Accessory mastectomy is one of the most common surgeries in plastic surgery. It mainly targets abnormally proliferating breast tissue under the armpit or around the chest. Many patients are concerned about whether the surgery will affect the size and shape of the breasts. This article will discuss in detail the impact of accessory mastectomy on breast size from the aspects of anatomical basis, surgical principles, postoperative effects and possible changes.
1. Anatomical basis and mechanism of accessory breast formation
Accessory breasts are usually located in the armpits or along the outer edge of the breast on the chest. They are excess breast tissue that remains due to the incomplete degeneration of the mammary gland strips during embryonic development. The structure of accessory breast tissue is similar to that of normal breasts, including mammary alveoli, ducts and adipose tissue. The size and shape of accessory breasts vary from person to person. For some people, they are just tiny tissue accumulations, while for others, they form obvious bulges, which affect the appearance and even cause discomfort.
2. Basic principles of accessory mastectomy
The core of accessory breast removal surgery is to accurately remove the accessory breast tissue to avoid damaging the normal breast and surrounding tissues. During the operation, the skin is cut to expose the accessory breast tissue, and the gland and part of the fat are completely removed, followed by suturing. The scope of the operation is strictly limited to the accessory breast tissue to maintain the integrity of the structure and function of the main breast gland.
3. The direct impact of accessory breast removal on breast size
Accessory breast tissue is usually located outside the main breast gland. Its resection mainly reduces the tissue volume of the accessory breast area. Therefore, the main change after surgery is reflected in the improvement of the contour of the accessory breast area. Since the accessory breast tissue does not belong to the main breast gland, the volume of the main breast gland usually does not change significantly after resection.
However, some patients may feel that their breasts have become "smaller" subjectively, which is mostly due to the following reasons:
Visual contrast effect : The volume of the accessory breast area is reduced, making the overall chest contour more compact. After the accessory breast disappears, the edge of the main breast is more obvious, which may give the illusion that the breast size has changed.
Postoperative swelling and tissue adjustment : Local swelling or skin tightening after surgery may cause the breasts to feel smaller in the short term. As you recover, the swelling subsides and this feeling gradually disappears.
Associated reduction of adipose tissue : There is a certain amount of fat in the accessory breast. Removing some of the adipose tissue may cause a slight decrease in volume locally, but this change will not affect the overall breast capacity.
4. Changes in Breast Morphology and Function after Surgery
After accessory breast removal surgery, the main breast gland is usually not damaged, and the mammary ducts and neurovascular structures remain intact. Therefore, the functional changes of the breast are small, and the milk secretion function, breast touch and appearance mostly remain stable .
It is worth noting that the location and range of the surgical incision determine the distribution and appearance of the scar. Reasonable postoperative care and selection of appropriate incision design can minimize the impact of scars on breast appearance.
Other factors that affect breast size
Breast size is affected by many factors, including breast volume, fat content, skin elasticity and weight changes. Accessory breast removal surgery only targets local excess tissue and will not change the volume of the breast itself . However, if the patient loses weight, experiences weight fluctuations, or undergoes other breast plastic surgery, such as breast augmentation or breast reduction, the breast size will change significantly.
In addition, the size and location of accessory breasts vary. Some patients have larger accessory breasts that are close to the main breast glands. Resection may involve some fat or superficial tissue. In this case, the reduction in local volume will be more obvious, but this still does not represent a change in the volume of the main breast glands.
6. Optimization of the impact of surgical technology advances on breast
With the development of plastic surgery technology, accessory breast removal surgery has made significant progress in maintaining the integrity of breast morphology. The application of microsurgery and endoscopic-assisted technology has reduced surgical trauma, made the removal more precise, and avoided accidental injury to the main breast gland. The surgical design emphasizes protecting breast function and retaining the natural contour of the breast to the greatest extent.
At the same time, the treatment of the fat layer during the operation is more meticulous, reducing postoperative tissue depression and skin sagging, and promoting the natural beauty of the breast shape after recovery.
VII. Preoperative evaluation and anticipatory management of patients
Before deciding to perform accessory breast removal surgery, the doctor will conduct a detailed physical examination and imaging evaluation on the patient to confirm the specific location, size and relationship of the accessory breast to the main breast. Reasonable preoperative evaluation will help to develop a personalized surgical plan and avoid excessive removal or damage to the breast.
Patients should understand that the surgery is mainly to improve the local tissue in the accessory breast area, and the breast size itself will only change to a limited extent. If the overall breast volume is expected to change after the surgery, other plastic surgery plans must be combined.
8. Postoperative recovery and long-term effects
In the short term after surgery, swelling and bruising may affect the touch and shape of the breasts, but they will gradually subside as recovery progresses. For most patients, the breast shape tends to stabilize after 3 to 6 months, the bulge in the accessory breast area disappears, the chest lines become smoother, and the overall aesthetics improves.
Long-term follow-up shows that accessory breast removal surgery does not lead to a sustained decrease in breast volume, breast function remains good, and some patients report increased self-confidence and improved quality of life after surgery.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips: Accessory breast removal surgery mainly targets excess glands and fat tissue. The removal process strictly protects the main breast glands, so it will not significantly affect the size of the breast. The visual changes in breast shape after surgery mainly come from the reduction in volume and adjustment of the contour of the accessory breast. Patients should communicate fully with their doctors before surgery to clarify the purpose of the surgery and expected results in order to obtain the best surgical experience and satisfactory cosmetic results.