Breast Reduction Surgery

The first step is to schedule a consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, you will discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. This is an opportunity to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of what to expect.

Selecting the appropriate surgeon for your breast reduction surgery is vital to ensuring a successful outcome. Effective communication is essential. Ensure that the surgeon listens to your concerns, answers your questions clearly, and provides detailed explanations about the procedure. A good surgeon will make you feel comfortable and confident about your decision.

Your surgeon will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. This evaluation includes a physical examination and a review of your overall health. Your surgeon may also order imaging tests, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, to assess the size and shape of your breasts and plan the surgery accordingly.

Preparing for surgery

Preparing for breast reduction surgery involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and successful procedure.

You will receive pre-operative instructions from your surgeon. These instructions may include guidelines on medications to avoid, dietary restrictions, and other preparations. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to minimise risks and ensure the best possible outcome.

By taking these steps, you can feel confident and well-prepared for your breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. The surgical technique chosen for the incision depends on the desired breast size, shape, and the amount of breast tissue to be removed. There are three primary techniques: the donut incision, lollipop incision, and anchor incision. The donut incision involves making an incision from under the middle of the breast up to and around the full circumference of the areola. This is the least invasive method and is suitable for cases where only a small amount of tissue needs to be removed. The lollipop incision, which is the most commonly used, includes a vertical incision from under the middle of the breast up to and around the areola, ideal for moderate tissue removal. The anchor incision consists of three parts: an incision around the edge of the areola, a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease. This is used for more significant reductions.

During the reduction procedure, the surgeon lifts the nipple to a higher position while keeping all the tissue attached. Excess breast tissue and fat are removed to decrease breast size, and the remaining skin is re-draped to create a natural and lifted breast shape. To close the incision, dissolvable stitches are used, and drainage tubes may be placed under each arm to help reduce swelling and bruising. The surgical site is then covered with a special wound dressing and wrapped with supportive bandages.

The entire surgical procedure generally lasts around two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the specific needs of the patient.

Proper post-surgery care is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal results. After your breast reduction surgery, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. This allows your body to heal and reduces the risk of complications.

Pain management is a key aspect of post-surgery care. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for managing pain and discomfort, which may include prescribed medications and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Wound care is also crucial. Keep the incision site clean and dry and follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care. This helps prevent infections and promotes healing.

Make sure to attend all your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. These visits are essential for your surgeon to assess your recovery progress, address any concerns you may have, and remove any sutures or stitches if needed.

By following these post-surgery care tips, you can ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible results from your breast reduction surgery.

Results and scarring

The results of breast reduction surgery are usually long-lasting, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. Scarring is an inevitable part of the procedure, and it can take several months to a year for scars to fade. Your surgeon will provide guidance on how to care for your scars to minimise their appearance.

Swelling is common after surgery and may last for several weeks or months. As the swelling subsides, you will begin to see the final results of your surgery.

The shape of your breasts may change over time due to gravity and aging. However, the overall reduction in size and improved contour will remain.

Studies show that up to 95% of individuals who undergo breast reduction surgery are satisfied with the results. By understanding the potential outcomes and following your surgeon’s advice, you can achieve a positive and satisfying experience with your breast reduction surgery.