Saturday, June 14, 2008

Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Large breasts can dominate a woman's appearance and make you look unbalanced and make exercise difficult or even impossible to do. Breast reduction surgery is a procedure for reshaping exceptionally large breasts surgically to increase your comfort and satisfaction. Overly large breasts frequently have a considerable affect on self-confidence and can even affect personal relationships. The aim of surgery is to give you smaller, shapelier breasts that are in proportion to the rest of your body.

Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure

The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola and extends down in a vertical line it will then follow the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are then removed and the nipples and remaining underlying tissues are then moved to a new higher location. The skin from both sides of the breast is then brought down and around the areola shaping the new contour of the breast and sutured.

How long does breast reduction surgery take?
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes about 2 to 3.5 hours depending on each individual patient and the extent of surgery. The length of stay in hospital will be mainly determined by you, many patients are able to go home on the day of the surgery but some remain in the hospital for 1-2 days.

What can I expect from the surgery?
Your expectations need to be realistic. Most patients are pleased with the outcome and find they have smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts. You will be freed from the physical discomfort of large breasts and your body will be better proportioned therefore in most cases giving a new-found confidence.


Mammoplasty woman

Mammoplasty


Recovery after Breast Reduction Surgery


What will happen in the recovery period?
The breast will be bandaged for support and can be removed a day or two after surgery but you will have to continue wearing a surgical bra 24 hrs a day for 1-2 weeks while the swelling and bruising subside. There will be considerable swelling and bruising of the breasts which usually lasts 2-3 weeks. Almost all the stitches used will simply dissolve but if there are any clips they will be removed after 5 days of surgery. The scars are quite lengthy and may take many months or years to settle. You will have follow-up visits in the months after surgery to check on your progress.
Breast reduction Mammoplasty
Breast reduction Mammoplasty

What is the recovery time?
Depending on the individual patient recovery times will vary. You should be up and about in a day or two but your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. Most patients will return to work with 14 days but this is down to the individual. Avoid any strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks and limit your exercises to stretching and swimming.

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