What Really Happens During a Breast Reduction?

A step-by-step explanation of the procedure of breast reduction

Fear comes from the unknown. Approach your breast reduction armed with information instead of fear. Here is a brief step-by-step explanation of what you can expect during your upcoming breast reduction procedure.

Step 1 – Anesthesia

You will be given medicine to make you sleep through your plastic surgery in Las Vegas. Depending on what your surgeon recommends, you will be given general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.

Step 2 – Incisions

Once you are pleasantly sleeping, the necessary incisions will be made to begin the procedure. The patterns of the incisions depend on how much tissue you are having removed during your breast reduction in Las Vegas. Your preference and the position of your nipples also factor into the incision pattern. Types of incision patterns include:

• Micro-Incision – This incision is used if the breast tissue being removed is made mostly of fat. In these cases, the excess tissue is removed with liposuction. So, the incisions only need to be large enough for the cannula.
• Donut Incision – This is also known as the peri-aerolar incision and is made following the outline of the areola.
• Keyhole Incision – This incision combines the donut incision and a straight incision from the areola down to the crease of the breast. It takes the shape of a lollipop.
• Anchor Incision – This incision begins as the keyhole incision and adds an incision that moves horizontally along the crease of the breast. This tends to be the most common incision used in breast reduction procedures.

Step 3 – Shaping

After the correct incision is made, the surgeon will remove the excess fat and skin tissue and the breast will be reshaped. Then, the nipple and areola will be reattached in a way that gives you the youthful, perky look you were striving for. If you are making a dramatic shift in breast size, you may need a nipple graft done. Your surgeon may even reduce the size of your areola to match the size of your new breast.

Step 4 – Closure

Next, the surgeon will tighten up the remaining skin and close the incision with sutures. These are stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together. There is a good chance your surgeon will also use skin adhesives or surgical tape to help keep the incisions closed and support the new breast shape.

Step 5 – Post-Op

Once everything is said and done, your breasts will most likely be covered with sterile dressings and an elastic bandage or a surgical bra. Then, you will be taken to a room to recover and be monitored for complications.

Your surgeon should clear you to go home after a few hours. In rare cases, you may be asked to stay overnight for additional monitoring. Whether you are free to go right away or the next day, make sure you have someone to take you home. Driving will be unsafe and possibly painful.  Someone should also be with you for at least the next 24 hours.

There is really no reason to fear your breast reduction in Las Vegas, especially when you have the best surgical team on your side. For more information about breast reductions, contact Reynolds Plastic Surgery Today at 702.410.9800.