Breast Reduction

Having very large breasts can have a big impact on a woman's life. Not only can it affect relationships and self-confidence but can also cause discomfort and physical pain. Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a treatment in which excess skin and tissue are removed from the breasts. This operation can be useful in providing relief from several physical problems such as rashes caused by excessive sweating and infections which occur underneath the breasts. It can also help to relieve neck and back pain or pain in the shoulder caused by bra straps. Following breast reduction many women feel less self-conscious and feel happier participating in sports and other activities.

The procedure

Long before you undergo the operation your surgeon will tell you the best ways to prepare for it. Smoking can increase the risk of infection and disrupt the normal healing process and, as such you will be advised to quit at least a month before having the procedure. As breast size can alter along with changes in body weight, a good candidate for breast reduction will be of stable weight. It's also important to note that if you rapidly gain weight or become pregnant after the procedure your breasts may increase in size. It's usually recommended that you bring a supportive bra without any underwiring for you to wear after the surgery and you'll be asked not to eat or drink anything for around six hours before surgery.

Breast reductions are typically done using general anaesthetic, meaning you will be unconscious throughout the operation. The breast reduction procedure takes between two and four hours and it's usual for you to stay a couple of nights in hospital afterwards.

After the anesthetic takes effect the surgeon will usually make an incision around the areola, which is the dark bit of skin around your nipple. This incision will extend down the breast in a vertical line, following its natural curve . Excess fat, skin and breast tissue will then be removed and the remaining tissues and the nipples will be moved to a higher location to match the new shape of the breast. The incisions will be sutured with either dissolvable stitches or non-dissolvables that will need to be removed about a week later. Immediately afterwards drainage tubes will be inserted into each breast to drain any fluids which accumulate in the treated area. These may be left in for up to two days.

It's also possible to use liposuction as an alternative to traditional breast reduction. This can be useful if you have any problems with general anethesia or have relatively small breasts. Although the results won't be as dramatic as with other techniques there will be less recovery time and scarring is minimised.

The recovery period

Following surgery its usual to be prescribed painkillers, to help with immediate discomfort, and antibiotics to help protect against infection. You will be given advice about how to care for your surgical wounds and may be required to wear a support garment for a couple of days afterwards. It's usual for your breasts to swell, bruise and feel sore following the procedure but this will reduce as they begin to heal. It's typically recommended that you avoid any strenous activity for a few of weeks and you may need to wear a special surgical or sports bra to provide extra support.

What are the risks?

Although breast reduction surgery is common and the majority of operations performed safely, as with all major surgery it's not without risk. In addition to the usual side-effects of the surgery such as nausea as a result of the anaesthetic used and tenderness, there are several complications that may occur.

In some rare cases there can be an adverse reaction to anesthetic and there can be a danger of developing a blood clot. Fluid may build up inside the treated area and can require further surgery to correct. Similarly infection may develop and this can require antibiotic treatments or a return to surgery. Changes in sensation can occur, especially in cases where the nipple is moved. Your breasts may become more or less sensitive and sometimes there is a temporary loss of sensation.