Women with very large breasts often experience significant discomfort and limitations when it comes to exposing their bodies. Activities like going to the beach, wearing tight clothing, or even undressing can become challenging and impact self-esteem.
In addition to these emotional challenges, large breasts can cause physical issues, including back and shoulder pain. This happens because the breasts pull the body out of alignment, leading to compensatory kyphosis, which compresses the vertebrae.
Skin irritation is another common issue, particularly under the breasts or along bra straps.
Our goal with breast reduction surgery is simple: to restore dignity and sensuality, giving every woman the confidence she deserves.
Types of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction with Silicone Implants
This surgery is ideal for moderate reductions, removing up to 500 grams of breast tissue. Silicone implants can offer several advantages:
- Enhancing the cleavage.
- Maintaining the breast’s shape over time, as implants don’t age.
We typically place implants in the sub-muscular plane and use internal bra and muscle strap techniques to keep them stable, preventing the implants from shifting downward or to the sides.
Note: Breast reduction is different from mastopexy (breast lift). While breast reduction focuses on reducing the breast’s weight, mastopexy is primarily about lifting the breast and repositioning the nipples.
Patients opting for mastopexy often prefer larger volumes since they haven’t dealt with the challenges of large breasts for decades.
Breast Reduction Without Implants
This technique achieves the lightest breasts possible by avoiding implants entirely. It works particularly well for women with narrow torsos, as it creates a proportional bustline. However, for those with medium or wide torsos, the cleavage may be less defined.
In all cases, we can use fat grafting to enhance the cleavage area. While fat doesn’t provide the same results as implants—since some of it will be absorbed—it can still be an excellent option to explore during your consultation.
A common question is about scarring. It’s important to know that scar length depends on the breast size, degree of sagging, and the breast base width.
The trade-off between smaller, lighter breasts and scars is often worthwhile. Most patients heal well and are thrilled to have breasts that are easier to manage and more comfortable.
Breast Reduction Using the Inferior Pedicle Technique
This technique avoids implants but uses part of the mammary gland, folded onto itself, to simulate an implant. While the results won’t replicate those of silicone implants, this method avoids implant-related risks like rejection or infection.
This technique is a popular choice in my clinic because it allows for significant tissue removal while maintaining a well-defined projection and cleavage.
Scarring After Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery typically results in an inverted “T” scar. The scar size depends on the degree of sagging and the amount of tissue removed.
While we aim to minimize scarring, some cases require more extensive incisions. Advanced suturing techniques increase the likelihood of fine, barely visible scars. Additionally, we use surgical glue, post-surgical physiotherapy taping, and silicone strips for two months to optimize healing.
Short Scar Technique
This method removes a large amount of tissue through a vertical incision, avoiding the need for an extended horizontal scar. It works best for dense, heavy breasts with firm skin and narrow bases.
“L” Scar Technique
An evolution of the short scar technique, the “L” scar avoids the central horizontal incision of the traditional inverted “T” scar. It provides excellent results for selected cases, offering a discreet scar that’s easier to hide.
Details That Make a Difference
During your consultation, I’ll sketch the techniques for you to understand the differences. Small but important considerations, like maintaining the areola size between 4 and 5 cm, are carefully planned.
Liposuction of the sides of the breasts is another detail we include when necessary. This sculpts the breast, ensuring it matches your desired shape.
We also prioritize absorbable sutures to minimize discomfort during recovery.
In Summary
Large breasts cause both physical and psychological discomfort. Many of my patients wear bra sizes 50 or 52 and wish to reduce to sizes 42 or 44.
While scarring is inevitable, it can be hidden, unlike large breasts, which are harder to conceal. Patients often report improved self-esteem, confidence, and physical relief after surgery.
Dr. Alexandre Charão sees patients in Rio de Janeiro and Petrópolis. For more information, feel free to get in touch.
