Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing overly large or sagging breasts to a more comfortable size and shape. It is also useful if your breasts are unequal in size or if they have increased in size following pregnancy.

How would this procedure help me?

A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step in considering breast reduction. You should frankly discuss your goals and expectations, and your plastic surgeon will advise you whether they are realistic. You should always keep in mind that the desired result is an improvement, not perfection.

The procedure may be indicated if you feel uncomfortable with your large breasts. You may suffer pain in the breasts, shoulders, lower neck and back. You may also have discomfort during physical activity. A breast reduction can reduce these problems, enhances the posture, and helps improve your overall appearance and self-esteem.

How is breast reduction performed?

Breast reduction involves a two to three day stay in hospital. Surgery of this type is performed under general anaesthetic. The surgeon will mark out a pattern on the breasts before surgery with you sitting up, to guide him in removing the proper amount of tissue.

There are currently several techniques for breast reduction, and all aim to remove excess breast tissue, recontour the breasts and reposition the nipples. The appropriate amount of tissue is removed, then the breast is reshaped and sutured together. The size of the areola is frequently reduced as well.

Closure is usually in the form of an inverted 'T' with a circular line of closure around the areola, but other types of incisions can be used. A surgical drain is usually inserted in each breast. Your surgeon will discuss the relative merits and problems of each technique with you.

What happens after the surgery?

Your anaesthetist will prescribe the necessary medication to relieve post-operative pain. The surgical drains will usually be removed in one to three days. Your stitches will be examined five days after surgery to ensure that the wound is healthy, and some will be removed two weeks after the operation.

Your surgeon will also see you three months after your operation. You may have some bruising and swelling of the breasts for two or three weeks. You should not return to work for two to four weeks after the surgery, depending on the type of work you do. Strenuous activities and sports may be resumed after four to six weeks.

You should discuss details of your recovery with your surgeon.

Will the procedure leave any scars?

Although scars are the inevitable results of any surgery, your surgeon will make every effort to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. However, scarring is an individual characteristic and can vary from patient to patient. Your surgeon will tell you where the scarring will be, depending on which technique is used for your breast reduction.

What results can I expect?

The goal of your surgery is to reduce your breasts to a size that is in better proportion with your physique. An exact cup size is difficult to achieve, but your surgeon is the best person to determine whether your expectations are realistic.

What can go wrong?

There are risks involved in any form of surgery, and although uncommon, the possibility cannot be ignored. You should discuss possible complications with your surgeon, who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

What can I do to reduce problems with surgery?

Firstly, listen to what your surgeon has to say, and take his advice! Excessive bleeding during or after surgery is always a possibility. It is therefore essential to avoid taking aspirin or ant-inflammatory medication for two weeks before and one week after the operation.

If you are taking any medication, or if you have varicose veins or have ever had phlebitis, tell your surgeon at the visit preceding the operation. The risks of surgery are increased greatly by the use of tobacco, due to interference with circulation and wound healing. Also, being overweight significantly increases your risks.