Do you have breasts that you consider to be too large? Want to have an added lift to the breasts? You may be a suitable candidate for a reduction mammoplasty also known as breast reduction surgery.
What is a reduction mammoplasty?
A reduction mammoplasty is performed when a woman dislikes the appearance of her breasts and wishes to make them smaller. This procedure is purely performed for aesthetic reasons, as opposed to being performed for health reasons.
Reduction mammoplasty surgery involves removing fat and skin from the breast. This improves the shape and size of the breasts and gives the breasts a lift.
While not always the case, some women with larger breasts may also experience physical symptoms which a reduction mammoplasty will be able to help with. Symptoms can include backache, neck ache, discomfort in the breasts, or skin irritation. Larger breasts can also result in difficulties experienced while undertaking exercise, or feeling discomfort from bra straps. Undergoing a breast reduction can help to reduce these symptoms.
Am I a good candidate for a reduction mammoplasty?
Women who have large breasts which they find aesthetically unappealing or experience negative physical side effects may be interested in a breast reduction.
You will need to be at least 18 years old to undergo this procedure.
You will need to have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.
Prior to undergoing breast reduction surgery, you will need to attend a consultation with one of our expert surgeons. They will be able to assess your breasts, your wants and needs and decide if you are a suitable candidate or whether another procedure is better suited.
What does a breast reduction procedure involve?
A reduction mammoplasty is performed under a general anaesthetic. This means you will not be awake during the procedure, and you will be unable to feel or hear anything.
The procedure time will vary and can take anywhere between one and a half to three hours to complete.
The procedure will generally involve:
– Repositioning the nipple. This will generally remain attached to the blood supply.
– Removing excess skin, fat and glandular tissue from the breasts.
– Reshaping the breasts.
The breast reduction will generally leave you with a scar that goes around the nipple and down to the crease in the breasts.
What is the recovery period like after breast reduction?
After reduction mammoplasty, you will have dressings applied to the breasts. You may also have drains left in place, which will help to remove any fluid. The drains will be removed by your surgeon after a few days.
You may experience some pain, discomfort and tenderness in the breasts. You may wish to help alleviate these symptoms by taking appropriate pain medication.
While you will need to rest, you will be encouraged to stay mobile and undertake light activities such as walking.
You will need to avoid sleeping on your front or sides – make sure you sleep on your back. You may also wish to sleep with several pillows to help keep your chest elevated. This will help to reduce swelling.
You will need to wear a compression garment over the breasts. This will not only give extra support to the breasts but will help to reduce swelling, speeding up the recovery time. Your surgeon will advise you on exactly how long you will need to wear your compression garment.
You will need to avoid any strenuous physical exercise for at least six weeks following the procedure.
You may need to avoid driving for several weeks.
