BREAST REDUCTION
Contents
WHAT IS A BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE AND WHY IS IT
PERFORMED?
A
breast reduction procedure can help women of all ages to overcome
the discomfort caused by large and heavy pendulous breasts. The
procedure involves the surgical removal of breast fat, glandular
tissue and skin, under general anaesthetic and usually involves a
one to two night stay in hospital to recover. The objectives of
breast reduction surgery is to produce a smaller, lighter, improved
breast shape, complimentery and proportionate to the rest of an
individual’s figure. This can also reduce the problem of back pain
that heavy breasts may cause.
WHAT KIND OF WOMEN REQUEST THIS PROCEDURE?
- Women of all ages who are unhappy with the general size and
shape of their breasts.
- Women who suffer with uneven (asymmetrical) breasts.
- Women who have suffered with back, neck or shoulder pain as a
result of their heavy breast weight.
- Women who are irritated by the way overly large breasts can
interfere with their normal daily activities and ability to
exercise in comfort.
- Women who suffer from skin irritation due to their heavy
breasts, particularly in hot weather.
- Women who feel limited by the fashion restrictions large
breasts cause.
- Women who feel that their self esteem, confidence or
relationships are affected by concerns and feelings about their
breast size.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS LIKE?
This particular procedure can provide a better quality of life,
freeing women from the considerable physical and practical
difficulties caused by overly large breasts.
Women who have had successful breast reduction surgery
frequently report that their self confidence and feeling of well
being is boosted beyond all expectations following surgery.
This advanced corrective procedure needs to be performed by a
Consultant Plastic Surgeon who is fully qualified and well
experienced to skillfully perform this type of surgery. However, it
is important to note that no matter how high the surgical
standards, this procedure cannot be performed without the
introduction of visible surgical scars on the operated area.
HOW IS A BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
A basic breast reduction procedure involves the surgical
reduction of breast tissue and the restoration of normal contour
through a series of carefully planned and measured excisions. This
restoration normally involves the removal of reasonably large
volumes of breast tissue and the relocation of the nipple and the
surrounding skin back into the centre of the newly created breast
shape.
Customers are fully anaesthetised throughout this procedure,
which can take an average of two to three hours to perform.
Techniques for breast reduction vary slightly between surgeons
and according to the individual needs of each case. The incision
methods are shaped in an “anchor-like or mid-line” appearance,
leaving a scar which extends around the darker tissue surrounding
the nipple (areola) and extending down the midline of the lower
segment of the breast and then following the natural crease line
beneath the breast. Another technique involves an S-shaped
incision, leaving a scar which extends around the areola and across
the lower outside aspect of the breast, which finishes in the
natural crease line beneath the breast (single scar).
The breast reduction operation is obviously a relatively major
procedure so the operated area is usually quite numb following
surgery. Customers often express that they experience a surprising
lack of post-operative pain, however, analgesic tablets (pain
killers) are provided for any discomfort experienced.
The return of nipple sensitivity following surgery is an
entirely variable one from patient to patient. Nipple sensation may
be reduced whilst surgical wounds heal, although occasionally
customers will permanently lose some or all of the feeling in one
or both nipples. Breast feeding capability after reduction surgery
may be decreased.
In the early days following discharge, customers are strongly
advised to stay at home and to avoid any level of activity that
would put undue strain on the new wounds. Customers are also
advised to wear a soft, supportive bra, which does not have an
underwire and to keep their post-operative dressings clean and dry
until they return to hospital. Suture glue is applied to all
wounds.
Customers will be advised to take a specific amount of recovery
time away from work, dependent on the type of work they perform,
but it is usual to take around two to three weeks and to refrain
from any strenuous upper body exercise for at least six weeks
following surgery.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED IN BREAST REDUCTION
SURGERY?
All surgery involves an element of risk from developing
complications. However, cosmetic surgery is usually undertaken
voluntarily and only when the presenting patient is in good health.
Therefore the probability of experiencing complications following
this type of surgery are substantially lower than those undergoing
surgery for ill health.
Smoking may adversely affect wound healing and heavy smokers may
be precluded from having this type of surgery as a result.
Risks such as wound healing, nipple necrosis (lack of blood
supply to the nipple), infection, asymmetry, alteration in
sensitivity and scarring will all be discussed openly at
consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage and
minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.
The appearance of surgical scars (which generally fade
progressively after surgery) are a highly individual matter.
Usually, scars mature, soften and fade to a cosmetically acceptable
level at around 12 months following surgery. Occasionally,
customers can develop red, unsightly, firm scars, known as
hypertrophic scarring or keloids, which may require further
corrective treatment. The process of healing and risk of scarring
will be explained to you by your surgeon at consultation as results
from scarring can never be guaranteed.
WHAT NEXT?
The importance of a thorough pre-operative consultation with the
surgeon who will actually perform your operation cannot be over
stressed. You need time to consider all the benefits and risks of
breast reduction surgery and the opportunity to reflect and
consider all the information the surgeon offers you at consultation
before you make a decision regarding surgery.
At Vive Life Care, each consultation is tailored to an
individual’s needs. However, the process will always involve a
thorough evaluation of your present and past medical history and a
physical examination of the problem area. Your surgeon will take
time to listen to your concerns regarding your present breast size,
and will take care to ensure that you have a thorough understanding
of what can be done to help, the procedure itself, the recovery
stages and a clear explanation of the risks involved.