SURGERY DURATION: one/three hours depending on the case.
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA: Local with sedation or general.
WHAT IS THE REDUCTION MAMMOPLASTY?
Reduction mammoplasty is cosmetic surgery to reduce the volume of the breasts that are too large and heavy, which can cause aesthetic and functional problems affecting the normal daily life.
In addition to aesthetic purposes, the procedure of breast reduction often has a functional purpose, since it solves the curvature of the cervicothoracic spine, the furrows caused by bra straps, the maceration of the skin in the inframammary fold, all problems related to the excessive weight of the breasts.
In addition to functional problems, many times the procedure of breast reduction is also used to solve psychological and discomfort problems that too large and disproportionate breasts can cause to the rest of the body.
Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breastfeed.
WHO CAN UNDERGO THIS TYPE OF PROCEDURE?
The Reduction mammoplasty is indicated for women whose breast, being too voluminous, may cause problems such as:
• Back pain, especially in the cervical and lumbar region.
• Pain in the breast region.
• Trouble breathing.
• Ulceration in the inframammary fold and corresponding with the bra straps.
• psychological and social problems that can affect women’s everyday life and/or sports and sexual activity.
ARE THERE AGE LIMITS TO UNDERGO A REDUCTION MAMMOPLASTY?
There are no age limits to undergo this type of surgery, but it is preferable to wait for the complete development of breasts, which occurs around the age of 18.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS PRACTICED?
Reduction mammoplasty is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation (which means that you will be awake but relaxed and insensitive to pain) and in outpatient care. In case of severe hypertrophies, the surgery is performed under general anaesthesia without intubation (ie only with the aid of the laryngeal mask) and requires one or two nights of hospitalization in the clinic.
HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?
The Reduction mammoplasty surgery typically last from an hour and a half to three hours, is absolutely painless and ends with a small dressing and with the use of a bra.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS HAS TO BE TAKEN BEFORE SUBMITTING AN INTERVENTION OF REDUCTION MAMMOPLASTY?
Before the Reduction mammoplasty it will be required a breast ultrasound, and over the age of 35-40 is required a preoperative mammogram.
It requires the purchase of a bra of the established size, modeling, to be worn after surgery and for 4-5 weeks.
It is to avoid the intervention of Reduction mammoplasty in 4-5 days before menstruation.
WHAT ARE THE TECHNIQUES USED AND WHAT ARE THE CICATRICIAL RESULTS OF POST PROCEDURE?
Beyond the surgical technical details that will not be analyzed here, the difference between different operating methods often results in a different extent of residual scars. The continuous search for new methods of reduction and facelift is primarily aimed at minimizing the scars that inevitably baulk after surgery.
In principle, one can say that the greater is the reduction and more extensive will be the scars. These can be divided into three types:
1. Periareolar: the scar is circular, around the areola mammary and is indicated in case of slight reductions. Being located in a colour transition zone (between the areola and the surrounding tissue) the scar is generally inconspicuous.
2. Periareolar + Vertical: as well as around the areola, the scar extends vertically up to the inframammary fold. This is the most frequent outcome type, you can get it in the reductions and medium-size pexy, but, increasingly, even greater reductions due to the refinement of a personal surgical technique. The vertical scar, after a short time, confuses quite well with the surrounding tissue and, in most cases, is not visible. With this type of scar outcome, we are unable to ensure a good shape and projection of the breast.
3. Periareolar + Vertical + horizontal: The classic inverted T scar is the result of large reductions and mastopexy (breast lift) when the breasts are very saggy and there is a significant excess of skin. The horizontal scar is positioned in the groove under the breast, and then generally remains hidden.
Scars around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast are permanent but can be easily concealed by clothing.
THE POST-OPERATIVE
After the procedure drainages are placed that are removed after 2-3 days. Just after the surgery, the surgeon applies a supporting dressing, replaced after a few days by a special bra to be worn day and night for three weeks and then only on day for another two weeks. In this period it is important to rest and to limit any stress or physical or sporting activities.
WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN YOU GET WITH REDUCTIVE MASTOPLASTY?
The cosmetic result achievable with this kind of surgery is usually very satisfying and long-lasting but not permanent since it will always be influenced by your lifestyle (gain and weight loss, pregnancy, smoking, etc.) and by the inevitable effects of gravity and aging.