How to Know the Different Types of Breast Reduction Surgeries

Breast reduction surgery is a difficult decision that a woman sometimes needs to make. Once she has decided that breast reduction is right for her, she and her doctor must choose which type of breast reduction surgery they want to use. There are 5 different types of breast reduction surgery, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Below is a list to help your know the different types of breast reduction surgeries.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Removing a large amount of breast tissue will often require what is called the standard incision method, or anchor. It is the most common breast reduction surgery, but it is also the most invasive. The incision is made horizontally in the crease under the breasts, and then vertically up to and around the nipple. The removal of skin both horizontally and vertically allows for more tissue to be removed and is beneficial to women with extremely large breasts. If the nipple is removed and repositioned, the woman will lose sensitivity in her breast and also the ability to breast-feed. There is also a large amount of scarring.

2. Making the incision around the nipple and then down to the breast crease is called the vertical incision method, or short scar. It results in less scarring and a shapelier breast. This method is ideal for women who do not need a lot of tissue removed. Surgery time is shorter, because the horizontal incision is not needed and less tissue is removed. With this method, excess skin is not removed and it must shrink and tighten on its own.

3. Using liposuction to remove excess breast volume is often referred to as the scar-less method. Even though some scars will be visible, they will be much smaller than the scars needed for the standard and vertical incision methods. When the excess fatty tissue is removed from the breasts, the skin will shrink to the new volume of the breasts. Liposuction can not change the shape of the breasts, only the volume.

4. Keeping the nipple attached to the breast is called the pedicle method. A portion of the nipple remains attached to the breast with breast tissue, blood vessels and milk ducts. The breasts are reduced and shaped. The nipple is then sewn back into its new location on the breast. By not severing the blood vessels and milk ducts, women are still able to breast-feed and will not lose nipple sensitivity.

5. Reducing the size of breasts in males that have a condition known as gynecomastia is also available. As with female breast reduction, the doctor will take x-rays of the breasts to decide what particular treatment is right for them.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with your doctor about which type of breast reduction is right for you. You shouldn’t make that decision on your own.
• Do your research. Make sure that you know how the procedure works and what to expect of your body after the procedure.
• Your breasts will be swollen and bruised for awhile after the surgery. It may take some time for your breasts to become their optimal shape and size. Have patience.

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on 2/4/2009 The resources section has a broken link to the article they're referring to at BreastHealthOnline.org. The corrected link is: http://www.breasthealthonline.org/cgi-bin/mwf/topic_show.pl?tid=48939