Breast Volume Reduction (reduction mammaplasty)

Breast reduction is considered to be one of the most difficult procedures in plastic surgery. It is performed both for aesthetic reasons and medical indications. Excessive size of mammary gland causes negative effect for general health status. Women with very large breasts sometimes experience physical discomfort, feel self-conscious and are inhibited in their ability to perform physical activities. Medical problems experienced can include spinal cord deformity, chronic mastopathy back pain, neck pain and others.
Reduction mammaplasty techniques:

1. Reduction by means of removing skin excess and nipple-areola complex repositionin
2. Reduction by means of breast tissue resection (partial removal) with the nipple-areola complex remaining intact (Keeping the nipple attached to the breast)
3. Reduction by means of complete inner breast tissue removal.
   
   Preoperative preparation

It is required to obtain oncologist consultation and mammogram prior to operation

Operation

The goal of breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is to reduce the size and improve large breasts shape by resecting (partial removal) the gland tissue.

Pic.3.

Reduction mammaplasty main principles (techniques):

1. Gland reduction by removing skin excess and inlying breast tissues.
   (Inlying(inner) tissue may remain intact, removed partially or completely)
2. Nipple and areola complex repositioning in case of existing ptosis (breasts sagging)
3. Preserving nipple and areola complex blood supply and innervation functionality
4. Fixation (anchoring) of breast tissues to the front abdominal wall.
5. Care should be taken operating young women not to sever the blood vessels and milk ducts
6. Care should be taken regarding the possibility of excessive blood loss when large amount of beast tissue is removed.

Surgery time - up to 3 hr.

Pic.4. 3rd degree Juvenile hypertrophy of the breast After reduction mammaplasty

Postoperative recovery period
Draining tubes remain in place for 24 hr. Along with subcuticular dissolvable sutures some are Areola area sutures are removed on the 14th day.

Postoperative guide
After breast augmentation surgery, breast tissues must stretch before the implants settle into their permanent position. This may take about 1.5 months. Bra should be worn at all times during 2 weeks after surgery. Besides, post-surgical elastic garments for support will be necessary during 6 weeks. Normal physical activity can be resumed in 6 weeks.