Breast Reduction
Considering a Breast Reduction?
The technical name for a breast reduction is a Reduction Mammaplasty. Basically it is a procedure designed to reduce the size of the breast by removing breast tissue, fat, and skin giving the breasts a smaller, lighter, firmer feeling. The areola, the pigmented skin around the nipple, can be reduced during the same procedure. Women seeking consultation for a breast reduction often have the following complaints:
- Indentations in the shoulders from bra straps
- Neck or Back pain
- Rashes or the inability to keep hygiene below the breast
- Disproportionate breast size to body shape
- Breast asymmetry
- Breathing problems
Who is a candidate for Breast reduction?
A reduction mammaplasty is usually performed for relief of physical symptoms rather than cosmetic improvement. Most women seeking this procedure struggle with large, pendulous, sagging breasts that inhibit there activity and cause physical discomfort. The procedure is performed when a patients breasts are fully developed and a patient has realistic expectations of the results. If a patient is intending on breast feeding, they may want to delay their operation until after child bearing years.
What happens at the consultation?
This is the time you get to become comfortable with your surgeon. You should express your desires and expectations from the surgical procedure. Your surgeon will evaluate your medical health and explain the surgical technique of a breast reduction. Your questions will be answered as thoroughly as possible. A breast examination will be performed assessing the quality of your skin and breast tissue. The surgical options will be discussed with to selection the appropriate procedure for your goals. Your surgeon will go over the risks and potential complications of a reduction mammaplasty. The pre-operative and post-operative process will be explained.
Risks?
All procedures carry some risks. Listed below are a few of the risks or potential complications.
- bleeding- as with any surgery there is a risk of bleeding. This may form a blood collection called a hematoma and may require drainage. It is important to discuss any history of excessive bleeding or family history of bleeding.
- infection- infection is relatively uncommon. Antibiotics will be given to you during the surgery and usually will be taken after the surgery.
- scar- the scars from a breast reduction are permanent. These scars may widen after the surgery. They typically fade over time.
- asymmetry- there may be some asymmetry in breast size, position or size of your nipples.
- Nipple sensation change- some woman will have increased sensation, decreased sensation, or loss of sensation. These symptoms may disappear in time but are occasionally permanent
What do I need to do before my surgery?
During your consultation an explanation of the pre-operative and post-operative plan will be reviewed. A list of medication and herbal supplements that should be stopped 2 weeks before the operation will be provided to you. You may be required to have a pre-operative mammogram. A few days before the surgery, one of our staff will notify you what time you are expected to arrive for your surgery and will go over last minute details. At that time, you will be given an opportunity to ask any further questions.
What do I do on the day of the operation?
No eating or drinking for 8 hours before your surgery. You should wear a button down or zipper front shirt and sneakers. Do not wear sandals or slippers. You will meet with our nurse to prepare you for surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the surgery with you again and do pre-operative planning. You will meet with our anesthesia provider to discuss anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you home from your operation and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
What kind of anesthesia will be provided? A breast reduction can be performed with sedation or general anesthesia. These options will be discussed with you by your surgeon and the anesthetist.
The Surgery.
A Reduction mammaplasty usually takes 2-4 hours. The excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped moving the nipple and areola into a higher position. The resulting scar can range from around the areola and down to around the areola-down-across the lower fold of the breast. The most common scar is anchor shaped. It depends on the amount of skin needing to be removed and elevation the breast required.
What should I expect postoperatively?
You will have post-operative dressing and a surgical bra. You may have a drainage tube under your breasts. This will be removed when the drainage decreases. You will likely feel tired and sore for a few days following the breast lift, but we will want you walking immediately after the surgery. Swelling and bruising is normal and takes a few weeks to go away. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by the prescribed pain medications. The gauze and dressing will be removed at your first post-operative visit by your surgeon. You will be required to wear the surgical bra around the clock for three to four weeks. The stitches will be removed around 10 days after the operation. You may experience some numbness of the skin and nipple. This usually subsides when the swelling decreases; however, may persist for a year or occasionally may be permanent.
When can I get back to normal?
Depending on your job, you should be able to get back to work in a few days or a couple of weeks. Avoid any lifting above your head for one month. Resumption of exercise and normal activity will be directed by your physician during your follow-up evaluations. Healing is a gradual process. Your scars will initially be red but should fade over time. You should avoid breast stimulation until the soreness of your breast is relieved, usually a few weeks.
Your New Look
Your satisfaction with a breast reduction is likely going to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly. Your surgeon will attempt to leave the scars inconspicuous; however, they initially will be red and firm. They typically fade over time. They should be hidden by a bra or low cut tops. It is important to remember that a breast reduction won't keep your breast firm forever. The effects of gravity, aging, pregnancy and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again.
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Patient Testimonials
Dear Dr. Stiller,
Thank you so much for your beautiful work and care. You and your personnel did such a good job through the process, making me feel so comfortable with my decision.
-TW-