Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction

The Effect of a Breast Reduction
The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. This procedure is also known as reduction mammaplasty.

The Breast Reduction Procedure
The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast.

Best Candidates for Breast Reduction
Women who are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict activities and cause physical discomfort. In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until the patient's breasts are fully developed. The procedure can be done earlier however if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort.

Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.

The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results.

Risks
All surgery carries risk, and you should be fully aware of the medical risks associated with this procedure before you consent to surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation, and you are encouraged to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You will be required to sign a consent form before surgery stating that you have been informed of the risks involved; that you understand those risks; and that you accept those risks. This is standard hospital protocol and surgery will not be performed if you do not sign.

It is your obligation to inform your surgeon of key medical information that may influence the outcome of your surgery or may increase the level of risk. These include medications you are taking, history of disease, medical complications, etc.

Risks and risk rates vary from patient to patient depending on a range of factors. No two people are alike. The risks listed below are possible risks associated with this type of surgery and are mentioned regardless of how remote the possibility:

Bleeding, infection, asymmetry, or reaction to the anesthesia. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die.

Surgery Time Required: 3 to 4 hours

Anesthesia: General anesthesia.

Side Effects:
Permanent scars, slightly mismatched breast, unevenly positioned nipples.

Breast Reduction Recovery Time
Back to work: 3 to 4 weeks
More strenuous activity: around 6 weeks
Fading of scars: several months to a year or more

Please note that this information should be used only as a guide to your treatment. All specifics will be discussed with your Physician at your consultation.