Reduction Mammoplasty is a common plastic surgery procedure, mainly used to improve the physical discomfort and psychological distress caused by enlarged breasts. This surgery not only helps relieve pain in the shoulders, neck and back, skin inflammation and limited movement, but also improves the patient's posture and self-image. This article will systematically explain the surgical principles, preoperative preparation, surgical procedures and postoperative care points of breast reduction surgery , in order to provide a reference for clinical practice.
1. Principle of surgery
The basic principle of breast reduction surgery is to reshape the breast by removing part of the breast tissue, fat tissue and skin , and to restore the nipple and areola to a more natural anatomical position, thereby achieving the dual purpose of reducing volume and beautifying breast contour. Depending on the volume and degree of sagging of the patient's breasts, the plastic surgeon will choose the appropriate incision method and retain sufficient blood supply and nerve innervation to ensure the vitality and sensory function of the nipple and areola.
Commonly used tissue resection and remodeling methods include:
Vertical Scar Technique : Suitable for medium volume reduction, small incision and faster recovery;
Wise Pattern Technique : Suitable for larger volume reduction and can effectively remove excess tissue;
Free nipple transplantation : used when the breasts are extremely large or severely sagging, sacrificing nipple sensation and breastfeeding function.
2. Preoperative Preparation
Preoperative evaluation is a key step to ensure the safety and effectiveness of surgery, which mainly includes the following aspects:
1. Medical evaluation and examination
Patients need to undergo a comprehensive physical examination, including breast ultrasound or breast mammography to rule out potential breast lesions and breast MRI if necessary. Basic examinations such as cardiopulmonary function, blood routine, coagulation function, and electrolytes should also be performed.
2. Risk assessment and individualized design
Doctors should understand the patient's medical history, drug allergies, smoking habits, history of weight changes and other factors in detail to assess whether there is a risk of postoperative complications, such as scar constitution, diabetes or coagulation abnormalities.
An individualized surgical plan is developed based on breast size, degree of sagging, skin elasticity, and nipple and areola position, including incision location, tissue resection volume, and nipple reconstruction plan.
3. Preoperative communication and signing of informed consent
The surgical process, postoperative recovery period, possible complications (such as infection, hematoma, nipple necrosis, decreased sensation) and postoperative changes in breast morphology should be fully explained to the patient to ensure that the patient voluntarily undergoes the surgery on an informed basis.
3. Surgical Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia . The operation time varies depending on the difficulty, generally 2 to 4 hours. The process is as follows:
1. Logo design
Before the operation, the doctor marks the breast in a standing position to determine the new position of the nipple, the incision line, and the planned resection area. The marking must be accurate, which directly affects the postoperative symmetry and aesthetics.
2. Anesthesia and Aseptic Procedure
After the patient enters the operating room, anesthesia is induced and intubation is performed. The operating area is routinely disinfected and draped, and strict aseptic operations are performed.
3. Removal of excess tissue
The skin is incised according to the designed incision, and the excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed layer by layer , retaining the necessary nipple and areola pedicle to ensure its blood supply and nerve connection, or free transplantation is performed in special circumstances.
4. Reconstructing breast shape
The nipple and areola are moved to the predetermined position, and deep absorbable sutures are used to reconstruct breast tissue to shape a symmetrical and natural breast shape, and finally the skin is sutured.
5. Drainage tube placement and bandaging
After the operation, a negative pressure drain is routinely placed to prevent hematoma or fluid accumulation, and an elastic bandage or professional chest strap is used for dressing.
IV. Postoperative Care and Recovery
1. Drainage management and wound care
The drainage volume and color of the drainage fluid need to be closely observed within 48 hours after surgery. It can usually be removed after 3 to 5 days. Keep the wound clean and dry to avoid early contact with water.
2. Pain control and anti-infection treatment
Appropriate analgesics and antibiotics are given after surgery to prevent infection, excessive force or heavy lifting is avoided, and it is recommended to reduce upper limb activities in the first few weeks after surgery.
3. Wear professional support underwear
After the operation, you need to wear a supportive bra without underwire, which will help breast shaping and scar smoothing. It is recommended to continue doing so for more than 3 months.
4. Postoperative review and scar management
Follow the doctor's advice for regular check-ups. Incisional scars generally fade gradually 6 to 12 months after surgery. During this period, silicone patches, scar ointments, or physical therapy can be used to help improve appearance.
5. Complications and their management
Although breast reduction surgery is a mature technology, the following complications may still occur:
Bleeding and hematoma : Close monitoring is required in the early postoperative period, and any abnormalities must be promptly treated;
Infection : Strengthen aseptic operation and postoperative anti-infection measures;
Nipple necrosis or loss of sensation : often seen in patients with large-volume resection or free transplantation;
Asymmetry and dissatisfaction with morphology : The need for repair can be evaluated six months after surgery;
Scar hyperplasia : intervention can be achieved through drugs, lasers, etc.
By strictly controlling preoperative evaluation, standardizing operating procedures and scientific postoperative management, most complications can be avoided or properly handled.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Breast reduction surgery is not only a means to improve appearance, but also an important way to improve quality of life and self-identity. Patients should rationally evaluate their own needs under the guidance of professional doctors, choose regular medical institutions to perform surgery, make adequate preparations before surgery, and strictly follow the doctor's orders after surgery. This is the key to ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the surgery. At the same time, they need to maintain good living habits, avoid weight fluctuations and external stimulation, so as to maintain the long-term stability of the breast shape.