What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast Reduction, also known as reduction Mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia).

Disproportionately large breasts can cause both physical and emotional distress for patients. Patients with macromastia may experience physical discomfort resulting from the weight of their breasts. The resulting pain can make it challenging for some patients to perform common physical activities.

What are the steps of a Breast Reduction procedure?

Breast Reduction surgery is usually performed through incisions on your breasts with surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin.

In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques described below. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used in the procedure for breast reduction.

The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and the surgeon's advice.

Medications are administered for your comfort during breast reduction surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

1) Incision

• A circular pattern around the areola. The incision lines that remain are visible and permanent scars, although usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra.
• A keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.
• An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern

2) Removing tissue and repositioning

After the incision is made, the nipple (which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply) is then repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary.

Underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft).

3) Closing the incisions

The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts; sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape close the skin. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is a candidate for Breast Reduction surgery?

Overly large breasts can cause health and emotional problems. In addition to self-image issues, you may also experience physical pain and discomfort. The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead an active life. The emotional discomfort and self-consciousness often associated with having large pendulous breasts can be as important an issue as the physical discomfort and pain.

What should you expect during a consultation for Breast Reduction surgery?

The success and safety of your breast reduction procedure highly depends on your complete candidness during your consultation. You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

During your breast reduction consultation be prepared to discuss:

1) Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome?

2) Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments

3) Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs

4) Previous surgeries

5) Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

Your plastic surgeon will also:

1) Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors

2) Examine your breasts, and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples and areolas

3) Take photographs for your medical record

4) Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment

5) Discuss likely outcomes of your breast reduction procedure and any risks or potential complications

6) Discuss the use of anesthesia during your procedure for breast reduction

How should I prepare for Breast Reduction surgery?

After researching the basics about breast reduction, many patients want to know what to expect before breast reduction surgery.

Prior to breast reduction surgery, you may be asked to:

1) Get lab testing or a medical evaluation

2) Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

3) Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue

4) Stop smoking well in advance of breast reduction surgery

5) Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

If your tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Special instructions you receive will cover:

1) What to do on the day of surgery?

2) Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Breast reduction surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical centre, outpatient/ambulatory surgical centre or a hospital.

What should I expect during my Breast Reduction recovery?

When your breast reduction procedure is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve you from the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction.