out by the so-called Lollipop method. Through a circular incision around the areola, the nipple is raised and repositioned. Through a vertical incision from the edge of the areola down to the lower breast fold, glandular tissue, fatty tissue and excess skin can be removed from the breast. If it is very heavy breasts or the existing skin has a low traction capacity, a horizontal incision can also be made in the underbust fold. This method of cutting is also called the T – cut method. After the removal of breast tissue, the breast with the upper parts of the breast is reshaped, the nipple receives its new position and wound drains are placed. The incisions are sutured and a support bra is applied.
What needs to be considered after a breast reduction?
After the surgical breast reduction, the patient must remain in the clinic for another 1-2 days. The day after the operation, the wound drains are removed. The patient is discharged with the support bra and should wear it for at least 6 weeks. In the first 6 weeks after the breast reduction, the patient should not sleep on her stomach, sports and other strenuous physical activities are not recommended again until about one and a half months after the operation. About 8-12 weeks after the procedure, the final result of the breast reduction can be assessed.