Breast Reduction: A Complicated Procedure

Over-sized breasts can cause a number of health issues that will prompt both men and women to seek seek breast reduction surgery. Although a breast reduction is performed by a plastic surgery, many patients will consider this option for practical reasons, especially if over-sized breast get in the way of normal activities.

Hypertrophy is a medical term used to describe the enlargement of body organs or tissues. In extreme cases, each breast can weigh up to 20 pounds, which causes severe back strain and interference with normal activities. Sometimes, this can be a complication of pregnancy. Often times the hypertrophy corrects itself after pregnancy, but sometimes surgical intervention is necessary. Hypertrophy is also a natural function of puberty. However, this can exceed beyond natural growth, which would also require corrective surgery. Gynecomastia is a medical term that describes excess localize fat in a man's chest; it accounts for up to 65 percent of all male breast disorders. It is the result of hormonal changes in young men during puberty, which causes the formation of breasts. Many men seek breast reduction to correct this condition, and restore their male physique.

Breast reduction surgery requires a skilled surgeon, who can safely remove excess fat and skin, as well as reconstruct the breasts to provide to appear natural, yet still have some function. This is done using a number of techniques, which will differ depending on the patient's needs. Pedicle techniques involve making incisions to move the nipple to a higher position while preserving its sensitivity and function. Plastic surgeons and patients alike prefer pedicle techniques because it produces the best cosmetic results.

However, women with very large or saggy breasts may not be good candidates because there may be some issues with nipple circulation, or loss after surgery. Many men will also seek liposuction because it is a technique that is best for smaller breasts with fatty non-dense breast tissue. Liposuction is also faster than the other techniques, and produces less scarring. The free nipple graft technique is best for elderly women, or patients with larger breasts because it removes the nipple, which enables the surgeon to remove more excess tissue in a shorter amount of time. However, since it removes the nipple, it loses functionality and patients have a longer recovery time. In all cases, the procedure requires general anesthesia and recovery times of at least two weeks, but recovery also depends on the technique used.

Breast reduction surgery is a little more complicated than augmentation. Both men and women need a qualified and highly skilled plastic surgeon who can restore the breasts to a more manageable size. This involves more skill because many patients are concerned with nipple preservation and sensation, which is especially important for young women who are still in their child-bearing years. Furthermore, there are several techniques that can be used, and it is best to find a surgeon who can successfully perform any of these methods.