Breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty is the procedure for the removal of excess breast tissues and fat. It helps to get a proportionate size of the breasts to the body. The procedure helps to get rid of the discomfort that is usually associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia).
Typically, breast reduction is needed for women whose breast size has increased significantly – a condition known as macromastia. In this condition, the breasts become disproportionate and start causing physical and emotional distress. The pain and discomfort further make it difficult for the woman to perform common physical activities, including running, jogging, etc. A woman may opt for the surgical reduction to resolve issues, such as-
Breast reduction addresses the physical and psychological issues and helps to get rid of such problems effectively. Along with undergoing breast reduction for medical reasons, there are many women who opt for the procedure for aesthetic reasons to cite cosmetic concerns, such as social stigmas or wardrobe concerns.
Liposuction Breast Reduction
Vertical or Lollipop Breast Reduction
Inverted-T or ‘Anchor’ Breast Reduction
Once you decide to undergo breast reduction surgery, the doctor needs to evaluate your health to ensure that you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. The plastic surgeon will discuss the following things to diagnose your health-
Based on the discussion, the doctor will assess the risks and potential complications of the surgery and provide instructions to prepare you for the surgery.
The risks with breast reduction surgery are very similar to other procedures. The potential risks are-
Generally, large size breast is not a matter of concern. However, some women believe that large size breasts may increase the chances of cancer. But this is very rare. The right time to see a doctor regarding breast size is when you start having physical problems, such as backaches, neck pain, shortness of breath, migraine headaches, or difficulty in performing exercises.
Some non-surgical or natural methods to reduce breast size include the following-
These methods are not as effective as surgery in reducing breast size.
In most cases, breast reduction is done for medical reasons. Hence, the surgery is covered under medical insurance. To get the claim from the insurance company, you will have to provide written proof from your doctor stating that the large size of your breast is causing you physical problems. The insurance provider will review the documentation and proofs and cover the surgery cost to the maximum extent. The coverage includes doctor’s fee, anesthesiologist fee, lab tests, hospitalization, medical consumables, etc.
In some scenarios, breast reduction is also performed for cosmetic reasons. If so, then the procedure cost won’t be covered under insurance. To learn more about the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy, it is advised that you talk to your providers.
The average recovery time after breast reduction takes around 4 to 6 weeks. Throughout that period, the patient has to take extensive care of the body to get the expected results. The exact time may vary for each patient based on the overall health and the technique used.
A successful breast reduction surgery will provide permanent relief from the back, neck, and shoulder pain. It will also improve your ability to take part in physical activities.
The long-term effects of breast reduction depend on several factors, including the age at which the surgery is performed, future pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight gain/loss. For instance, if you get pregnant after having breast reduction surgery, the breast size may increase again and sagging may occur again over the years. This will alter the outcome of breast reduction.
In Jan 2022, a patient (Sharon) came to us concerning the large size of her breasts that were causing physical discomfort and backache. Her breast size was 38DD and they sagged to a great extent. She wished to undergo breast reduction surgery. Dr. Sharad Mishra handled the case. She was overall healthy and had an ideal body mass index. The doctor ensured that she is an ideal candidate and then performed the surgery. Her size was reduced to 4 cups through the Inverted T technique. As Sharon was overall in good health, there were minimal risks and the surgery took around 2 hours to finish. She was discharged on the same day.
She is perfectly happy with her 34B breast size. She recovered quickly and now living a life without any type of back, neck, or shoulder pain.
In what scenario a plastic surgeon may not recommend breast reduction surgery?
The doctor may not recommend or postpone breast reduction surgery if you have future plans to get pregnant or have a child who is being breastfed. Both pregnancy and breastfeeding affect the shape and size of the breasts.
What are the advantages of breast reduction surgery?
When successful, a breast reduction surgery can provide relief from chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain. Other than that, the procedure has many advantages-
How should I prepare for recovery after the surgery?
Before you go for the surgery, it will be better to set up a recovery area at home that suits all your needs. To prepare the recovery area, follow the tips below-
When will I be able to resume regular activities?
You will need to rest for at least one week before resuming regular activities. The surgeon will advise taking the week off from work or school until the stitches dissolve and the bandages are removed. Strenuous activities, even jogging and running is restricted for at least a month after the surgery. The surgeon will prepare a timeline for you to ensure that you resume all activities at the right time.
Undergo Breast Reduction Surgery at Pristyn Care
Being a leading healthcare provider in India, Pristyn Care ensures that the patients get comprehensive care. We provide personalized care to the patients to fulfill their requirements. You can rely on us to undergo breast reduction surgery at cost-effective prices. We will also ensure that the quality of care is not compromised and you get all-inclusive care and services-
Our medical coordinators stay in touch with the patients to take care of all their needs.
Schedule Your Appointment with the Best Plastic Surgeons in India
Picking the best plastic surgeon for breast reduction is the key to making the surgery successful. That’s why Pristyn Care houses the most experienced and skilled team of plastic surgeons. You can get in touch with our top breast reduction surgeons by using any of the following ways-
Our surgeon will listen to your concerns and address them right away to make your life easy and comfortable.