Breast reduction surgery or reduction mammoplasty is performed for cosmetic as well as medical reasons. In this article, we have taken an overview of bilateral reduction mammoplasty.
Excessively large breasts can cause too much of discomfort, in addition to other problems. Breast reduction surgery can be a good solution to remove excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from breasts to give them a shape and size that is in proportion with your body. When this surgery is performed on both the breasts, it is termed as bilateral reduction mammoplasty. The results of this surgery are often satisfactory with an improved self esteem for the woman. In this article, we are going to take a detailed overview of this surgery including the benefits, risks, cost etc.
Why to go for Bilateral Reduction Mammoplasty?
While the number of women desperate to get their breasts surgically enhanced is large, there is an equal number of women who are unhappy with their large breasts and would readily go for a smaller size. Thankfully, cosmetic surgery can provide solution for both; breast implants for women with smaller bust size and reduction mammoplasty for large breasted women. Unilateral reduction mammoplasty is performed to correct asymmetry in breast size, whereas bilateral surgery is performed to relieve physical and medical problems associated with large breasts.
Large breasts can be a painful thing. Such women are very likely to suffer from shoulder pain, back pain due to the weight of their breasts. Besides, there is an additional problem of deep grooves caused due to pressing bra straps on their shoulders. Massive breasts also restrict your ability to indulge in physical activities. Sometimes, women simply do not like their disproportionate body or the fact that their breasts invite unwanted attention. Similarly, fitting in clothes becomes a problem. All such issues can be resolved by a reduction mammoplasty.
Are You a Candidate for this Surgery?
Any woman above 18 years of age is a candidate for this surgery. Until 18 years, your breasts haven’t completed their growth, hence it is wise to wait until that time. Besides, there are other considerations that might force you to postpone your decision of getting this surgery. Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause unpredictable changes in your breast size. Besides, the changes can be of temporary nature or permanent. Hence, it is best to wait until your family is completed and you have weaned your last child.
Surgery Procedure
Bilateral reduction mammoplasty is a cosmetic procedure in which excess fat, along with glandular tissue and skin is removed from both the breasts. This surgery involves placing incision at three locations, around areola, from the base of areola to the crease under breast and along the natural curve of the breast. Tissue and skin is removed from these incisions. After that, an areola is shifted to a new location, that is in proportion with the smaller breasts. The surgery takes up to 2 – 3 hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia.
Risks of this Surgery
Like every other surgery, this surgery too involves some risks. One of the main risks is that of infection. Besides, you may suffer from mild complication resulting from anesthesia. Apart from that there are certain risks pertaining to this surgery alone. These include, loss of sensation in nipples, scarring, asymmetry is size or new position of areolas. A reconstructive surgery may have to be performed after that.
Recovery Time
Immediately after the procedure, your surgeon will cover your breasts with bandages and pads. He will also place additional gauze or drain tubes to collect the fluid. You will experience tenderness and swelling in your breast region. You may have to visit your surgeon again for the removal of stitches. During this time, you will be prescribed certain antibiotics, medications to prevent the risk of infections as well as to reduce nausea and swelling. During the first few days of surgery, you will be advised to restrict your physical activities. It may take 2 – 4 months to recover completely and resume strenuous exercises.
Surgery Cost
As this surgery is mostly perform for cosmetic purposes, your medical insurance is least likely to cover it. However, if you can prove that you are performing it as a solution to a medical problem, then perhaps, you may get partial coverage. The cost of this surgery is a variable factor and may differ as per the expertise of surgeon, location and facilities at clinic and any other procedures (breast lift, liposuction) performed.
Bilateral reduction mammoplasty can promise great results, if you keep your expectations realistic. Always take into consideration the various pros and cons associated with this condition, before making a decision.
