Surgical Procedure:
The most common method of breast reduction is for the surgeon to assess the required lift and fullness to achieve the result required.. This is done by the surgeon marking the new nipple position. Then the blood supply of the nipple is preserved on a pedicle of tissue, and then the excess breast fat is removed. The nipple is then moved into its new position and the new breast shape is reconstructed. The incision is made around the nipple and under the surface of the breast, like an upside down T. The operation is done under general anesthesia.
Patients who receive this procedure usually remain in hospital over night. If the breasts are not too large and the skin has good elasticity then liposuction may be an alternative. This is especially useful in women who wish to avoid scars. It is possible that this technique may preserve the ability to breast feed. For many surgeons it has become the most popular way to perform breast reduction on a patient who is about a DD size. Very large and pendulous breast may require the traditional method of breast reduction. Scars will fade gradually but nipple numbness may take up to 12 months before sensation returns.
Pre Operative Care:
Inform your surgeon about any allergies, serious medical conditions, and all medications that you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.
Smoking is also unadvisable prior to a general anesthetic
| Duration of Operation: One to three hours |
| Hospital Admission: One night admission to hospital. |
| Anesthesia: General anesthesia. |
Post - operative Care:
After surgery is completed you will wake wrapped in elastic bandages, gauze dressings and a surgical bra. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain blood and fluids for the first day or two. The extent of the post operative swelling and bruising depends on whether you tend to bruise or swell easily. The amount you can expect varies for each individual.
Application of cold compresses or ice packs will reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
The pressure bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, although you will continue to wear the surgical bra 24/7 for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subsides, or until your surgeon advises you otherwise. The surgical bra may be removed only for personal bathing and washing of the garment.
In most cases, stitches will be removed in the first week. Sometimes the surgeon will use dissolvable sutures. If breast skin is very dry following surgery, moisturizer can be applied several times a day, vitamin E cream is extremely useful and also assists in eliminating scarring, but the suture area must be kept dry at all times, particularly after bathing.
It is important not to place tension on the wound by performing strenuous activities for the first few months like lifting or stretching your arms above your head as this may increase scarring by stretching the tissue. Request someone else to carry your groceries or hang your washing.
| Your surgeon will make every effort to make your incisions as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it is important to remember that mastoplexy scars are extensive and permanent. They may be lumpy and red for months, and then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear low-cut tops and dresses. Remember not to perform strenuous activities and apply vitamin E cream daily as this will assist. |
| The recovery takes approx. two weeks. Most people are back to work within a couple of weeks |
Risks and Complications:
All operations have some risks. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups; first, those that are seen in all operations and, second, those that are unique or special for a particular operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring, and numbness or change in sensation of the nipple. The main problem which is unique to this operation is damage to the nerve and blood supply of the nipple. The possibility of breast feeding may decrease after surgery. Breast reduction is recommended for people that have already had their children or do not wish to have any. Breast reduction does NOT increase the risk of breast cancer and indeed may slightly decrease the risk. Mammograms are still possible after this surgery.
