Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is an invasive cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted fat and excess tissue from the breasts to make them more proportional to the rest of your body.
Breast reduction in Dubai enables patients to get relief from the discomfort and physical strain that comes with overly large breasts. This blog will give a detailed overview of what breast reduction surgery is and how it is performed.
Reasons Why Breast Reduction Surgery Is Done
Women opt for breast reduction surgery for multiple reasons:
- Persistent back, shoulder, and neck pain due to large breasts
- Negative self-image related to physical appearance
- Irritation and rash under the breasts
- Inability to participate in physical activities freely
- Pain and numbness due to compression of nerves
- Poor posture
- Difficulty fitting in clothes and bras
Preparation for Surgery
Before the surgery, your Plastic Surgeon will examine your medical background and general health. They will discuss in detail your idea of the ideal size and appearance for your breasts. You will also be briefed about the procedure, its advantages, and disadvantages, including the extent of scarring and the loss of sensation that might occur after the surgery.
The Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will also assess and measure your breasts to devise the perfect surgical plan for you. To keep a record of your medical history and reference, they will also take several photos from different angles. Lastly, they will walk you through the general procedure of the surgery and may advise you to:
- Take an ultrasound and mammogram
- Quit smoking for 6 weeks before the surgery
- Stop taking medications that can interfere with your healing process by causing bleeding like aspirin, NSAIDs, and herbal medications
Procedure of Breast Reduction
The surgery is performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia. Plastic Surgeons can use liposuction and excision or both approaches to bring about the desired results.
Incisions for removing extra tissue, skin, and fat can follow any of the following patterns:
- Circular incision: Plastic Surgeons make a circular cut around the edges of areola or peripheral to it to reduce breast tissue.
- Keyhole incision: It follows a racquet-shaped pattern as it goes around the areola and then extends vertically down towards the breast fold.
- Inverted T incision: The incision goes horizontally sideways along the crease of the breast fold and ascends upward to the areola from the middle – making an anchor-shaped scar.
After drawing the incisions, nipples are relocated from their position to the desired location but they remain attached to their original blood and nerve supply. Underlying breast tissue is then lifted, dissected, and removed along with excess fat. Plastic Surgeons may also trim the edges of the areola to readjust its size and reposition the nipple-areola complex to a more optimal place.
Finally, loose and extra skin is trimmed to help it adjust according to the new conditions. Plastic Surgeons then close the incisions with the help of stitches.
Post-Operative Care
Following the surgery, your breasts will be covered with bandages for support. You will be given painkillers which will reduce the pain and discomfort that accompanies the surgery. Drainage tubes will be put in place to avoid fluid retention and subsequent swelling.
Your Practitioner will advise you to avoid physical activities for at least 4-6 weeks and go back to routine no earlier than a week. You may also be required to wear a surgical support bra until significant healing has taken place.
Are You a Good Candidate?
You make an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery if:
- You are not breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant in the near future
- You have a stable weight or have undergone substantial weight loss
- You don’t smoke
- You are not obese/overweight
What’s Next?
If you are interested in knowing more about breast reduction in Dubai, feel free to contact the Al Shunnar patient care team. Our coordinators will readily schedule a personal consultation session for you with one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.
