Complexities of Breast Reduction Surgery

It has come to my attention that many prospective patients might assume that breast reduction and breast augmentation are comparable procedures, possibly even that breast reduction might be simpler. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Breast reduction surgery is actually quite complex. With breast augmentation, the addition of an implant does not interfere with the deep structures of the breast tissue; the implant merely pushes them aside until the skin stretches to accommodate the addition. Even placing an implant beneath the pectoral muscle leaves the breast tissue intact, although an extended recovery period may be necessary as the muscle tissue heals.

In performing breast reductions, the concern is preserving nipple sensitivity and viability. In order to do this a pedicle technique should be used. A pedicle is a bridge of tissue from one part of the body to another, in this case from part of the breast tissue to the nipple, in order to assure a continued blood supply. When a woman has extremely large breasts, this is particularly critical. There are several pedicle techniques including the lateral, superior and inferior pedicle techniques, but the supero-medial pedicle technique is capable of preserving the nipple best in the largest breasts. The names of the pedicle techniques refer to where the pedicle is created/preserved within the breast during the surgery. You can probably guess by the names that the inferior pedicle is preserved at the bottom of the breast, the superior from the top of the breast, and the lateral from the outside of the breast. The supero-medial pedicle is created on a diagonal from the center of the chest, and it turns out this technique creates the best blood supply to the nipple. Beyond reliable circulation, and retaining sensation and viability of the nipple, this pedicle technique also preserves the projection in the central part of the breast.

The pedicle, or bridge of tissue, is a structure preserved inside the breast so ultimately, inferior scars will be all that show of the pedicle techniques, so not to worry. In most women this fades. Now you can see why breast reduction surgery is a more complex operation than breast augmentation. Arkansas breast reduction and breast lift patients at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center can be certain they are getting a board certified cosmetic surgeon using the most advanced techniques.

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda at 501-227-0707 for a consultation with me in order to find out about all your options.