Breast Reduction
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ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
If you are considering breast reduction surgery or a breast lift, there may be some questions you would like answered. Essentially, a breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. The result is not permanent as no surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity. Breast reduction surgery is similar in many ways to a breast lift except as well as lifting the breasts, their volume is reduced.
Breast reduction surgery
Breast reduction surgery is indicated in the following circumstances:
It may be that you suffer from many of the typical symptoms of having heavy breasts such as upper back pain, neck pain, postural difficulties, bra strap pain, skin sores underneath the breasts. Or it may be that you simply feel that your breasts are out of proportion with your body and that you find it difficult to find clothing that fits. In any of theses cases, breast reduction surgery could be right for you. It is essential that you discuss with your surgeon your symptoms, current size and expectations in terms of your post operative size and appearance.
It is important to understand that it is difficult to guarantee and be precise about cup size – cup size is not a precise measurement. Your surgeon will try and reduce your breasts to a size proportionate to your body and frame such that it can be carried out safely and with minimal risk.
What takes place during breast reduction surgery?
The most common technique for breast reduction surgery involves either an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast, or a ‘vertical scar’ technique. Which method is used depends on the shape and size of the breast.
The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position and the skin is tightened along the planned incisions, reshaping and lifting the breast to the desired new position.
What scarring is involved with breast reduction surgery?
The scarring patterns are the same as those for breast lifting depending on the size and shape of the breasts.
Larger breasts require more extensive scarring with an inverted T pattern, smaller breasts can be reduced with a more limited vertical scar (lollipop or short scar technique).
What about my recovery after breast reduction surgery?
- Breast reduction surgery is carried out under a IV sedation and local anesthetic or general anesthetic depending on the patient. This involves a 2 night stay in the hospital.
- You will leave the hospital with dressings on which will be left intact for 5-7 days, before they are changed you will need to take things gently for 1 to 2 weeks while your wounds are healing
- You will gradually build up to normal levels of activity as you feel comfortable.
- By 6 weeks after your breast reduction surgery you should be fully recovered and able to return to full activity including gym, swimming and sport.
Am I a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
You are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if you suffer from the symptoms of having heavy breasts:
Neck pain, bra strap pain, shoulder discomfort, poor posture, skin infections in the crease of the breast or you simply feel they are too big for your frame.
You should also be in good health generally, being overweight and smoking are two significant risk factors. You will be asked to stop smoking prior to your surgery in order to minimise the risk of complications.
Are there any complications with breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is a commonly performed operation which in the vast majority of cases is complication free and highly beneficial.
However, you need to be aware of some potential risks:
- Bleeding is uncommon and rare. If bleeding is excessive in the early post operative period a small procedure to evacuate any blood clot may need to be carried out. Drains are placed to minimise collection of excess fluid/blood.
- Infection rarely occurs and may require a course of antibiotics.
- Occasionally wound healing may be a little delayed especially after very large reductions requiring dressings until healing is complete.
- Although extremely rare, the blood supply to the nipple is theoretically at risk and may result in poor healing of the nipple.
- Nipple sensation may also be altered either temporarily or more unusually permanently.
- Younger women need to be aware that it is possible that breast feeding may not be possible after breast reduction surgery.
It is important to remember that breasts are rarely of exactly the same size to start with and that after surgery they may not be identical in shape and size minor asymmetries are normal.
How long will the surgery take for breast reduction?
The surgery takes about 2-3 hours.
* Be sure to discuss the pros and cons of breast reduction surgery with your surgeon before making the decision to go ahead. *
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