BREAST REDUCTION

Women who have large breasts can experience pain and problems to the back and neck and breathing problems due to the weight of their breasts. The breast reduction operation is not simple, however the results are usually very effective if carried out by a qualified surgeon.

This type of surgery usually leaves a scar that goes down from the nipple to the base of the breast and around it (often called an anchor scar). However, these scars are not visible when wearing underwear and bikinis. Some women have reported that they have lost sensibility around the nipples. Nevertheless, this usually comes back with time.

When you see your surgeon for your first consultation, be frank about your whole medical history and your expectations. Your surgeon will take into account factors such as your skin-tone, age, breast shape and discuss with you the breast reduction technique that most suits you.

Anaesthetic

The anaesthetic is almost always a general anaesthetic in this type of operation.

A mammography is usually required before this type of procedure. You will also receive instructions to follow about which vitamins and medications to take or to avoid.

There exist many surgical techniques for performing the breast reduction operation. The most performed technique involves an incision around the nipple that extends downwards and then along under the breast. The surgeon removes the excess tissue, fat and skin and then places the nipple in its new higher position. This operation can last between 2 and 4 hours. This depends on the technique being used and the quantity of breast tissue to be removed.

After this operation you will have a bandage over the breasts and possibly drainage tubes coming out of the breasts for 1 or 2 days. Some pain and discomfort will be felt for at least the first 3 days however, this can be relieved with pain killers prescribed by your surgeon. You are able to go back to work (depending on the type of work) within the first 7 to 14 days after this operation.

The final results will be noticeable from 6 months until up to a year after the operation. Swelling will go down a few weeks after this operation. The plastic surgeon will try to make the scarring as minimal as possible. However, in this type of operation scars are almost always quite extended and permanent. The benefits of breast reduction surgery are noticeable almost straight away. Breasts feel lighter and look smaller and uplifted.