Breast Reduction
A reduction mammaplasty involves the surgeon removing excess skin and fat tissue to reduce the size and weight of your breast. After this procedure , the surgeon repositions your nipple and areola (the dark pink area surrounding your nipple) to give your breasts a more uplifted, firmer and younger appearance. There will be a circular incision around the areola, a vertical from the areola down to the crease of the breast and an incision in the crease of the breast. Following breast reduction the problem can recur in the event of pregnancy, fluctuation in weight, etc.
(See picture on 'Body Contouring' side)
Anaesthetic: general anaesthetic; Duration of procedure: 2.5-3 hours
Hospital stay: 1-2 days; Proposed stay in Cyprus: 4 days after surgery
Stitch removal: 2 weeks after surgery or absorbable stitches
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved with breast augmentation. Although the majority of patients do not experience the following complications, you should understand all possible consequences of breast reduction surgery.
More general information and risks on breast lifts and breast reduction operations
Breast lift, or its medical term ‘mastopexy’ and breast reduction are surgical procedures to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight change, aging and gravity produce changes in the appearance of a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and begin to sag. Breast lift, or breast reduction are similar surgical procedures performed by Dr. David to raise and reshape sagging breasts. This operation can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin around the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume after pregnancy, breast implants inserted in conjunction with breast lift can increase both firmness and size. Breast reduction patients obviously do not want any more breast volume. The best candidates for breast lift and breast reduction surgeries are healthy, emotionally stable women who have realistic expectations about what these type of surgeries can accomplish. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in women with heavy, large breasts. Breast lift does leave permanent, noticeable scars on the breasts.
Risks of breast lifts or breast reduction surgeries
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved with these surgeries An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with Dr. David to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of the breast lift and breast reduction operations.
- Bleeding- It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode after breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. Do not take any clot-system related for 14 days before breast lift or breast reduction surgeries, as this may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Infection- An infection is quite unusual after breast lift or breast reduction surgeries.
- Change in nipple and skin sensation- You may experience a change in the sensitivity of the nipples and the skin of your breast after breast lift or breast reduction surgeries.
- Skin scarring- All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Although good wound healing after breast lift or breast reduction surgical procedures are expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues.
- Firmness- Excessive firmness of the breast can occur after breast lift or breast reduction surgeries due to internal scarring or scarring around a breast implant if one is used during the breast lift. The occurrence of this is not predictable.
- Poor result- There is the possibility of a poor result from the breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. You may be disappointed with the unacceptable visible deformities, poor healing, and unacceptable breast shape, with the size of your breasts.
- Delayed healing- Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the breast skin or nipple region may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal.
- Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.
- Asymmetry- Some breast asymmetry naturally occurs in most women. Differences in terms of breast and nipple shape, size, or symmetry may also occur after breast surgeries.
- Allergic reactions- In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur to drugs used during breast surgeries and prescription medicines.
- Surgical anesthesia- Both local and general anesthesia involve risk. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation, or surgery.
- Breast disease- Breast disease and breast cancer can occur independently of breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. It is recommended that all women perform periodic self-examination of their breasts, have mammography according to their National Cancer Society guidelines, and to seek professional care should a breast lump be detected.
- Future pregnancy and breast feeding- breast surgeries are not known to interfere with pregnancy or breast feeding. If you are planning a pregnancy, your breast skin may stretch and offset the results of your breast surgery.
ADDITIONAL SURGERY NECESSARY
There are many variable conditions that may influence the long term result of your breast lift or breast reduction surgery. Secondary breast lift surgery may be necessary to perform additional tightening or repositioning of the breasts. Should complications occur, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary.
Fortunately, major complications from breast plastic surgery are uncommon. Every year, thousands of women undergo breast plastic surgery and experience no significant problems.