The aim of a breast reduction procedure is to reduce the size of the breast and also lift the breast elevating the nipple position to give a better overall appearance. Large breasts not only cause social embarrassment but can lead to functional problems such as neck, back and shoulder pain with deep bra-strap indentation and also chaffing in the infra-mammary fold area.
Breast reduction results in scarring on the breast but this should all be hidden when wearing a bra or swimsuit.
Pre-operation advice
At the initial out-patient consultation a long discussion about the realistic expectation and outcome of surgery will be undertaken.
There is a significant risk of wound infection and poor scarring in people who smoke and patients are advised to refrain from smoking for at least six weeks before surgery. Painkillers such as Aspirin should also be avoided for a similar period of time as they can increase the chance of bruising and bleeding.
Patients who take the oral contraceptive Pill (not HRT) should ideally stop taking their contraception six weeks prior to surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Alternative contraception must be used during this time.
Operation details
Patients will attend the hospital on the day of surgery and seen prior to the operation by the Surgeon who will take photographs and mark the breasts, and also by the Anaesthetist who will explain what they will be doing during the operation.
The procedure itself usually takes between 2 and 3 hours and is always undertaken under general anaesthetic. The location of the incisions and scar will be discussed and marked in the pre-operation period and the stitches required are always dissolvable and will not need to be removed. Drains are usually inserted into each breast and any tissue removed is usually sent for examination in the Pathology Laboratory.
Following surgery
Patients are usually placed into a supportive sports-type bra at the time of surgery, and will have a drip giving them fluid into their arm and also a drain in each breast.
The drains are placed to allow any small amount of bleeding or oozing to accumulate in small bottles which are placed by the side of the bed.
These are usually removed prior to discharge; most patients will spend 2 nights in hospital following this type of surgery.
Follow-up
Arrangements for follow-up care will be made prior to discharge. Most patients are seen at 7 days following the procedure, by the nursing staff to change the dressings and these dressings may be required for a 2 – 3 week period. You will be reviewed by your Surgeon at 1 month following the procedure and then usually 4 months post-operatively.
Complications
As with any surgery there are risk of complications. Specifically for breast reduction surgery there is the risk of bleeding with the accumulation of blood which may form a haematoma (a clot of blood) and also the risk of infection. Occasionally, there may be a small element of wound breakdown which can occur in the lower portion of the breast. This may require dressings and, very occasionally, secondary surgery. Most complications following this surgery are rare and will be discussed at the time of your initial consultation.
At the initial out-patient consultation a long discussion about the realistic expectation and outcome of surgery will be undertaken. 