Breast reduction surgery (Mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure primarily used to reduce excessively large breasts, alleviating physiological and psychological issues caused by breast hypertrophy. This operation can reshape the breasts, reduce back and neck pain, and help patients regain ease in daily activities. Candidates typically include individuals experiencing physical discomfort due to overdeveloped breast tissue or psychological distress related to breast size.
The procedure mainly involves removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin, then reshaping the breasts to achieve a proportionate size. Surgeons select the most suitable incision techniques and repair methods based on the patient’s body type and needs to achieve both aesthetic and functional improvements.
Breast reduction techniques are primarily divided into three incision methods: vertical incision, lollipop incision, and peri-areolar incision. The vertical incision involves making a vertical cut around the areola, suitable for moderate tissue removal; the lollipop incision extends the vertical cut to address significant sagging; the peri-areolar incision preserves the shape of the areola but may leave more noticeable scars.
The mechanisms include tissue removal, skin tightening, and nipple-areola complex repositioning. Surgeons remove excess fat and glandular tissue, reposition the nipple, and suture the skin to form a new shape. This process requires careful preservation of nipple nerve and blood supply to maintain breastfeeding ability and sensation.
This surgery is mainly indicated for patients suffering from chronic pain due to breast hypertrophy, including shoulder and neck stiffness, back muscle strain, and postural abnormalities. Other indications include skin irritation or ulcers caused by breast ptosis, difficulty in clothing, and psychological issues due to appearance concerns.
The procedure is also suitable for cases of overgrowth of breast tissue that are non-pathological, provided the patient’s BMI is within a normal range and psychological stability is maintained. Surgeons evaluate age, tissue elasticity, and patient expectations to determine suitability.
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, requiring hospitalization for 1-3 days. Surgeons calculate the amount of tissue to be removed based on breast size, typically between 250-500 grams per side, but the exact amount is adjusted according to individual conditions. The operation lasts approximately 3-5 hours, including tissue removal, skin tightening, and suturing.
Postoperative care involves wearing compression garments for 4-6 weeks and engaging in rehabilitation exercises to restore activity range. Doctors may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics, and schedule regular follow-ups to monitor scar healing. Strenuous activities should be avoided within 6 months post-surgery to ensure tissue stabilization.
This procedure can permanently reshape the breasts with high scar concealment. Studies show that 90% of patients report significant improvements in quality of life six months post-operation, including reduced back pain frequency and improved psychological well-being.
Serious risks include anesthesia complications and vascular embolism, with an incidence of approximately 0.5%-2%. A small number of cases may experience impaired breastfeeding function, so thorough preoperative communication about breastfeeding needs is essential.
Preoperative measures include stopping anticoagulants at least two weeks prior and controlling chronic conditions such as diabetes. Surgery should be delayed for pregnant women, those with severe coagulation disorders, or insufficient psychological preparation. Strict adherence to postoperative care instructions is necessary to reduce complications.
Contraindications include individuals under 18 (due to incomplete tissue development), active infections, or cardiopulmonary insufficiency. Patients with previous breast surgeries should inform their surgeon for assessment of tissue conditions.
If patients are undergoing chemotherapy or hormone therapy, surgical timing should be adjusted to avoid impaired tissue healing. Interactions with anticoagulants may increase bleeding risk, requiring discontinuation before anesthesia.
Combination with augmentation or liposuction should be approached cautiously, ensuring that tissue removal and skin elasticity are compatible. Surgeons evaluate potential risks and benefits of combined treatments.
Clinical studies show that 85% of patients experience more than a 50% reduction in pain one year after surgery, with a 92% improvement rate in posture. Long-term follow-up indicates that shape retention rates are up to 80% within ten years, though individual tissue recovery varies.
Randomized controlled trials confirm that this surgery significantly improves mental health outcomes compared to non-surgical treatments. However, results depend heavily on surgeon skill and tissue conditions, emphasizing the importance of choosing experienced surgical teams.
Non-surgical options include wearing medical-grade supportive bras, which temporarily relieve pain but do not provide permanent shape correction. Medications such as anti-estrogen drugs may alleviate mild symptoms but have limited effects and potential hormonal side effects.
Liposuction can remove some fat but cannot address skin laxity or tissue overgrowth. Patients should understand the limitations of alternatives and select the most suitable option based on medical advice.
How can I tell if my wound healing process is normal after surgery?
The healing process can be assessed by observing redness, swelling, discharge, and pain levels. Mild swelling within 1-2 weeks post-surgery is normal, but signs of pus, abnormal fever, or persistent severe pain require immediate consultation with a doctor. Surgeons typically schedule regular follow-ups for visual and tactile assessments, and may adjust care recommendations as needed.
What daily activities should I avoid after surgery to reduce complications?
Within six weeks post-surgery, avoid lifting objects over 5 kg and minimize large arm movements (such as golf or swimming) to prevent disrupting tissue fixation. Wearing the support bra prescribed by your doctor, avoiding excessive bending, and not wearing tight clothing can reduce tension on sutures and promote healing.
Can the shape of the areola or cleavage be corrected with subsequent treatments?
If postoperative tissue contraction causes the areola to enlarge or asymmetry in cleavage, corrective surgery can be considered after complete healing (usually 6 months to 1 year). However, risks and limitations of secondary surgery should be considered, and surgeons will evaluate based on tissue elasticity and scar condition.
Will breastfeeding be permanently affected after surgery?
The procedure may impact milk duct structures, with approximately 30-50% of patients experiencing reduced or lost breastfeeding ability. Surgeons aim to preserve major duct systems when planning incisions, but patients should be informed of this risk and discuss reproductive plans thoroughly before surgery.
What factors influence the visibility of scars after surgery?
The prominence of scars depends on individual skin healing capacity and adherence to postoperative care instructions. Patients prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars may be advised to use pressure dressings and medications postoperatively. Regular use of silicone gels or laser treatments can also improve scar appearance.
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