While some women search for recipes and ways to enlarge their breasts, others look for ways to reduce their size. Breast reduction is not only about enhancing the femininity or attractiveness of the breasts but also about addressing the health and sometimes psychological problems it causes. Let us inform you about the ideal solutions to this problem.

 

Large breasts are associated with several health problems, including:

• Neck pain.

• Shoulder pain.

• Shortness of breath.

• Back pain.

• Headaches and migraines.

• Numbness and tingling in the arms.

• Itching in the skin due to heat and moisture.

• Chronic skin rash and dermatitis.

• Visible marks from bra straps on the shoulders.

• Difficulty exercising.

• Difficulty finding clothes that fit.

• Loss of self-confidence and dissatisfaction.

 

One of the most important requirements for breast reduction surgery is that the candidate should be within 30% of her ideal weight. If the body mass index is high, it means that the woman is still in the obese stage, which may lead to health problems related to obesity that prevent her from undergoing surgery to avoid increasing the risks. Although many reasons lead to large breasts, some may be genetic, which means that they cannot be reduced by natural methods. However, in case of weight gain, the breast can be reduced by following diets and exercising until the body reaches the ideal weight that allows surgery. 

Additionally, breast reduction surgery should be delayed in the following cases:

• Planning for pregnancy, as can affect the breasts and make it difficult to produce milk.

• Planning for weight loss can result in acceptable breast size after losing weight.

 

Breast reduction surgery is performed for women who suffer from health problems such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, and other side effects of large breasts to remove excess fat and tissue, especially after trying to reduce breast size through traditional methods without success.

 

Breast reduction surgery can be performed for those who want to enhance the appearance of their breasts and suffer from problems related to large breasts. However, it cannot be performed in the following cases:

• In the case of smoking, it complicates healing and increases the risk of surgery.

• If there are heart health problems.

• In the case of obesity and related health problems.

• For those who have not completed breast growth.

 

Before the surgery, Dr. Wael Ghanem will discuss the expectations of the surgery, side effects, and potential risks, as well as how to deal with complications, what to do during the recovery period, how to take care of the incisions, and all the preventive measures that must be followed to minimize the risks. These instructions include:

• Avoid aspirin, herbal supplements, vitamins, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other blood-thinning medicines to avoid bleeding risks.

• Quit smoking for at least two weeks or a month, as it weakens healing and hinders blood flow.

• Avoid applying any alcohol-containing substances or creams on the day of the surgery.

• Wear comfortable and loose clothing.

• Do not eat or drink 6 hours before the surgery.

 

• Obtain a complete medical history and general health, and identify risk factors, allergies, and diseases.

• Discuss expectations about the appearance and size of the breasts after surgery.

• Determine when the results will appear.

• Discuss alternative options if the results are not satisfactory.

• Measure and examine the breast.

• Take pictures of the breast and keep them in the medical record.

• Explain the type of anesthesia used and its side effects.

• May ask you to complete medical and laboratory tests.

• May also request a mammogram.

 

This incision is common in cases of severe breast enlargement. It is made horizontally across the width of the breast in its lower part, and extends vertically upwards towards the nipple and its surroundings, creating an anchor shape. This incision allows the removal of a larger amount of breast tissue and more precise removal of excess skin, resulting in a smooth and symmetrical appearance of the breast within a month after the surgery. One of the drawbacks of this type of incision is that it leaves a larger scar compared to other methods. It also carries a higher risk of loss of nipple sensation if blood supply  does not reach them and may affect the ability to breastfeed. The anchor-shaped incision is more suitable for women with more glandular tissue than fat.

 

This incision is made in a circular pattern around the areola and extends vertically downward. It is used for cases of moderate breast enlargement and requires less time for surgery. The scars from this type of incision are easier to hide, and they do not involve the removal of a large amount of glandular tissue. The nipple, milk ducts, and blood vessels are preserved, so it does not affect nipple sensation or interfere with breastfeeding. However, this procedure may result in some wrinkles in the breast that last several months after the surgery. The scar is permanent, but usually not noticeable. Tissues are tightened during the procedure, but excess skin is not removed. There is a potential risk of losing the nipple sensation.

