Breast Reduction in Medellín

Breast reduction, breast reduction surgery and reduction mammaplasty (also spelled mammoplasty) are different names for the same operation. You may also see “bilateral reduction mammaplasty,” which just means both breasts are operated on. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) describes it as removing skin and tissue from the breast, then shaping and lifting it. The reasons it lists include back pain, pain from bra straps, irritated skin and difficulty exercising or finding clothes that fit.

According to the ASPS, the technique depends on your anatomy, the composition of your breasts, how much reduction you want, your preferences and your surgeon's judgment; in some cases liposuction is added. The nipple is moved up to its new position without being separated from its blood supply or nerves. In extremely large breasts, the nipple and areola sometimes have to be removed and placed higher (a free nipple graft); in that case they lose sensation and take longer to heal. The scars are permanent, although in most cases they fade over time. Your surgeon decides which technique is right for you after examining you.

A reduction removes weight and volume, and it also lifts the breast. If your goal is something else, these options fit better:

• You like your size, but your breasts sag: a breast lift raises them, with or without implants.
• You're a man and the volume of your chest bothers you: we look at gynecomastia surgery.
• You also want to address your abdomen or waist: we look at a tummy tuck or liposuction, in the same surgery or in stages.
• You're losing weight: medical weight loss may come first.

At your consultation, we'll tell you what makes sense for you.

The ASPS explains that it can be done at any age, although ideally the breasts have finished developing. Take time to talk it over at your consultation if:

• Your breasts are still developing.
• You plan to have children soon: pregnancy can change the result.
• Your weight goes up and down: those changes can also affect it.
• You have a life-threatening illness or a condition that makes healing harder.
• You smoke or vape: you'll need to stop before surgery.

And as the ASPS points out, do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's wishes or to match an ideal image.

Every surgery has risks, and this one does too. The ASPS lists, among others:

• Anesthesia risks, bleeding (hematoma) and infection.
• Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and heart and lung complications.
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, temporary or permanent. Most of the time, nipple sensation improves over time.
• Asymmetry, irregularities in shape, and unfavorable scarring or wounds that heal poorly.
• Partial or total loss of the nipple and areola, and possible inability to breastfeed.
• Possible need for revision surgery.

Before you decide, we go over each one with you, and you sign an informed consent form.

Before: you'll have your pre-op tests and, depending on your age or your personal or family history, you may need breast imaging. You stop smoking or vaping and review everything you take with your specialist, without stopping anything on your own: the ASPS warns that aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can increase bleeding. An adult takes you to surgery, picks you up and stays with you for at least the first night.

After: you wear the post-surgical bra, which the ASPS says reduces swelling, and you may have a thin drainage tube for a while. Protect your incisions from excessive force, rubbing or movement, and don't miss your follow-up visits. Each step is laid out on our international patients page.