Breast
reduction is usually performed for enlarged
breasts (macromastia), but may also be indicated
by:
- cystic
breast infections (polycystic mastitis)
- back
pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, breast pain,
or headaches
- loss
of sensation in the breasts, arms, or fingers
- sleeping
problems or poor posture resulting from large
breasts
- pigmented
bra-strap groove
- striae
(scarlike lines) on the breasts
Breast-revision
surgery is performed while you are deep asleep
and pain-free (using general anesthesia), in
either an outpatient facility or in the hospital.
Incisions
are made along the natural creases in the breast
and around the dark pink skin surrounding the
nipple (areola). A keyhole-shaped incision above
the areola is also made to define the new location
of the nipple. Skin is then removed from the
lower section of the breast. The areola, nipple,
and underlying breast tissue are moved up to
a higher position. The nipple is moved and incisions
are closed with stitches (sutures).
Alternative
names
Mastopexy;
Mammoplasty; Breast size reduction; Breast lift;
Breast lift with reduction; Breast lift with
augmentation
Definition
Cosmetic
breast surgery is a surgical procedure to change
the size or shape of the breasts.
Risks
In
addition to the general risks of surgery and
anesthesia, there are risks of large scars with
prolonged healing time, uneven position of the
nipples, sensory loss , and inability to nurse
a baby after surgery. The emotional risks may
include feeling that the breasts look imperfect,
or the desired reactions of others are not adequate.
Expectations
after surgery
The
likely outcome from reduction surgery is very
good. The appearance and lifestyle activities
are significantly enhanced. Also, the pain or
skin symptoms (such as striation) disappear.
A special supporting bra may be required for
a few months to reshape the breasts.
After
a breast lift, a bulky gauze dressing is wrapped
around the breasts and chest following surgery,
or a surgical bra may be used. Pain is controlled
by medication and will subside in 2 to 4 days.
An overnight stay for breast reduction usually
is needed to control pain and nausea. The dressing
will be replaced by a soft bra within the first
week, which must be worn for several weeks.
Generally
within a few days the swelling and discoloration
around the incisions will subside. There may
be temporary loss of sensation in the breast
skin and nipples after surgery. This condition
will improve with time. Within 2 weeks of surgery,
sutures will be removed.
Convalescence
During
convalescence, limit physical activities in
order to prevent stretching of the scars. Some
activity may be allowed in a day or two following
surgery. The plastic surgeon will recommend
a schedule for resuming your usual routine (usually
about 8 weeks). To permit proper healing, avoid
overhead lifting for 3 to 4 weeks.
Scars
are permanent and often remain highly visible
for a year following surgery, then fade to some
degree. Every effort is made to place the incisions
so that scars are as inconspicuous as possible,
and the scars should not be noticeable even
in low-cut clothing (incisions are usually made
on the underside of the breast).
What
is breast reduction surgery?
Large breasts can dominate a woman's appearance
and make you look unbalanced and make exercise
difficult or even impossible to do. Breast reduction
is a procedure for reshaping exceptionally large
breasts surgically to increase your comfort
and satisfaction. Overly large breasts frequently
have a considerable affect on self-confidence
and can even affect personal relationships.
The aim of surgery is to give you smaller, shapelier
breasts that are in proportion to the rest of
your body.
What
does breast reduction surgery involve?
The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped
incision that circles the areola and extends
down in a vertical line it will then follow
the natural curve of the crease beneath the
breast. Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are
then removed and the nipples and remaining underlying
tissues are then moved to a new higher location.
The skin from both sides of the breast is then
brought down and around the areola shaping the
new contour of the breast and sutured.
How long does the breast reduction
surgery take?
Breast reduction is performed under general
anaesthesia and usually takes about 2 to 3.5
hours depending on each individual patient and
the extent of surgery. The length of stay in
hospital will be mainly determined by you, many
patients are able to go home on the day of the
surgery but some remain in the hospital for
1-2 days.
What will happen in the recovery period?
The breast will be bandage for support and can
be removed a day or two after surgery but you
will have to continue wearing a surgical bra
24 hrs a day for 1-2 weeks while the swelling
and bruising subside. There will be considerable
swelling and bruising of the breasts which usually
lasts 2-3 weeks. Almost all the stitches used
will simply dissolve but if there are any clips
they will be removed after 5 days of surgery.
The scars are quite lengthy and may take many
months or years to settle. You will have follow-up
visits in the months after surgery to check
on your progress.
What is breast reduction surgery recovery
time?
Depending on the individual patient recovery
times will vary. You should be up and about
in a day or two but your breasts may still ache
occasionally for a couple of weeks. Most patients
will return to work with 14 days but this is
down to the individual. Avoid any strenuous
activity for at least 6 weeks and limit your
exercises to stretching and swimming.
What can I expect from breast reduction
surgery?
Your expectations need to be realistic. Most
patients are pleased with the outcome and find
they have smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts.
You will be freed from the physical discomfort
of large breasts and your body will be better
proportioned therefore in most cases giving
a new-found confidence.
Need more information about breast
reduction surgery?
If you would like more information about breast
reduction Surgery offered by our NHS Consultant,
or whether breast reduction Surgery is right
for you, please contact
us today.
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