Who benefits from breast reduction surgery?
- Patients with large, heavy breasts that cause back and neck pain, skin irritation, and posture problems.
- Patients who have heavy breasts with nipples and areolas (pigmented skin surrounding the nipples) that point downward.
- Patients with asymmetrical breasts size.
- Patients who are unhappy and self-conscious about the large appearance of their breasts.
How is breast reduction surgery performed?
During the surgery, Surgeon will remove excess breast skin and fat with a scalpel and/or cautery instrument based on the size breast you desire. If your breasts are uneven, Surgeon may remove more tissue from one breast than the other. After Surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areolas may be reduced in size. Skin that was located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. The incisions patterns could be the following:
- Donut incision, or periareolar incision, which made solely around the border of the areolas.
- Vertical, or keyhole incision, or a lollipop incision, which made around the border of the areolas and vertically down from the areolas to the breast crease.
- Inverted-T scar, or anchor incision, which involves three distinct cuts. One incision is made around the border of the areolas; the second extends down vertically from the areolas to the breast crease and merges with a third incision along the breast crease.
Drains will be placed in the breasts to collect excess fluid. Breast incisions are then closed with sutures that go from the deep tissue layers to the more superficial layers of the skin.
Pre-Operative Care
Our team will evaluate your medical history to check for conditions that may delay the surgery or the healing process. Some of the common conditions are:
- Bleeding tendecies – problems with blood clotting, or lack of clotting.
- Scarring problems you have had in the past – like keloid scars and hypertrophic scars.
- Hypertension (High blood pressure) – particularly if it is not under control.
- Smoking – this may affect your reaction to the anaesthetic and prolong the healing process. Please stop smoking 4 weeks prior to surgery.
Please avoid aspirin and brufen-containing medication for two weeks prior to surgery to eliminate the chance of post op bleeding. Generally it is best to continue any blood pressure or blood sugar medications. These may safely be taken with a sip of water on the morning of surgery. Women should ensure negative pregnancy test before surgery.
Protect your health prior to surgery. Even a simple cold could cause complications with the anesthesia. If you do develop an illness right before your surgery, let your surgeon know. You may need to postpone your breast reduction until you feel better. On the day of your procedure, do not wear any skin care products, makeup, deodorant, perfume, nail polish or powder.
Post-Operative Care
Drainage tubes may be removed in 1 - 2 days. Any stitches will be removed within 2 weeks after surgery. Keep the dressings or adhesive strips on your incisions for as long as your doctor told you to. Make sure you have extra bandages in case you need them. Keep the incision areas clean, dry, and covered. Check daily for signs of infection (redness, pain, or drainage). Once you no longer need dressings, wear a soft, wireless, supportive bra night and day for 2 to 4 weeks. You may shower after 2 days (if your drainage tubes have been removed). DO NOT take baths, soak in a hot tub, or go swimming until stitches and drains are removed and your doctor says it is ok. Protect your scars from the sun for a year with a strong sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) whenever you are out in the sun.
Walk around as soon as you are able while recovering from breast reduction surgery. This will help prevent blood clots and can also help relieve swelling. Do not engage in strenuous activities, or exercise, for at least three to four weeks after your surgery. You should plan to avoid activities which require much raising of the arms above the level of the head for 10 days after surgery.
This procedure is recommended for people that have had children already and do not wish to have any more.
Scars will fade gradually but nipple numbness may take up to 12 months before sensation returns.
