Breast reduction surgery to alleviate back pain and obtain a symmetrical body
The large size of the breasts can cause various psychological and physical problems. Breast reduction surgery is one of the permanent solutions to this problem. Learn more about it.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery aims to remove excess fat and skin from the breast area. You can undergo this procedure to make your breasts smaller if they are causing you health problems and discomfort. The main goal of this surgery is to make your breast size proportionate to the rest of your body. This procedure can also help improve your physical appearance and enable you to participate in physical activities without difficulty.
Why might you consider breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery aims to solve several problems you may face due to the size of your breasts. These problems include:
• Back, neck, and shoulder pain are caused by the continuous pressure of the breasts on them.
• Skin rash and redness beneath the breasts.
• Nerve pain.
• Inability to engage in physical activities effectively.
• Difficulty finding clothes and bras that fit.
• Lack of self-confidence in yourself and your physical appearance.
However, breast reduction surgery is not the optimal solution in the following cases:
• If you are a smoker, you can quit smoking at least two weeks before the procedure and during the recovery period.
• If you have a chronic disease such as diabetes or a heart condition.
• If you are suffering from severe obesity.
• You can undergo breast reduction surgery at any age, as long as your breast development is complete to avoid another surgery afterward.
It is also advisable to postpone breast reduction surgery to achieve the best results in the following cases:
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you plan to have children and breastfeed shortly, it is advisable to postpone this procedure until you have finished breastfeeding naturally, as breastfeeding may become more challenging after this surgery.
• Weight loss: If you plan to follow a diet or engage in exercise to lose weight, it is preferable to wait until you have lost the excess weight, as weight loss will affect the size of your breasts.
Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy consultation:
• Assess your general medical condition and family medical history to ensure there are no contraindications to undergoing this surgery.
• Discuss your expectations for the results of the procedure and provide details regarding how it will be performed, its benefits, side effects, and risks.
• Agree on the type of anesthesia used during the surgery.
During this visit, the doctor may request some necessary tests before undergoing the surgery and provide you with instructions such as:
• Some tests, such as a complete blood count.
• Radiography of the breast area.
• Completely quitting smoking for a certain period before undergoing the surgery and during the recovery period.
• Avoiding any medications that cause blood thinning, such as aspirin.
Breast reduction surgery:
Breast reduction surgery can be performed through a surgical incision or through liposuction to remove accumulated fat.
• Typically, the doctor will make a surgical incision around the nipple and under the breast, then remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin.
• Some cases may require liposuction in addition to glandular tissue removal, while others may only require glandular tissue removal.
• Finally, the breast is reshaped and lifted to achieve the desired results, and the surgical incision is closed with some cosmetic stitches.
• After covering the wound with medical gauze and dressings, the doctor may also insert a medical tube (drainage) to remove fluids and prevent accumulation.
• You may need to stay overnight in the hospital until the effects of anesthesia wear off, and you can start the recovery period at home and follow up with the doctor at the scheduled appointments to monitor the surgery results and remove the surgical stitches.
Cost of breast reduction surgery:
The cost of breast reduction surgery varies depending on several factors. These factors include the procedures to be performed during the surgery, whether it is breast reduction only or breast reduction and lift. The cost also varies based on the amount of fat the doctor will remove in the case of liposuction.
The cost of breast reduction surgery with Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy starts at $2200 and varies depending on each case and the procedures required to achieve the desired results.
Recovery period after breast reduction surgery:
• During the first few days after the surgery, you will have a sensitive breast area and some swelling and bruising. The doctor may advise you to wear compression garments or medical bras to reduce swelling and prevent fluid accumulation.
• The doctor will prescribe some antibiotics to prevent infection and painkillers to manage swelling and bruising pain.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for several weeks to prevent bleeding and reduce swelling.
• Typically, the doctor removes the stitches within a week to two weeks, but wearing medical bras or compression garments may continue for several weeks.
Side effects of breast reduction surgery:
• Swelling and bruising are normal and can be minimized by applying cold compresses and consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals during recovery. Additionally, avoid any strenuous physical activity. You will gradually notice them fade over several weeks.
• Some pain may occur during the first week of the recovery period, but it is manageable with painkillers.
• Numbness or altered sensation in the nipple and breast may persist for a while and gradually disappear over time.
• The scars will take some time to heal and may not completely disappear, but they will be less noticeable after recovery.
Results of breast reduction surgery:
You can observe the results of breast reduction surgery immediately after the procedure. The final results will appear once the swelling subsides and will continue to improve over several weeks. The benefits of breast reduction surgery include:
• No difficulty engaging in physical activities afterward.
• Complete disappearance of neck, shoulder, and back pain and skin rash under the breasts.
• Finding fitting clothes and bras will become easier.
• Additionally, you will regain confidence in your appearance and no longer feel anxious or embarrassed about your outward image in front of others.
You may need some time to recover, but the results of breast reduction surgery are permanent and effective. Therefore, consult with Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, the best plastic surgery consultant, to determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery.
This content has been reviewed by Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a consultant in cosmetic surgery, body contouring, and natural hair transplantation.
