BREAST REDUCTION

The term mammoplasty refers to the art of sculpting and shaping breast tissue with different surgical techniques, achieving an anatomical, functional, and aesthetic result.

Over the years, genetic factors and, in some cases, pregnancy and breastfeeding have their effect on the mammary gland.

Patients distressed by the volume and weight of their breasts — not only for aesthetic reasons but also because of discomfort and physical alterations — are candidates for this type of surgery.

Breast reduction surgery transforms heavy, pendulous breasts into smaller, lighter ones, improving neck, shoulder, and back pain.

The change in self-esteem, improvement in emotional state, and ease of performing sports activities are among the many benefits.

It can be performed at any age, but I recommend waiting until glandular growth has been completed.

Surgical Technique

Breast lift or mastopexy — a term implicit in the name mammoplasty — uses the patient's own tissue to lift and reshape drooping breasts.

When examining your breasts in my office, we must consider the size, shape, skin quality, position of the areola-nipple complex, and the desired result to define the surgical technique to be used (size and position of surgical incisions).

Surgical time is 2 to 4 hours; hospitalization is generally not required.

Pre-Surgical Examinations

Basic tests include: complete blood count, PT, PTT, platelets (coagulation tests), creatinine and urinalysis (kidney function tests).

Breast ultrasound and mammography are required for every woman over 35 years of age who will undergo breast surgery.

Other specialized tests should be considered for certain patients.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

Home rest for 3 to 5 days.

Local ice for 24 hours.

Local heat after the second post-operative day.

Antibiotics and analgesics for 7 days.

Use of a medical bra that protects and immobilizes for 3 to 4 weeks.

Pain tolerance, response to swelling, and the scarring process cause differences in recovery days.

Generally, 5 to 7 days of incapacity for work activities and 3 to 4 weeks for sports activities.

Complications

Breast reduction is a safe procedure performed on thousands of women every year without major complications. Like any surgery, it carries risks which we can detail during our consultation. Some of these complications may include:

• Poor scarring.
• Sensitivity alterations.
• Breast asymmetry.
• Infections.
• Hematomas.

Medications or substances that may increase the risk of complications should not be consumed.

Smoking may contraindicate the surgery.