Astounding Words

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is under most circumstances a relatively minor outpatient procedure that is performed on an outpatient bases. Like any invasive surgical procedure, the patient assumes some amount of risk, although thanks to modern hygiene and advanced surgical techniques, these risks are minimal. The patient can expect to suffer a fair amount of discomfort during the recovery period, and it may be as long as a year before the results of breast reduction surgery are fully realized. Nonetheless, this type of surgery has received a ringing endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration, and breast reduction patients are among the happiest and most satisfied with the results of their procedure.

Step One: The Initial Consultation

The first step is to schedule a consultation with the doctor. You will be asked a number of questions about why you are seeking reduction mammaplasty and what expectations you have. Next, you will have to undergo a complete physical exam, which will include an extensive medical history of any and all past surgeries, major illnesses and injuries, and any prescription or over-the-counter drugs and/or herbal/mineral supplements you are taking. You will also need to provide any information on tobacco, alcohol and/or recreational drugs you may have used recently.

Once this has been completed and the doctor is assured that you are a suitable candidate for reduction mammaplasty, you and s/he will decide on the final position of the nipple and areola and the breast shape you hope to achieve.

Step Two: The Surgery

There are two major techniques that surgeons use when performing breast reduction surgery: the inferior pedicle and the vertical scar. Both require an incision made around the circumference of the areola and a straight incision from there to the underside of the breast. The major difference is that the inferior pedicle method requires a third incision horizontally along the mammary fold underneath the breast. This method was standard for many years, but today is performed only on women with the largest, most pendulous breasts; most breast reduction procedures are performed using the latter method.

Visit the Kansas City Plastic Surgery website for more information.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 31st, 2009 at 9:59 am and is filed under Hair + Skin Care, Health + More, Lifestyle + More. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.