Breast reduction
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts. This can help to improve the size, shape, and position of the breasts, and can also relieve symptoms such as back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain.
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a good option for women who have large, heavy breasts that cause them physical or emotional discomfort. Some of the symptoms that may be improved by breast reduction surgery include:
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Intertrigo (redness and irritation under the breasts)
- Difficulty exercising
- Skin irritation from bra straps
- Poor posture
- Self-consciousness about the size or shape of the breasts
How is breast reduction surgery performed?
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia and can take between 3 -4 hours. Mr Jabir will choose the technique most appropriate to your situation in discussion with you during your consultation, but in general, it involves making incisions around the areola, down the lower part of the breast, and under the breast. The excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin will then be removed. The nipple and areola will be repositioned, and the incisions will be closed with stitches.
What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?
All surgery carries some risks, but the risks of breast reduction surgery are generally low. Some of the potential risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Numbness or tingling in the nipple or breast
- Scarring
- Unevenness of the breasts
- Loss of sensation in the nipple or breast
What is the recovery process like after breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction is usually performed as a day-case procedure, however, it may require an overnight stay in certain cases, Mr Jabir will let you know if this is the case. You will have dressings on your breasts, and you may have drains in place to remove excess fluid. You will need to wear a compression bra for around 4-6 weeks after surgery.
You will likely experience some pain and discomfort after surgery. This can be managed with pain medication. You may also experience some swelling and bruising. These symptoms will usually improve over time.
You will need to take it easy for 2-4 weeks after surgery. You should avoid strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, and driving. You should also avoid getting your breasts wet until your wound check in 1 week.
What are the results of breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is one that many women with oversized breasts feel they should have had sooner! It has very high patient-reported satisfaction. The results of breast reduction surgery are usually permanent. However, your breasts may continue to change slightly over time due to ageing or weight gain or loss.
Breast reduction surgery can significantly improve the size, shape, and position of the breasts. It can also relieve symptoms such as back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, book a consultation with Mr Jabir to learn more about the risks and benefits of this procedure.
