Breast Reduction, also known as Reduction Mammaplasty, is a very gratifying procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the severe discomfort many women experience, associated with overly large breasts.
If you have overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can be a tremendously life-enhancing option. The procedure will give you far more than just smaller, firmer breasts. You will also get immense relief from many physical and emotional discomforts, a new sense of freedom in your exercise and physical activity and the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing styles.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you have :
Consultation
During consultation, it is important to honestly discuss :
Your Aesthetic Surgeon would also like to evaluate :
It’s very important for you to understand all aspects of your procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety or a bit of preoperative stress but please discuss this thoroughly with your cosmetic surgeon so you feel at ease by the time of the procedure.
Preparing for Breast Reduction
In preparing for surgery, you may be instructed as follows :
How is breast reduction performed?
The procedure is performed in an operation theatre under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon will mark the areas in great detailand plan the surgery for you pre-operatively. A keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern is routinely used. In this method, the incisions are around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. After the incision is made, the nipple (which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply) is then repositioned on a specific pedicle that maintains its blood supply and nerve supply at all times. The size of areola is reduced by excising a donut skin around the perimeter, if necessary.Underlying breast tissue is reduced to the size you desire, it is lifted and re-shaped. Deep sutures are taken to create and support the newly shaped breasts. The skin is closed using self-dissolving sutures and a supportive dressing is applied. A short horizontal T or J extension may be necessary at the bottom of the vertical line to allow for better re-draping of the skin. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed completely and re-transplanted to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft) to make sure that it is safely preserved without any complications.
Recovery
You are likely to feel some discomfort for 2-3 days but you can be up and about by the same evening. The reduction in weight is immediately obvious. Any discomfort is very well controlled by oral medications. You will be advised to sincerely use a sports bra regularly for at least 6 weeks. You must avoid sudden excessive stretching movements at your shoulder. Sleeping on your tummy or sides will be not permitted for at least 3-4 weeks. Stitches are usually self-dissolving and all dressings will be removed by end of 2 weeks. The scars will be firm and pink for at least 6-8 weeks after which they generally begin to soften and settle down over the next 6 months.
Possible Risks
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure and has some potential problems associated with it. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
Possible risks include :
