What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction in Jeddah is performed to decrease overly heavy breasts caused by an excess of mammary gland tissue, with or without the presence of excess fat.
“When the amount of tissue removed is at least 300 grams per breast, the procedure is classified as a breast reduction,” the surgeon explains. If less than 300 grams is removed, the operation is no longer considered reconstructive surgery but is instead categorized as cosmetic surgery, commonly referred to as a breast lift or mastopexy.
What is breast hypertrophy?
Breast hypertrophy is frequently accompanied by sagging of the breasts, a condition known as breast ptosis. In such cases, a breast lift procedure may be performed to elevate the breasts, improve overall balance, and reduce their size simultaneously.
The different breast reduction surgical techniques
Breast reduction vs breast lift Jeddah procedures differ in approach, and for breast reduction, surgeons use three primary surgical techniques depending on how much breast volume needs to be removed:
Single incision
When the breast is small and there is no associated ptosis, only a simple incision around the areola is required. This technique is known as a “round block.”
Double incision, periareolar and vertical
When the breast has an average volume with mild ptosis, two incisions are necessary: one around the areola and another vertical incision extending between the nipple and the lower portion of the breast.
Triple inverted-T incision
When the breast is large and accompanied by pronounced ptosis, three incisions are required: one around the areola, one vertical, and one beneath the breast. The incision under the breast is discreetly hidden within the natural breast fold. The resulting scar takes the shape of an inverted T.
The mammary gland tissue removed during the procedure is routinely sent to a pathology laboratory for precise weighing and detailed analysis.
What conditions must be met for a breast reduction?
- Back pain: many women experience back pain caused by the excessive weight of their breasts, as well as discomfort in the neck or shoulders.
- Difficulty dressing: this includes challenges in finding well-fitting underwear that does not compress the breasts, along with discomfort during certain everyday activities.
- Aesthetic concerns: even in young women, large breasts may sag and lead to significant self-consciousness. Coping with large breasts and the attention they attract is not always easy.
For younger women, it is essential to wait until breast development is complete—generally around the age of 18—before considering breast reduction surgery in Jeddah.
Breast reduction: how is the operation performed?
Breast ptosis surgery is always carried out under general anesthesia and is most often performed as an outpatient procedure. “In some cases, an overnight hospital stay may be advised, particularly when a large reduction is involved or when the patient lives far from the surgical facility,” the surgeon explains.
The operation typically lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on the surgical technique used.
What are the risks associated with breast reduction?
Risks or surgical complications are relatively uncommon, but they must be clearly explained by the practitioner during a preoperative consultation. The main potential complications include the following:
Delayed healing, which can occur when the scar at the lower part of the T-shaped incision partially opens, the surgeon explains.
In 1–2% of cases, a hematoma may develop. This involves bleeding within the breast, leading to significant swelling. “In such situations, the patient must return to the operating room so the bleeding can be controlled,” states Dr. Hattan Aljaaly.
Cytosteonecrosis is another possible complication, in which a portion of the breast tissue dies, breaks down, and forms a cyst that subsequently needs to be drained.
Contraindication to breast reduction
Breast reduction surgery has several contraindications.
“A mammogram must be carried out beforehand to rule out any abnormalities, particularly breast cancer,” emphasizes Dr. Hattan Aljaaly. The most common contraindications include:
Tobacco
Smoking is a major contraindication for breast reduction. “Women who smoke face a significantly higher risk of complications and poor scar healing,” explains the surgeon, who refuses to operate on patients who continue to smoke. Patients are required to stop smoking at least 8 weeks before the surgery and to maintain abstinence for 8 weeks afterward.
Obesity
Obesity is another factor that raises the risk of complications. Women with a BMI (body mass index) over 30 are advised to lose weight before undergoing breast reduction surgery.
History of pulmonary embolism
A history of pulmonary embolism or phlebitis is also considered a contraindication for Jeddah breast reduction surgery.
Follow-up and behavior after breast reduction
Healing typically takes two to three weeks, during which patients must wear a supportive bra both day and night for one month. Postoperative pain is usually moderate and can be managed with standard painkillers. Depending on the individual, a recovery period of one to three weeks is generally observed.
Patients can gradually return to sports and physical activities after four to six weeks. Scars must be protected from sun exposure for at least a year. “As long as the scars are still pink, they must be fully shielded from the sun; otherwise, they will darken and remain visibly darker than the surrounding skin,” emphasizes Dr. Hattan Aljaaly. It is therefore recommended to wait until the scars turn white before exposing them to sunlight.
After surgery, the breasts will initially appear high and round, with their final shape developing over three to six months.
“It is important to note that although breast reduction alters the breast structure, it does not interfere with breast cancer monitoring or follow-up,” reassures the surgeon.
How should I behave after a breast reduction?
Patients are required to wear a supportive bra both day and night for one month. They can gradually resume sports and physical activities after four to six weeks.
Does breast reduction leave visible scars?
While breast reduction helps improve and harmonize breast contours, the procedure inevitably leaves a scar. The surgeon performs an inverted “T” incision to remove excess tissue. In patients who heal well, the resulting scars tend to be less noticeable. However, in cases where healing is more challenging, the scars may be permanent and can cause some women to feel self-conscious in nude or revealing settings.
Conditions for reimbursement and coverage
Supplementary health insurance plans may cover some or all of these costs.
Depending on how the procedure is arranged, professional fees may be included as part of the overall treatment plan. In some cases, these arrangements can be streamlined, while in others, scheduling availability may take longer due to limited appointment slots.
You might also be interested in breast lipofilling as an option than Book breast reduction consultation Jeddah.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Hattan Aljaaly and book Breast reduction clinic appointment Jeddah.
FAQs
What are the main techniques used for breast reduction?
The surgical technique chosen depends on the size of the breasts and the degree of sagging, known as ptosis. For small breasts with no sagging, a single incision around the areola, called a “round block,” is sufficient. Moderate-sized breasts with slight sagging require two incisions: one around the areola and a vertical incision from the nipple to the lower part of the breast. For large breasts with significant sagging, three incisions are made — around the areola, vertically from the nipple to the lower breast, and along the breast fold, forming an inverted “T.” The incision along the fold is hidden in the natural crease.
How long is the recovery period and what care is required?
Recovery after breast reduction typically lasts one to three weeks for routine daily activities. Patients must wear a supportive bra day and night for at least one month to ensure proper healing. Most women can resume sports and other physical activities after four to six weeks. Scars should be carefully protected from sun exposure for at least a year, particularly while they are still pink, to avoid darkening. The final shape of the breasts usually develops over three to six months, gradually becoming more natural and contoured.
What are the potential risks and complications of breast reduction?
Although breast reduction is generally safe, complications can occur. Delayed healing may happen, particularly at the lower part of the T-shaped incision. Hematomas, or bleeding within the breast, occur in about 1–2% of cases and may require a return to the operating room. Cytosteonecrosis, a condition in which part of the breast tissue dies and forms a cyst, may also occur and require drainage. Following pre- and post-operative instructions carefully helps to minimize these risks and ensure a smoother recovery.
Are there any contraindications for breast reduction surgery?
Certain conditions make breast reduction unsuitable. Smoking is a major contraindication, as it increases the risk of complications and poor scar healing. Patients must stop smoking at least eight weeks before and after the surgery. Obesity, particularly a BMI over 30, also increases complication risks, so weight loss is recommended before the procedure. A history of pulmonary embolism or phlebitis may make surgery unsafe. Additionally, a preoperative mammogram is always required to rule out breast abnormalities, particularly cancer, before proceeding with surgery.