Breast reduction, referred to as reduction mammoplasty, is used to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. Breast reduction is performed to produce a breast size that is appropriate in proportion to the patient’s body size.
What is it?
Breast reduction reduces the size of large breasts that cause neck, back or any other physical pain.
What should I do to prepare?
To prepare for a breast reduction, patients should stop taking medications that increase bleeding risk two weeks before surgery (aspirins, ibuprofen, birth control, and others). Patients should not drink or eat after midnight the night before the procedure. Patients should use surgical soap to wash the breast area the day of surgery.
What happens during the process?
General anesthesia is given as the procedure is conducted. The doctor will make a cut around the nipple and then down the breast. Excess skin, fat, and tissue is removed by the doctor using drainage tubes. The breasts are then stitched up, and the nipple is repositioned. The breasts are then wrapped in a special gauze. A surgical bra may be given as well.
What are the risks and potential complications?
Typical surgical procedure risks apply such as reactions to medications and anesthesia, pain and discomfort, and excessive bleeding and infection. Certain specific complications and risks can happen including scarring and the possibility of needing a skin graft if the nipple does not heal completely.
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