Breast Reduction Surgery: What to Know to Minimize Side Effects [Column by Dr. Yoosuk Chung]

[Mediafine Expert Column] For many women, the breasts are a symbol of femininity. As a glamorous figure became an aspiration for women, a large breast size came to be seen as confidence and small breasts as a complex. Yet some, on the contrary, consider breast reduction surgery because their breasts are excessively large. Medically, excessively large breasts are called macromastia. The criteria differ according to individual build such as height and weight, but generally a volume of 400 to 600 in one breast is regarded as mild hypertrophy, around 600 to 1000cc as moderate hypertrophy, and 1000cc or more as severe hypertrophy. Genetic factors are the most common cause; it can also develop through pregnancy and childbirth, and in many cases it arises from hormonal imbalance during adolescence.This not only causes mental stress from drawing others' attention, but can also bring on pain in areas such as the shoulders, neck, and back. Sagging breasts can also lead to skin conditions such as eczema where skin surfaces touch. Breast reduction surgery is an option that can be chosen when the breasts have developed excessively and cause mental and physical stress in this way, and it is performed by removing part of the breast tissue to reduce the size, depending on the size of the breasts and the patient's physical condition.If excessively large breasts sagging downward are the concern, a breast lift that restores firmness can be considered together. This is a method that dissects the muscle and lifts the sagging mammary tissue and fat to raise the sagging breasts, and it can also improve the position of a drooping areola or nipple.However, to obtain a satisfying result, an accurate assessment of each individual's differing breast condition must come first. Because the surgical plan must be built with functional aspects of the breast as a priority while also covering aesthetic aspects such as breast size and harmony with the body shape, the skill of the medical staff matters all the more. If surgery is performed without considering each person's different physical conditions, there is a risk of side effects such as scarring or necrosis.The biggest cause of side effects is that blood circulation is not working properly. Surgical methods can differ by clinic, but stem cell breast reduction surgery is one of the surgeries that helps blood circulation. It is a breast surgery that preserves stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into the various cells of our body, and it can minimize side effects such as necrosis and support quick recovery. In addition, the tension-free suture method, which uses accurate dissection during surgery to pull the skin appropriately and suture only the tissue that must bear the tension, helps blood supply flow smoothly, reducing scarring and supporting stable recovery.Unlike other breast surgeries, breast reduction requires even greater caution, and various aspects must be considered in advance, such as whether the mammary tissue has fully matured and the shape during breastfeeding after childbirth. To raise the safety and satisfaction of surgery, it is advisable to go through a thorough consultation with medical staff beforehand. It helps to find and consult medical staff who have abundant clinical experience and know-how and who can establish the treatment plan you need. (Dr. Yoosuk Chung, TheLINE Plastic Surgery)Source : Mediafine (https://www.mediafine.co.kr)