Plastic surgery – Breast reduction (mammoplasty)

Breasts that are too heavy can be a nuisance, both physically and psychologically. They can cause neck and back problems or are simply ugly. A breast reduction or mammoplasty (also called breast reduction) can offer a solution here.

Who is breast reduction or mammoplasty for?

For anyone who wants a cup size less. The breasts must be fully grown, but surgery is possible until old age. Also keep in mind that mammoplasty also removes mammary tissue, so it is not certain that you will still be able to breastfeed.

How does a breast reduction work?

The operation takes two to three hours. A surgeon makes an incision from the areola to the breast fold and sometimes also in the breast fold itself. Fat and skin tissue are removed and then the surgeon attaches the nipple and areola naturally. In most cases, the nipple remains connected to the nerve pathways and blood vessels. Only if your breasts are particularly large may the nipple and areola become less sensitive afterwards.

Anesthesia

A breast reduction is always performed under general anesthesia. In that case you will stay in the hospital for two days. Only a limited breast or nipple lift is possible under local anesthesia.

Aftercare

For the first few days, your breasts will be wrapped in bandages. The pain is bearable and painkillers are rarely needed. The bandage and drains are removed after a few days. From that moment on, you should wear a sports bra (preferably with a closure in the front) until swelling and bruising have disappeared. It is possible that your breasts are sensitive due to the swelling. This can even take several months to a year. You may return to work after one week. However, you should not lift heavy things for a month.

To promote the healing process, you can take a multivitamin preparation. Smoking and taking aspirins and other blood thinning medications are strongly discouraged. Learn how to speed up the healing of scars in Scar Fade and Removal.

Risks and complications

Breast reduction is a minor operation. There are rarely risks and complications. Possible but rare problems include:

  • Post-bleeding
  • Infections
  • Dying of skin, nipple or fat
  • Scar formation
  • Numbness of nipples and areola
  • No longer being able to breastfeed

There would be no increased risk of breast cancer.

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