What is Breast Reduction Surgery (mammaplasty)?
The breast size in some individuals can negatively impact their everyday lives and along with it, their loss of confidence. Some of the key reasons behind the size of women’s breasts include a genetic predisposition, body weight and hormonal influences.
The aim of a breast reduction surgery or mammaplasty is to reduce the size of breasts and reshape them so that they are more proportioned to the rest of the body and are no longer a cause for concern.
Breast reduction is a commonly requested procedure which is conducted by our experienced plastic surgeons at Maison Lutétia in Dubai. The procedure helps women regain confidence, while improving their lifestyle and appearance. They also help in relieving the physical and emotional stress caused by large breasts.
When should you consider Breast Reduction Surgery?
You can go in for a breast reduction surgery or mammaplasty when you have the following symptoms:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Skin irritation due to large breasts
What happens during a Breast Reduction Surgery?
To help you achieve a smaller well-defined breast with a youthful shape, the plastic surgeon will remove fat, breast tissue and skin.
The nipples are lifted to a more youthful position and the breasts are reshaped to form smaller breasts.
What you would need to consider while getting a breast reduction treatment:
- The surgery will help alleviate neck, back and shoulder pain.
- This will allow for a more physically active lifestyle previously hindered by pain or the size of your beasts.
- The surgery can cause a loss in sensation in some areas, including nipples, areolas and within scars.
- Some women might face problems with breastfeeding after the surgery.
- During your consultation, you and your plastic surgeon will discuss these issues and arrive at the best option that suits your requirements and lifestyle.
- The size, shape and the level of breast reduction you want, are factors that will help your plastic surgeon determine the best technique for you.
What happens during your breast reduction at the consultation?
During your consultation at our speciality breast reduction clinic in Dubai, remember to write down all your possible concerns and questions and have them ready when you meet with your plastic surgeon. You will be discussing the pros and cons of your breast reduction surgical options, and your medical history. It is important to note that if you are planning to fall pregnant, your surgeon might delay the procedure.
As per your personal profile, the breast reduction surgeon will need to know:
- Any current medications you are taking
- Any serious illness you may have had in the past
- Whether you smoke
You will undergo:
- A breast examination
- Medical photography that will be placed in your confidential medical file (you will need to sign a consent form for taking, storing and using the photographs).
- Measurements of your height and weight to ensure you are physically fit for the operation.
- A discussion on your goals and lifestyle patterns and based on this, a bespoke breast reduction treatment plan will be shared with you.
- A discussion on the breast reduction surgery approach, the outcome and risks and where the surgery will take place.
- A discussion on a post-surgery recovery plan.
What you need to know about breast reduction
The Breast reduction procedure is a day-case operation and commonly involves anchor shaped scars where the surgeon will remove the excess fat, breast tissue and skin. The nipple and areola are lifted up to their new, higher position. If the areolas were enlarged or stretched, they will be reduced and excess skin that was located above the nipple will be brought down and together to reshape the breast. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour under the arm.
What will scars and incisions look like?
Scars vary according to the type of incision that you and your plastic surgeon agree on.
Our plastic surgeons will conceal some of the incision lines in your natural breast contours as much as possible.
Most scars, if looked after well post-surgery, mature over 18 months. The goal of the surgery is to achieve the best result with the least visible scar.
How long will it take to recover after breast reduction?
Your recovery time, post-operative instructions and the time you take before you get back to resuming your normal physical activity and work, will be individualized. They will depend largely on your procedure and will be discussed prior to your mammaplasty or breast reduction surgery. You will receive a medical support bra that will be required to be worn.
Your breast reduction surgeon will share detailed instructions on how to take care of your surgical area and for any warning symptoms you need to look out for. The amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among patients and this will be discussed based on your individual case.
Breast reduction surgery lasts long and unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your breasts will remain a consistent size. Ageing and gravity can still affect your breast over time. Routine follow-ups after surgery should not be missed.
Do breasts grow back after breast reduction?
Breast Regrowth is rare but possible
Most patients have a permanent reduction of breast size after surgery.
Although not common, on occasion, the breast tissue can grow back after breast reduction.
Our bodies are unpredictable and can change in ways we don’t expect, for biological reasons. The breast reduction procedure removes a portion of glandular tissue (as well as fatty tissue and skin), but the remaining glandular tissue can grow bigger after surgery due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, medications or other hormonal changes.
Patients whose breast tissue grows back after breast reduction are usually young when they have surgery (i.e., teenagers), and the procedure is typically performed before the breasts stop developing. These patients may notice their breasts enlarge later in life after a pregnancy, starting birth control pills, gaining weight or even undergoing menopause.
Can you still breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Whether to breastfeed is one of the most personal decisions a woman can make, and it isn’t always straightforward. Life and sometimes anatomy get in the way. Even in the best of circumstances, the baby may have difficulty getting enough milk. Adding breast reduction surgery, also called a reduction mammaplasty, into the equation is no small matter and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Many women who have had breast reductions have gone on to successfully breastfeed their babies, and in some cases, even twins! That said, if you are considering a breast reduction and have concerns about breastfeeding, make sure to discuss this with your plastic surgeon before surgery.
Depending on your priorities, the goals you and your surgeon set may change, as well as the surgical technique used. To navigate this issue, it is helpful to understand a little about the anatomy and physiology of the female breast.
Looking for breast reduction in Dubai? Book an appointment or visit our aesthetic clinic in Dubai today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast Reduction Surgery
