Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that is designed to remove excess breast tissue and skin to reduce the size of the breasts. The procedure can be performed for both cosmetic and medical reasons.
Cosmetic breast reduction is often performed on women who feel self-conscious about the size of their breasts or who experience discomfort and pain due to the weight of their breasts. Medical breast reduction, on the other hand, is often performed to relieve symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain that are caused by the weight of the breasts.
The treatment for breast reduction typically involves a surgical procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue and skin and repositions the nipple and areola to achieve a more proportional and natural-looking result. The procedure may take several hours to complete, and patients may need to stay in the hospital for one or two nights for observation and recovery.
After the surgery, patients are typically advised to wear a special support bra to help reduce swelling and promote healing. They may also need to take pain medication and avoid certain activities, such as lifting heavy objects or exercising vigorously, for several weeks following the procedure.
While breast reduction surgery is generally considered safe, there are some risks and potential complications, such as bleeding, infection, and scarring. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with their surgeon to determine if it is the right choice for them.