Breast Reduction - Introduction

For every woman, the size and shape of her breasts are of significant meaning. In terms of bodily self-confidenxe and a feeling of inner satisfaction with one's own appearance, the female breast plays a central role as an important secondary gender marker. Very large breasts have rather negative effects for many women and are not always aesthetically desirable. Due to their weight, they may even lead to health problems: posture defects and an overburdening of the spine can cause neck, shoulder, and back pains in normal daily life. In modern cosmetic surgery, a beast reduction is a common and typically unproblematic procedure which can help many women achieve new self-confidence.

If you have decided to undergo a breast reduction, you should also - as with any plastic surgery procedure - thoroughly research the possibilities that are offered in your individual case. Depending on the initial situation, one distinguishes between various methods of breast reduction - also called a mammary reductoplasty. In most cases this is carried out in conjunction with a breast lift in order to come as close as possible to the desired shape and firmness. The most common method of breast lift is one in which the volume of the breast is reduced and the surrounding skin is adapted accordingly. In some cases, an implant is also inserted. These various methods require different types of access incisions which are, however, carried out in such a way that after the operation normal sensitivity is present in the breast for the most part. Additionally, the possibility of breastfeeding is normally not impaired for patients. The method and scope that are applicable in your case naturally depend on your individual physical situation and your personal desires.

As a rule, a breast reduction is carred out using general anaesthesia; you will need to plan to stay in the clinic afterwards for one to seven days. Directly after the operation you will have to wear a firm bandage, but you may shower again after a few days and can perform normal body hygiene. Swelling, bruising, and perhaps some pain are possible as in any operative procedure, but can be handled well during your stay in the hospital. After a few weeks you will move to wearing a support bra which also supports good wound healing with as few scars as possible. Insofar as you follow your doctor's advice for best possible individual aftercare, all symptoms or impairments should have disappeared after around six months and the final results of the breast reduction should be quite visible. A marked improvement of symptoms which were present due to overly large breasts should also be achieved.

Normally, a breast reduction is a non-problematic procedure - in most cases, the most modern operational and incision methods help patients to achieve breasts in the shape and size that they have always wished for. Only in rare cases do senstivity irregularities or complications arise; in some cases, these may be long-term. For these reasons, please discuss your individual risk situation in detail with the doctor who is treating you.¹