Cosmetic Surgery for Women - Breast reduction (Mammoplasty)
Notes for Guidance
Breast reduction is the name given to the surgical treatment designed to overcome a number of problems caused by excessively large and pendulous breasts. The breasts are naturally too large through the development of excessive breast tissue.
This may have caused stretching and relaxation of the supporting breast ligaments that results in sagging and loss of the desired feminine outline
This condition can be as psychologically disturbing to a Man as extremely large breasts, causes feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment. However, there are physical problems associated with excessively large breasts - breast discomfort, shoulder and neck pain and backache are prevalent.
The Procedure
Successful treatment of this condition by means of surgery is not new, and has been practised for more than fifty years.
The operation is designed to reduce, uplift and firm the breasts. It involves the reduction of breast volume, removal of the breast tissue and the restoration of a normal contour consistent with the patient’s skeletal proportions to give a natural appearance. It also involves the repositioning of the nipple to a level consistent with the new breast shape. Results are very good.
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Procedure
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Breast Reduction (Mammoplasty)
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Anaesthesia
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General
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Hospital stay
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1-2 night stay
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Removal of stitches
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10 days later
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Return to work
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2 weeks after surgery
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Full recovery
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1 Year to allow scars to fade
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After care
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The first very important step in this, as in any, treatment, is the consultation with the surgeon when patients are very carefully assessed. Developing a patient’s personal understanding of what can be achieved is vital in achieving effective results. Surgeon and patient must aim to develop a mutual understanding.
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and takes about two to three hours. It necessitates a one or two night stay in the Hospital. In most cases, incisions are made in the fold under the breast or around the pigmented nipple area (the areola) in order to minimise scarring.
Recovery
Immediately after your surgery your new breast size will be apparent, but you must understand that the final shape may take around six months to emerge.
After the operation there may be some discomfort, but pain relief medication can be administered as required. A dressing is worn post-operatively and sutures will be removed at your post op visit. It is most important to follow the post operative instructions carefully. Physical activities must be restricted for at least six weeks, and supportive garments worn as instructed. It takes about a year for scars to fade and for the breasts to settle fully into the new shape.
Finally, results of this operation are extremely successful and rewarding for patients. A typical comment afterwards is “If I had known how easy it was, I would have had it done earlier”.
This web site has been prepared to give a basic understanding of the procedure before a consultation takes place, and to cover many of the questions frequently asked about this type of cosmetic surgery. Any risks and potential complications, together with any questions you may have, will be discussed fully at consultation with the surgeon. Final decisions should not be made until an individual assessment has taken place with the surgeon.
