Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction, or mammoplasty, is a rather popular surgical procedure aiming at reducing excessive fat and tissue from the breasts, in order to deliver a more proportional appearance. In addition, it can mitigate pain (mainly neck pain and back pain) and discomfort related to unnaturally large breasts, a situation which usually prevents women from adopting an energetic lifestyle. Breast Reduction also addresses to men who may be harassed by gynecomastia (a situation in which male breasts are unusually big and prominent). So, here’s a brief overview of this well-known fat reducing and contouring procedure.
How Does Breast Reduction Work?
After a thorough pre-operative consultation with a certified medical professional, during which several factors are taken into consideration (suggestively, breast and areola size, breast symmetry, total body weight etc.), the procedure is ready to begin. Firstly, sedative medication is being employed to ensure that the patient is under general anesthesia ( check this for pros and cons of general anesthesia) for the whole operation. Subsequently, the surgeon makes an initial incision around the areola, before moving downwards to the bottom the breasts, following the natural curve of the breast crease. After that, the doctor uses those incisions to suck out the excess fat, tissue and skin through drainage tubes, and then relocates the areola to a higher spot so as to render a symmetric new appearance. Finally, dressings and gauzes are applied onto the incisions in order to guarantee proper support, healing and minimization of swelling. The procedure may last for about 2-4 hours.
Benefits
There are several advantages that a Breast Reduction operation can deliver:
- Well proportioned chest area and overall body figure
- Symmetry between the two breasts
- Repositioned areola, which adds to the new attractive appearance of the breasts
- Flat and properly “male-looking” chest for men
- Boosted self-confidence for men and women
- Relief from the pain and discomfort associated with the excess weight carried by women with big breasts
- Minimal side effects, no visible scars
- Almost permanent results (still, breasts’ appearance and size are subject to changes and deterioration because of aging, hormonal issues or weight gaining)
Side Effects
In general, Breast Reduction is considered as a very safe contouring method, mainly owing to its popularity as well as its constantly consummating technique. Yet, it remains an intrusive cosmetic procedure, and that means that the possibility of adverse reactions can not be excluded. In fact, there are a number of side effects that should be anticipated after a Breast Reduction:
- Swelling and bruising
- Infection
- Hematoma (bleeding) and occurrence of blood clots
- Breast contour and shape issues
- Unpleasing scarring
- Skin pigmentation
- Damage to blood vessels and muscles in the area
- Uneven breasts
- Intense stiffness in the breast area
- Transient inability to breastfeed
- Soreness and discomfort
- Allergic reactions to sutures and gauzes
Areas To Be Treated
Obviously, the whole breast area is the one that undergoes an operation like this; still, in-depth assessment of the problem between the patient and the surgeon is vital before the operation in order to identify the particular breast spots which need to be treated and reshaped.
Breast Reduction Cost
Taking into account that a surgical procedure of this type can literally transform a woman’s or man’s appearance, the expenses required for it are not particularly high. Nevertheless, it is not an operation which anyone can afford: the average price tag displayed on Realself.com is $5,675. Still, that is just indicative, since a whole bundle of other factors play a role to the final cost. These are:
- Pre-operative consultation charges
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia costs
- Hospital costs
- Location of the clinic
- Possible financing packages
- Post-surgery garment costs
- Expenditures associated to recuperative period medication
Breast Reduction Reviews
The feedback coming from actual patient’s testimonials is sizeable enough to ensure proper evaluation of the method. Taking those data into account, there is no doubt that Breast Reduction is one of the most effective and safe cosmetic procedures existing today, with the vast majority of patients claiming to be extremely satisfied with their choice to undergo the procedure. But the positive outcome is not achieved without exhaustive research for a board-certified plastic surgeon as well as without adhering to post operative instructions (for example, the patient must avoid excessive motion or abrasion during recuperation period).
Before and After Photos
Our Advice
On the whole, electing to undergo a Breast Reduction surgery can truly change your appearance for the better as well as effectively deal with issues associated with massive breasts. Therefore, if cost does not pose a serious obstacle, a woman or a man should have no hesitations in terms of receiving it. However, any interested person must have realistic expectations and always bear in mind that not everyone’s body and breasts are similar to another’s, so thorough consultation and browsing of before and after photos can give an idea of what to expect. In addition, a good candidate for Breast Reduction must have a relatively clear medical record, while abstaining from drugs, medications and smoking. Finally, it is useful to know that, in some cases, Breast Reduction can be performed in collaboration with other cosmetic procedures like Fat Transfer, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift Surgery or Liposuction, so as to generate the best possible outcome.
PS: Before Opting for an aesthetic procedure please read our article on the Ethics of Aesthetics to help yourself decide responsibly!
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