Breast Reduction Techniques: Different Incision Methods
Bariatric surgery can work wonders for your health and wellness. The surgery will put your body through a number of changes, though, and it’s important to keep these changes in mind. Loose skin and altered body contour are both common issues following major weight loss.
Given these issues, the team at our Tijuana, Mexico weight loss surgery center often discusses breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) for patients once they’ve hit a stable post-surgery weight. Let’s consider why breast reduction is a good idea and the different surgical techniques available for this procedure.
The Need for Breast Reduction After Weight Loss
After losing a lot of weight, many women will notice that their breasts droop and sag. This is common, and the amount of sagging can be especially pronounced. The only way to improve the appearance, firmness, and chase of the breasts is a breast reduction. There are different surgical techniques based on the amount of drooping and sagging a patient faces.
Traditional Breast Reduction Incisions
During a traditional breast reduction surgery, a plastic surgeon creates an anchor-shaped incision. This consists of the following:
- A circular incision around the areola
- A incision along the crease where the bottom of the breast meets the chest
- A vertical incision along the lower breast from the edge of the areola to the bottom of the breast
You can perhaps picture the anchor shape of these three combined incisions. Through these three incisions, excess breast tissue and skin can be removed, underlying structures adjusted, and the shape of the breast enhanced.
Lollipop Breast Reduction Surgery
When a woman need less substantial reduction in breast size, fewer incisions can be used. One surgical technique is referred to as the lollipop technique or keyhole technique. In this surgery, there are two incisions needed:
- A circular incision around the areola
- A vertical incision from the edge of the bottom of the areola down the lower portion of the breast
Through these incisions, the plastic surgeon can achieve all of the necessary revisions and tightening to enhance breast shape.
Peri-Areolar Breast Reduction Incision
For very minor cases of sagging, sometimes all that is required is a single incision around the areola. Just removing skin around the areola and tightening the breasts afterward can work wonders for the overall shape and firmness of the breasts.
Combined Breast Reduction and Lift
Sometimes a plastic surgeon will combine the concerns of a breast reduction with the techniques of a breast lift, allowing the surgery to improve the perkiness and shape of the breasts in the process. This can have dramatic benefits for overall breast shape and appearance.
Breast Reduction with Implants
Believe it or not, it’s possible to use breast implants in a breast reduction. Similar to a combine breast lift and augmentation, these kinds of surgeries use the implant to improve overall breast shape. Incisions are made to remove excess skin and improve overall bustling contour. The implants may be able to limit the extent of the incisions made during surgery, and help achieve better overall body contouring results.
Speak with Our Team of Weight Loss Experts
For more information about breast reduction after weight loss surgery and improving your overall body contour, be sure to contact an experienced surgeon. The team here at Tijuana Bariatrics looks forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.
