Reduction Mammaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces breast volume and improves breast shape by removing breast tissue, fat and skin. This surgery not only has the cosmetic effect of improving appearance, but also can relieve the physical and psychological discomfort caused by enlarged breasts. This article systematically discusses the indications and contraindications of breast reduction surgery , aiming to provide clear judgment basis and reference for clinical physicians and those seeking beauty.
1. Indications for breast reduction surgery
Breast hypertrophy is a common clinical deformity. Patients often suffer from various problems due to abnormal increase in breast volume. The following are suitable for breast reduction surgery:
1. Functional disorders caused by physiological breast hypertrophy
Excessively large breasts may cause shoulder and neck pain, back soreness, spinal deformity, eczema in skin folds or skin ulcers . These symptoms seriously affect the patient's quality of life. If conservative treatment is ineffective, breast reduction surgery is an effective way to relieve the symptoms.
2. Psychological distress caused by large breasts
Some women are ridiculed by their peers during adolescence because of their obviously enlarged breasts, which leads to negative emotions such as inferiority and anxiety. In severe cases, they even have social disorders. Surgery can improve appearance, enhance self-confidence, and have a positive psychological intervention effect.
3. Breast asymmetry or abnormal enlargement of one breast
Symmetry is an important criterion of human aesthetics. Obvious asymmetry of the breasts will affect the overall body shape and the appearance of clothing. Surgery can achieve a dual balance of shape and volume by shaping and adjusting the size of the breasts.
4. Interference with daily activities or exercise
Excessively large breasts often limit activities such as running, swimming, and yoga, and even affect work efficiency and mobility. Surgery can reduce the burden on the breasts and help restore the ability to move freely.
5. Breast sagging and hypertrophy after lactation
When postpartum breast atrophy and fat accumulation coexist, the breasts become sagging and enlarged, affecting body shape. Breast reduction surgery can lift and adjust the volume at the same time to restore the natural shape of the breasts.
6. Those who have failed multiple breast plastic surgeries and need to undergo revision surgery
If the results of previous breast plastic surgery were not ideal, such as improper volume control and obvious scars, breast reduction surgery can be used to reshape the breasts and achieve more ideal results.
Contraindications of Breast Reduction Surgery
Although breast reduction surgery is generally a safe and effective surgical treatment, not all people are suitable for this surgery. Preoperative evaluation of contraindications is important for improving surgical safety.
1. People with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction
Breast reduction surgery is a general anesthesia operation. Patients with poor cardiopulmonary function (such as severe arrhythmias, pulmonary insufficiency) have a high tolerance risk, and serious complications may occur during and after the operation, so it is not recommended.
2. Those with poorly controlled diabetes or abnormal coagulation function
When blood sugar control in diabetic patients is unstable, they are prone to risks such as delayed wound healing and infection; those with abnormal coagulation function are prone to bleeding during surgery or hematoma after surgery, and the risk is significantly increased.
3. Patients with active breast disease or breast cancer
When there is an unclear mass or malignant lesion in the breast, priority should be given to clarifying the pathological diagnosis and conducting targeted treatment rather than directly performing breast plastic surgery to avoid delaying the disease or affecting the tumor treatment path.
4. People with severe scarring or allergic constitution
This group of people are prone to developing hypertrophic scars or keloids after surgery, which affects postoperative aesthetics and patient satisfaction. In addition, the use of anesthetics or suture materials during surgery may induce allergic reactions, which requires careful consideration.
5. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
During pregnancy, breast tissue and blood supply are active, and the risk of intraoperative bleeding is high; during lactation, the mammary glands are well developed and the duct system is sensitive, which may affect the breastfeeding function after surgery. It is recommended to consider surgery after the lactation period is over.
6. Underage females
The breasts of females in puberty have not yet fully developed and taken shape. Blindly performing surgery may lead to restricted development of breast tissue or asymmetry in the future. It is recommended to wait until breast development is stable before evaluating the need for surgery.
7. People with unreasonable psychological expectations
If the preoperative psychological evaluation reveals that the patient has unrealistic expectations of the surgical results, has severe psychological disorders, or suffers from body image disorder, it is not advisable to have surgery rashly to avoid postoperative dissatisfaction or legal risks.
3. The importance of preoperative evaluation and patient communication
The preoperative evaluation of breast reduction surgery is not limited to the analysis of breast volume and shape, but should also be based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's overall health, psychological state, medical history, and life needs .
Health assessment includes routine laboratory tests, breast ultrasound, electrocardiogram, etc.;
Psychological consultation has predictive significance for patients' postoperative satisfaction, and psychological medical support can be introduced when necessary;
Risk disclosure and effect expectation management are particularly critical. It is necessary to clarify common postoperative problems such as scars, changes in nipple sensation, and effects on breastfeeding function, so as to enhance patient trust and reduce unnecessary disputes.
4. Individualized selection of surgical options
Currently, there are many technical approaches to breast reduction surgery, the most common of which include the Wise method, vertical scar method, free nipple transplantation method , etc. The choice of surgical procedure should be individualized based on comprehensive factors such as the degree of breast sagging, volume, skin elasticity, and nipple blood supply. Paying attention to intraoperative tissue protection and symmetrical design is the key to improving postoperative satisfaction and naturalness.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Breast reduction surgery is a combination of functional improvement and cosmetic reconstruction. Clear demarcation of indications and contraindications is of great significance for ensuring the patient's intraoperative safety and postoperative effects. A comprehensive and systematic evaluation should be conducted before surgery, respecting medical principles and the patient's wishes, and formulating a reasonable surgical plan. Plastic surgery is not a one-time solution. To maintain postoperative results, patients must maintain healthy living habits and regular check-ups. Through doctor-patient cooperation and scientific guidance, a good unity of aesthetics and medicine can be achieved.