Plastic surgeon Simonas Kaupas discusses breast reduction surgery
While societal beauty standards often emphasize the appeal of large breasts, for many women, this can lead to not only self-esteem issues but also various health concerns. As a result, breast reduction surgery is becoming increasingly popular, significantly enhancing patients' quality of life.
Simonas Kaupas, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Vilnius Kardiolita Clinics, explains that large breasts can cause numerous issues, ranging from difficulty finding a suitable bra to health problems like scarring, skin irritation, pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, and deep indentations from bra straps.
Breast reduction surgery is ideally performed when a patient does not plan to have children in the future, though it is occasionally recommended for very young patients with excessively large breasts or noticeable asymmetry. Prior to the surgery, it's crucial to undergo blood tests, an electrocardiogram, and a breast ultrasound, and to ensure that post-operative support is available at home during the first few weeks of recovery.
The surgery is conducted under general anesthesia and typically lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the case.
It's important to consider that a body mass index (BMI) over 28 increases the risk of infection, and smoking heightens the likelihood of post-operative complications due to nicotine's effect on blood vessels, which can lead to circulation problems. Therefore, patients are advised to quit smoking two months before the surgery.
