9 November 2020 Author : Luís Azevedo Breasts play an important role in feminine sensuality and are, unquestionably, an element of affirmation of femininity. However, often they can have an excessive volume, and this can cause both physical and psychological discomfort . Many adolescents with juvenile breast hypertrophy – that is excessive breast growth at puberty - isolate themselves with the stigma that is associated with this condition. On the other hand, many women live with physical discomfort given the excessive breast weight, presenting complaints like: Breast pain or mastalgia; Neck pain; Back pain; Grooves caused by the bra straps; Numbness of the arms; Irritation and maceration of the skin, sometimes with infections by bacteria and fungi, in the mammary folds (intertrigo). Breast reduction , which is done by surgery , improves all these complaints and contributes to the woman physical and psychological well-being. In addition to physical improvement there is always a psychological improvement with breast reduction, both by improving the quality of life associated with the elimination of physical discomfort, as well dur to the aesthetic improvement of the breast. How is a breast reduction done? Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty , is one of the most common plastic surgeries performed by physicians specialized in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. This surgery allows: Reduce the volume and weight of large and heavy breasts; Correcting shape and sagging of bulky breasts; Reposition and resize the nipple-areola complex. There are several techniques for making a breast reduction, which belong to 2 major types: Breast reduction in inverted T; Vertical breast reduction. Breast reduction in inverted T This is the technique of choice for large and bulky breasts. It allows to resize the breast both vertically and horizontally. The surgery leaves a periareolar scar, one vertical and one horizontal located in the mammary fold. Vertical breast reduction This technique is used mainly in mastopexies, a technical term that means what is commonly called “breast lift”. However, in cases of mild to moderate breast reduction and depending on the quality of the woman skin, it is also possible to choose this technique, which has the great advantage of eliminating the horizontal scar. The result is, above all, a vertical resizing of the breast. Other important points about reduction mammoplasty: Breast reduction surgery is technically simple, if performed by a duly accredited specialist surgeon. The postoperative period is practically painless, and the recovery is short, both of daily activities and work activities. In most cases, the scars left by surgery do not represent any aesthetic limitation. Surgery does not change the sensitivity of the nipple. For women planning a delivery, it is also important to know that in most cases it is possible to maintain breastfeeding. Meet the reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery team from Hospital da Luz. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
