Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Why Breast Reduction?
Am I a good candidate?
Surgical Procedure
Recovery
Risks & Complications
Why Breast Reduction?
The oversized-breast condition, or breast hypertrophy, typically occurs in both breasts at puberty or soon afterward. Sometimes pregnancy-related breast enlargement persists indefinitely. Although rare, sudden onset of breast enlargement may also occur. No medical therapy exists for breast reduction. . The procedure can also help achieve symmetry where breasts are not equal in size. The plastic surgeon can change the shape and firmness of the breasts to create a more aesthetic appeal. Nipple surgery may also be performed to reduce areola size. In fact, the breast reduction candidate may require a breast lift to achieve a fully satisfactory outcome.
Breast reduction is essentially done to reduce the size of enlarged breasts for cosmetic reasons such as disproportion of size of breasts with the body and personal satisfaction. But more importantly for physical relief in the following cases where they cause
- 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
- scar lines on the breasts
Am I a good candidate?
The appropriate candidates for a breast reduction would be:
- Women who are physically healthy, psychologically healthy and have realistic expectations from the procedure
- Women who do not intend to breast feed
- Women whose breast development has stopped
- Women who seek to improve their physical appearance
- Women who seek physical relief due to the problems resulting from enlarged heavy breasts.
Surgical Procedure
After the patient is given general anaesthesia, incisions are made circling the areola, extending downwards along the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast (refer to incisions for Breast Lift). The new location of the nipple is defined by a key-hole shaped incision above the areola. The excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed and the nipple and areola are moved into their new position. If the breasts are very large the nipples and areolas may have to be detached from the blood vessels and nerves and grafted into a higher position. Finally the skin from both sides of the breast is brought down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breasts after which the incisions are sutured. Gauze dressings will be placed on the breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or surgical bra. Drainage tubes may be inserted to drain any accumulated fluid. The surgery usually takes one to three hours to complete.
Recovery
The incisions and tissue movement will cause your breasts to be sore, swollen, and bruised. Pain can be treated by a prescription from your surgeon. You can expect to wear bandages for about two days after surgery. Activity should be kept to a minimum for a week or two. There should be no heavy lifting or pushing for three or four weeks. Caring for young children immediately after surgery is not recommended. For extra support, compression support bras are recommended and this will be supplied by Perfect Enhancement. Stitches, if external, are removed in two to three weeks. We recommend that you stay in one of our exclusive accommodation for a period of at least 2 weeks to ensure that in the unlikely event of complications, they can be detected early by our Doctor and be managed at the earliest possible time.
Risks & Complications
Complications are relatively rare in the hands of an experienced surgeon. However, it is important that you are aware of and that you accept the risks of complications. These may include
- Bleeding, infection, or anaesthetic complications
- Small sores may develop around the nipples after surgery which can be treated with antibiotic creams.
- Slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples.
- A permanent loss of feeling in the nipples or breasts.
- Loss of blood supply to the nipple and areola, causing the tissue to die. In such cases, the nipple and areola can be rebuilt using skin grafts from other areas on the body.
A breast lift may be recommended by your surgeon together with a breast reduction. Check out our promotional packages for multiple procedures – save money and avoid multiple anaesthesia!
