Making a decision to undergo breast reduction surgery is not one to be taken very lightly. For many women who have large and heavy breasts cause discomfort, this procedure can be a life changing event, results of which could boost both their physical comfort and self-esteem. However, as with as in all surgical procedures, it does not come without risks. Breast reduction surgery, also known as “reduction mammoplasty”, is a very popular plastic surgery procedure carried out across the globe with a high rate of success. Designed to reduce the size of excessively large sized breasts, it can not only improve a patient’s overall appearance and create a more balanced figure but can also provide relief from the physical discomforts often associated with huge breasts such as back, neck, and shoulder pain.
CAUSES OF DEVELOPING LARGE BREASTS
Women taking hormone containing drug preparations, including oral contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy for menopause and other menstrual irregularities .These medicines often cause fluid retention and increase in bulk due to significant changes in the hormonal balance of both estrogen and progesterone.
Women who have fibrocystic disease of breasts have associated symptoms of fluid retention. The breasts often feel heavier when fluid retention develops in the breasts.
Women with a family history of large breasts may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Breast hypertrophy, also called juvenile or virginal breast hypertrophy, is the idiopathic and uncontrolled enlargement of the breast without concurrent breast pathology.
HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- Make arrangements for getting help at home, once you get discharged from the hospital.
- Maintain a wholesome and protein rich balanced diet, as this will facilitate effective healing.
- Ensure ample hydration by drinking copious amounts of water, thus preventing dehydration and a host of related issues.
- Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol for at least a few weeks prior to the surgery.
- Stop medications like aspirin and other blood-thinning medications, as they may induce bruising and bleeding.
RECUPERATIVE PERIOD
- Refrain yourself from lifting any heavy objects during the initial six weeks of convalescence.
- Within one week after the procedure, commence light walking within your domicile to order to improve blood circulation and to alleviate swelling.
- Gradually and progressively increase your activity levels on a weekly basis, after seeking guidance from your doctor.
- Refrain from performing routine household chores, desist from doing the dishes, laundry, garden work, or cleaning for a minimum of six weeks after the surgery.
- You need to wear a compression bra for up to six weeks following the procedure.
- Refrain from wearing bras, that are equipped with underwire or padding for a period of three months.