Breast reduction surgery is a common procedure to relieve patients from pain associated with heavy breasts. There are a number of techniques used by surgeons, and technique selection depends upon the size, shape, degree of reduction and scarring expectations for each patient.
Wise Pattern
Developed in 1956, the Wise Pattern is the most common method used for breast reduction. It is characterized by its anchor-shape incision that cuts a circle around the areola, a vertical cut down the middle of the bottom portion of the breast. Then a horizontal cut the follows the curve of the bottom of the breast.
Surgeons tend to favor the Wise pattern because of the degree of experience with this technique. It is particularly applicable for women with very large breasts that have a great deal of tissue to remove. It has also been shown to prevent a "bottoming-out" effect of the breasts during the healing and settling process. Unfortunately, the technique does lead to extensive scarring on the breasts.
LeJour Technique
The LeJour technique, developed in 1964, is characterized by the lack of a horizontal incision. An incision is made around the perimeter of the areola and then vertically down the middle of the bottom portion of the breast. This technique is most often referred to as a lollipop pattern.
The technique is more applicable to women with less tissue to remove that are primarily interested in reducing the amount of scarring associated with the procedure. It also has a shorter recovery period because it is less invasive and does not require removal of the nipple. However, this technique has been known to lead to a more wrinkled and lumpy appearance of the breasts in the months following surgery.
Scarless Reduction Technique
Breast reduction performed via liposuction is often referred to as scar-less reduction because it leaves only minor scars associated with the liposuction process. The procedure involves making a small incision in the armpit or crease below the breast and inserting the liposuction cannulat to remove fatty tissues.
This procedure is applicable to patients whose breasts consist of excess fatty tissue as opposed to glandular tissue. Among the advantages are minimal scarring and rapid recovery times since it is so minimally invasive. However, it only effects the volume of the breast and does little to change the shape.
Tags: associated with, applicable women, applicable women with, bottom portion, bottom portion breast, Breast reduction