Breast Reduction

A breast reduction is a surgical procedure to make the breasts smaller. The surgeon lifts the breast tissue and the nipple into a higher, more youthful-looking position and removes excess skin and tissue to reduce the size of the breast. Generally speaking, the more tissue that is removed, the more shaping of the breast is possible.

What is involved in Breast Reduction?

Breast lift and reduction procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. It is possible to have the surgery done and go home on the same day, your surgeon will advice you on this. Several different surgical techniques can be used, depending on the degree of sagging.

These may include:

• Removing excess skin from around the areola and from the bottom of the breast
• Tightening of the skin ‘envelope’ around the breast
• Re-draping the skin to elevate the position of the nipple and areola so it looks more youthful
• Inserting additional volume, in the form of a breast implant, for added projection.

Surgeons generally use the traditional incision pattern, and more modified (or scar-saving) techniques. The most common is the traditional ‘anchor’ incision, which involves making cuts around the nipple areola complex, vertically down the breast and horizontally all the way under the breast.

The ‘vertical’ mastopexy is widely suitable for many types of breast and involves an incision around the nipple with a vertical line down the centre of the breast.

The ‘doughnut mastopexy’, where the surgeon just cuts around the areola, is usually reserved for women with small breasts that are only mildly droopy, so very little skin needs to be removed.

What are the Risks?

Probably the most common risks are the quality of healing and your acceptance of the scars, especially if you are prone to scarring problems such as keloid scaring, which can remain lumpy and red for months. If the ability to breastfeed is an important consideration for you, you should make sure this is reviewed in detail before going ahead with surgery, since there is a chance that you may not be able to breastfeed after this type of breast surgery.

Post-Op Effects and Recovery Time

An elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings must be worn after surgery. The breasts will be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a several days. Within a few days, a soft support bra will replace the bandages or surgical bra. This bra must be worn consistently for several weeks over a layer of gauze. The stitches will be removed after a week or two but you should wear a support bra for several weeks to months and sleep on your back.

Avoid strenuous sports and arm movements for three to four weeks, and sexual activity for three weeks (it’s the last thing on your mind after this surgery, believe me!) Some lose of feeling in your nipples and breast skin can occur, caused by postoperative swelling. Sensation usually returns as the swelling subsides over the following four to six weeks.

Before and After images

Click thumbnails for larger images.

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