Breast Reduction: An Overview of the Procedure

Breast reduction is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures undertaken by men and women to date. Although the history of this procedure is short, there are many valid reasons to engage in this surgery. Different techniques are used for patents with specific body types so most individuals are eligible for the surgery.

Breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size through exercising the glandular tissue, fat and skin. Reduction mammaplasty is becoming a common practice within the medical field. Many women as well as men are undergoing this procedure because of the health risks involved with larger than normal breasts. 

History

Reduction mammaplasty has been performed for over 20 years but has only recently become commonplace. In the past, women simply accepted their discomfort as being a genetic trait. This has drastically changed since society has become much more accepting of cosmetic surgery to obtain a balanced body. 

Reasons for the Surgery

There are many reasons in which patients undergo reduction mammaplasty. Many women suffer from back shoulder and neck pain which results in poor posture. Also, breathing problems are often evident as well as poor sleeping patterns. Additionally, due to drooping, rashes often form. Furthermore, many patients that have lost a significant amount of weight, engage in this procedure for a better body balance. In-born asymmetry of the upper chest area is another reason for this procedure. Finally, a reduction mammaplasty significantly improves the patient’s self-confidence. 

Techniques

There are many different techniques utilized in reduction mammaplasty. These include:

• Inferior pedicle technique
• Liposuction-only technique
• Free nipple-graft technique
• Vertical scar technique
• Horizontal scar technique

The inferior pedicle technique creates an anchor-shaped incision that circles around the areola extending downward. At this point fat, glandular tissue and some skin are removed. Finally, the areola and nipple are shifted to a slightly higher position. The liposuction-only technique is only used for patients with anesthesia risks or those with smaller cup sizes that may be required for other techniques. Also, patients usually have fatty, dense tissue with little droop. The procedure is simply an incision with fat and glandular tissue being sucked out. 

The free nipple-graft method is only used for patients with potential risks like smokers, diabetics or those with large resection requirements. This method involves removing the areola and nipple and skin grafting them higher allowing for a larger quantity of tissue to be removed safely. The vertical scar technique removes the lateral and inferior tissues resulting in shorter scarring and faster surgery times. The horizontal scar technique also entails the removal of the lateral and inferior tissues, but in a horizontal incision. The results are the same as the vertical scar technique. 

Patient Eligibility

Reduction mammaplasty is geared toward women (and men) suffering from discomfort, breathing and sleeping problems and pain due to the size of their breasts. As a result, insurance companies usually cover this procedure. Fully-developed individuals are the best type of candidates.

Reduction mammaplasty can greatly improve a patient’s posture, sleeping and breathing habits as well as their overall self-confidence. Since it’s becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, men and women can look great and have a proportional, well-balanced body.

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