Reduction mammoplasty: how it is done, recovery and risks

The reduction mammoplasty is a surgery to decrease the size and volume of the breasts, and is indicated when the woman has constant back and neck pain or presents a curved trunk, causing changes in the spine due to the weight of the breasts. However, this surgery can also be done for aesthetic reasons, especially when the woman does not like the size of her breasts and her self-esteem is affected.

Generally, breast reduction surgery can be done from the age of 18, as in most cases, the breast is already fully developed and recovery takes about 1 month, requiring the use of a bra during the day and night.

In addition, the results of the surgery are better and the breast is more beautiful when, in addition to the reduction mammoplasty, the woman also performs mastopexy during the same procedure, which is another type of surgery and which aims to raise the breast. Know the main options of plastic surgery for the breast.

Price

The price of facial surgery is about R $ 7, 000.00, when performed in private aesthetic clinics. However, it can also be done by SUS when surgery is necessary for health reasons, and it cannot be done by SUS only for aesthetic purposes.

How breast reduction is done

Before performing breast reduction surgery, the doctor recommends performing blood tests and mammography and may also adjust the doses of some current medications and recommend avoiding remedies such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories and natural remedies, as they can increase the bleeding, and recommend stopping smoking for about 1 month before.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, takes an average of 2 hours and, during the operation, the plastic surgeon:

Performs cuts in the breast to remove excess fat, breast tissue and skin; Reposition the breast, and reduces the size of the areola; Stitch or use surgical glue to prevent scarring.

In most cases, the woman has to be hospitalized for about 1 day to check that she is stable. See also how to shrink breasts without surgery.

How is recovery

After the surgery you may feel some pain, it is important to wear a bra with good support, both during the day and at night, lie down on your back and take the painkillers indicated by the doctor, such as Paracetamol or Tramadol, for example.

Generally, the stitches should be removed about 8 to 15 days after the surgery and, during that time, one should rest, avoiding moving the arms and trunk excessively, and should not go to the gym or drive.

In some cases, the woman can still have a drain for about 3 days to drain any excess blood and fluid that may accumulate in the body, avoiding complications, such as infection or seroma. See how to take care of the drains after surgery.

In the first 6 months after surgery, it is also advised to avoid heavier physical exercises, especially those that involve movements with the arms such as weight lifting or weight training, for example.

Does breast reduction surgery leave a scar?

Reduction mammaplasty can leave a small scar at the cut sites, usually around the breast, but the size of the scar varies with the size and shape of the breast and the capacity of the surgeon.

Some common types of scarring can be in "L", "I", inverted "T" or around the areola, as in the image.

Most frequent complications

The risks of facial surgery are related to the general risks of any surgery, such as infection, bleeding and reactions to anesthesia, such as tremors and headache.

In addition, loss of sensation in the nipples, irregularities in the breasts, opening of the points, keloid scar, darkening or bruising may occur. Know the risks of plastic surgery.

Male breast removal surgery

In the case of men, reduction mammoplasty is performed in cases of gynecomastia, which is characterized by the enlargement of breasts in men and usually the amount of fat located in the chest area is removed. Understand what gynecomastia is and how treatment is done.