BREAST REDUCTION
Breast reduction surgery is also known as mammoplasty and involves removing excess breast tissue and re-positioning the nipple in order to achieve a breast size which is proportional to your body. Many patients suffer from a range of problems because of very large breast including backache, shoulder/neck pain, skin rash/infections under the breasts, grooves on the shoulders from the bra straps as well as psychological distress. Breast reduction surgery may therefore be an option to overcome these problems.
Procedure
- Prior to the operation the patient will use a marker pen to draw out where the cuts will be made. The scars usually heal very well. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic and requires the patients to stay in hospital for 1-2 nights. The operation itself takes about 3 hours however this can vary depending on the breast size.
Complications
Breast reduction surgery has the same risks as any other type of major surgery including bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to the anaesthesia. Other possible risks include:
- Bruising, which is usually temporary
- Scarring
- Removal of or loss of sensation in the nipples and skin surrounding the nipples (areolae)
- Differences in the size, shape and symmetry of the breast
- Skin/fat/nipple necrosis
- Breast asymmetry
- Difficulty or inability to breast-feed
Postoperative recovery
- Normal activity can be resumed in 2 weeks. You will be advised to wear a sports bra for a minimum of 4 weeks. You are advised to avoid exercise and heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
- A breast reduction may cause some discomfort requiring you to take regular analgesia. You are also advised not to drive until you feel comfortable and able to perform an emergency stop and avoid heavy lifting for at least one week. The majority of patients are able to go back to work within 10-14 days post-operatively.