Breast reduction can also be achieved by liposuction, which reduces the overall size of the breast by removing only fat. This procedure involves making incisions under the breast or in the armpit. The excess skin shrinks over time to fit the reduced breast size. Liposuction does not affect the nipple or milk ducts and does not leave visible scars. The recovery period is faster, and this method is more suitable for cases with moderate skin elasticity or medium-large breasts. However, breast sagging may occur in cases of significant breast enlargement.

Breast reduction surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The incisions are predetermined, and the following can be removed during the procedure:

• Excess skin, fat, and tissue.

• Fat only without tissue and skin.

• Fat and tissue without removing the skin.

 

• Reduction of wide areolas.

• Nipple lifting.

• Combining breast reduction with a breast lift in cases of significant sagging.

 

After any plastic surgery, recovery is essential for successful results and avoiding health issues. For the process to pass safely, you must adhere to Dr. Wael Ghanem's instructions. To support the cosmetic results and avoid exposure to health problems, instructions after the breast reduction surgery include the following:

• The breast is covered with gauze and bandages to protect the incisions. 

• Drains are placed under the arms to drain fluids and blood, which should be emptied according to the doctor's instructions. 

• Antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the risk of infection. 

• Surgical bras are worn at first and replaced with sports bras to support the breast and reduce swelling and bruising. 

• Physical activity should be limited for 2 to 4 weeks until the breast heals. 

• Avoid regular bras for a few months after the surgery. 

• Follow-up appointments with Dr. Wael Ghanem are necessary to monitor the healing process.

The results of breast reduction surgery appear immediately, and health problems caused by breast enlargement usually disappear. Some wrinkles on the breast may occur, but they typically disappear gradually after several months. The results are usually long-lasting, but they can be affected naturally by pregnancy or weight gain. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet are essential for preserving the results.

 

Breast reduction surgery can relieve neck, shoulder, and back pain caused by excess weight and prevent problems related to health and skin. Over time, having large breasts may cause the body to bend forward. Breast reduction surgery can help address these issues, such as:

• Skeletal deformity.

• Bending forward and changing the position of the body.

• Chronic skin irritation and rashes.

 

• Improving asymmetry between the breasts.

• Making the breasts more proportionate to the body.

• Allowing for more clothing options and the freedom to wear styles that were not possible before due to breast size.

• Boosting positive energy and self-confidence due to the more attractive breasts.

• Allowing for the freedom to exercise without hindrance.

 

It is not recommended to undergo breast reduction surgery before completing childbirth due to its effect on milk production. However, the type of technique used also affects the risk. The larger the breast size, the higher the risk. In this case, an anchor-shaped incision is used, which removes part of the breast tissue. On the other hand, the vertical incision poses less risk. In the case of liposuction, there is no risk since only fatty tissue is removed.

Scars are permanent but fade over time, changing from red or pink to white. Creams can help them heal well. Smoking increases the likelihood of scarring and poor wound healing. To eliminate scars, you can consult Dr. Wael Ghanem about medical procedures such as chemical peeling, fractional laser, steroid injections, and collagen. He can help you choose the best approach for your scar type, skin quality, and color. Generally, scars are not noticeable and can be hidden by clothing.

 

All surgical procedures share some risks, including:

• Bleeding can be reduced by identifying risk factors and avoiding medications that cause blood thinning.

• Infection can be prevented by taking antibiotics.

• Pain after the surgery, which can be controlled by taking painkillers.

• Bruising is temporary and disappears on its own with time.

• Inconsistent results may occur due to the surgeon's lack of experience and skill.

• Loss of sensation in the nipples and breast tissue.

 

In conclusion, after learning everything about breast reduction surgery and its results, we hope we have provided answers to all your questions. If you have more questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Wael Ghanem, a consultant in plastic and congenital defect repair surgery.