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Breast
Reduction/Mammaplasty
If you are considering breast reduction...
Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of
medical problems. These include back and neck pain, skin irritation,
skeletal deformities, and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave
indentations in the shoulders. Unusually large breasts can make a
woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious.
Breast reduction is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat,
glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts. The breasts are made
smaller, lighter, firmer, and perkier. The procedure can also reduce
the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The
goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion
with the rest of her body.
If you're considering breast reduction, our surgeon will try to give
you a basic understanding of the procedure- when it can help, how it's
performed, and what results you can expect. It will not answer all of
your questions. A consultation is required to deal with each individual
woman's situation. Be sure to ask our surgeons if there is anything
about the procedure you don't understand.
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The best candidates for
breast reduction
Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief and cosmetic
improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very
large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause
physical discomfort. In most cases, breast reduction is not performed
until a woman's breasts are fully developed. The best candidates are
those women who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and
have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction may
decrease the ability to breast-feed. |
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Are there any risks?
Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it is normally safe when
performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any
surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including
bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anaesthesia. Some patients
develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be
treated with antibiotic creams.
You can reduce your risks by closely following our surgeon's advice
both before and after surgery. The procedure does leave noticeable,
permanent scars, although they will be covered by your bra or bathing
suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The
procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or
unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible,
since the surgery removes some of the milk ducts leading to the
nipples.
Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their
nipples or breasts. Though in our surgeon’s experience about
95% of patients retain normal or near normal nipple sensation six
months after surgery. Rarely (less than 1% of the time), the nipple and
areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple
and areola can usually be rebuilt). |
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What should I consider when
planning my surgery?
In the initial consultation, it is
important to discuss your expectations frankly with our surgeon, and to
listen to his opinion. Every patient and every physician has a
different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts. Our
surgeon will examine and measure your breasts. He will probably
photograph them for reference during surgery and afterwards.
He will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure-such as
your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your
skin. He will also discuss where the nipple and areola will be
positioned. Usually they are moved higher during the procedure, and
should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts.
Our surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks
and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will
result. He will also explain the anaesthesia used, the facility where
the surgery will be performed, and the costs. |
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What
should I do when preparing for my surgery?
Our surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before
surgery. You will also get specific instructions on how to prepare for
surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and
taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
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Breast
reduction almost never requires a blood transfusion.
While you are making preparations for surgery, be sure to arrange for
someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a
few days if needed.
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Where will my surgery be
performed?
Breast reduction is generally done in a hospital, either as an
inpatient or outpatient procedure. The surgery itself usually takes
three to four hours. If your surgery is inpatient, expect to stay in
the hospital for one day. |
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What types of anaesthesia
will be used?
Breast reduction is nearly always performed under general anaesthesia.
You will be asleep through the entire operation. |
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What happens after my
surgery?
You may feel some pain for the first couple of days after surgery. This
is worse when you move around or cough. Some discomfort for a week or
more is not unusual. Our surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen
the pain.
The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery. Your stitches
will be removed in one to two weeks.
If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a
moisturizer several times a day, but be sure to keep the suture area
dry. Your first menstruation following surgery may cause your breasts
to swell and hurt.
You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You
can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused
by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six
weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and
occasionally it may be permanent. |
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How long before I get back
to feeling normal?
Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may
still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting
or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks.
Most women can return to work (if it is not too strenuous) and social
activities in about one to two weeks. But you will have much less stamina
for several weeks. No exercise is allowed for about one month after
surgery. When you begin exercise you should limit your exercises to
stretching, bending, and swimming until your energy level returns.
You will also need a good athletic bra for support when exercising. You
will be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more. Sexual arousal can
cause your incisions to swell. You should avoid anything but gentle
contact with your breasts for about six weeks. |
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What will my new look be?
Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first
few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle
into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response
to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.
The Esteem Cosmetic Studio website provides general information about cosmetic surgery.General information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment, and should not be accepted in place or in preference to a consultation with a surgeon.
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