Having excessively large breasts (also known as Macromastia) can cause a woman to have both physical and emotional distress. The weight of the breasts for individuals with macromastia often results in physical discomfort and pain making it challenging for them to engage in various common physical activities.
Breast reduction surgery also called reduction mammaplasty is a procedure that reduces the breast size by removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin. This achieves a breast size that is more proportionate with your body and tends to alleviate the discomfort that is associated with macromastia (excessively large breasts).
Women with macromastia often suffer from the following:
- Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Rash or skin irritation under the breasts
- Restricted activities
- Nerve pain
- Difficulty fitting into clothing and bras
- Poor self-image
Breast reduction in Dubai is not restricted to women who suffer from macromastia but it can also be performed on women who are bothered by the size of their breasts and desire to reduce them.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Breast Reduction
To be the ideal candidate for Breast Reduction you must meet several of the following criteria:
- Be physically healthy
- Have realistic expectations
- Be a nonsmoker
- Be bothered by your breasts being too large
- Have breasts that limit common physical activities
- Experience back, neck, and shoulder pain due to the weight of the breasts
- Have skin irritation beneath the breasts
- Have shoulder indentions caused by bra straps
However. Breast reduction is not recommended if you are obese, smoke, suffer from certain health conditions such as heart issues or diabetes, or you want to avoid scars on your breasts.
You might also want to postpone breast reduction surgery if you still want to give birth as breastfeeding following breast reduction can be challenging and unpredictable and also if you intend to lose weight.
Breast reduction can be done at any age but if the breasts are not yet fully developed, you may need another procedure in the future.
Preparing for Breast Reduction
Breast reduction should only be performed by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who is an expert in breast procedures.
In preparations for reduction mammoplasty, your Plastic Surgeon will do the following:
- Evaluate your overall health and medical history
- Discuss your expectations
- Examine and measure your breasts
- Provide a detailed description of the procedure, benefits, and risks including the expected scarring
- Take photographs of your breasts for referral and medical records
- Explain the type of anesthesia that will be used during the surgery
Before the breast reduction surgery, you may also be asked to do the following:
- Get a baseline mammogram and ultrasound.
- Take some lab tests
- Avoid smoking for a certain period, before and after the surgery
Avoid taking certain medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements as these medications can result in more bleeding during surgery.
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction is usually performed through incisions on the breasts for the surgical removal of excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin. In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove the excess fat in conjunction with the excision techniques described below especially on the outer chest.
Different incision techniques can be used for breast reduction and the one used is determined by the individual’s condition, breast composition, amount of breast reduction desired, the Plastic Surgeon’s advice, and your personal preference.
Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure and it can be done under either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia but for large breasts general anesthesia is usually recommended.
The incision techniques include:
- A circular pattern around the areola in which the incision lines will remain visible but can be well concealed under a bra or a swimsuit. This is only really used in a very mild reduction with minimal sagging.
- A racquet or keyhole-shaped pattern involves an incision made around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. This is used for medium reductions.
- An anchor or inverted T-shaped incision pattern. This is the gold standard used for most reductions.
Once the incision is made, the nipple (which remains connected to its original nerve and blood supply) is repositioned. In most cases, the nipple and areola need to be repositioned to a higher position. If necessary, the areola can also be reduced by excising skin at the perimeter. The underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted, and shaped.
Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly formed breasts. Incision lines are brought together to reshape the now smaller breasts. These incisions are closed meticulously so as to create the best scar possible.
Recovery and Results
Immediately after surgery, the breasts will be covered in gauze dressings, a drainage tube might be placed in the incision sites to drain any excess blood and fluid, and you will be put on antibiotics and pain medication to decrease the risk of infection and control the discomfort.
In the first week, the breasts will be tender, sensitive, swollen, and bruised. You will be required to wear a compression bra which will be provided by the clinic to protect the breasts and control the swelling. You will be instructed to use certain creams on your scars to optimize the wound healing and scar formation.
Physical activities should be limited for about two to four weeks as the healing takes place and underwire bras should be worn with caution but not necessarily avoided depending on the fit for a few months after the surgery.
The results of breast reduction surgery are immediately visible but tend to fully show once the post-surgical swelling and bruising have resolved.
To Know More
Would you like to understand what options are available for Breast Reduction in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.
