Dr. Huynh Ba Tan, from the Breast - Head and Neck Surgery Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, reported that the patient's left breast was larger than her right, with severe sagging and classified as third-degree ptosis. An inverted t-shaped reduction mammoplasty was recommended. This technique is used for excessively large breasts with severe sagging and helps correct asymmetry between the two breasts.

The surgeon made incisions around the areola, a vertical incision from the areola to the inframammary fold, and a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold, creating an inverted "T" shape. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin were removed, reshaping the breasts into a more compact form and elevating the nipples. 320 grams of tissue were removed from the right breast and 400 grams from the left, creating a balanced appearance. Lan had drains placed and removed two days after the surgery.

According to Dr. Tan, breast reduction surgery for hypertrophy is not overly complex, but the main challenge lies in preserving the nipple. In Lan's case, the doctor was able to preserve the nipple and improve the breast shape, boosting her confidence.

The surgical team treating Lan for breast hypertrophy. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The surgical team treating Lan for breast hypertrophy. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Breast hypertrophy is a condition where the fibrous and glandular tissues develop abnormally, exceeding normal size (weighing more than 3% of body weight). Several factors can cause this condition, including bodily changes during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and genetics. Aging also reduces the elasticity of the ligaments supporting the breasts, leading to sagging.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman's milk glands develop rapidly, increasing breast size by one to two times compared to their pre-pregnancy size. The large milk volume puts pressure on the fatty tissue, increasing breast size, stretching the supporting ligaments, and tightening the skin. After weaning, the breasts shrink and sag.

Before undergoing breast reduction surgery for hypertrophy, patients undergo ultrasounds, mammograms, and MRIs (in certain cases). If no abnormalities are found (suspected cancer or malignant tumors), doctors recommend a suitable breast reduction plan based on the patient's weight and number of pregnancies.

Dr. Tan recommends that women over 40 get annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer. For younger women under 30 with high-risk factors, breast ultrasounds can help detect breast diseases early.

Minh Tam

*The patient's name has been changed.