Breast reduction

THE BREAST REDUCTION CONSULTATION

At your initial consultation with Mr Chana, he will talk to you about why you are considering surgery and what you want to achieve out of it. He will assess your medical history, examine your breasts and guide you through the breast reduction procedure very carefully.

He may want to take photographs of your breasts to use as reference and help him in planning your surgery. A number of important decisions will need to be made with respect to the shape and size of the breast you want. Mr Chana will be on hand to make sure you understand all aspects of the surgery and recovery.

THE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE

Before surgery, Mr Chana will explain the exact procedure he will be performing on you. He will draw markings on your breasts which determine the degree of nipple lift and the amount to breast tissue to be removed. This will be his guide throughout the operation. 

Breast reduction surgery involves first lifting the nipple into a new position. It will not be fully removed, but left attached to breast tissue so it remains 'alive' with a blood source. Excess breast tissue is then removed from above, below and around the nipple and areola (the pattern of scarring will be discussed with you prior to surgery) and the skin and tissue that is left, reshaped into a new breast. The nipple will be stitched into its correct position.

There are different types of breast reduction that are determined by the shape of your breasts and body and how much of a reduction you require. In all cases there will be a scar around the nipple and a further scar which runs vertically down from the nipple to the crease under the breast. A further scar is also required running horizontally in the crease under the breast (although in smaller breast reductions this can be avoided).

In order to aid recovery and minimise discomfort, Mr Chana uses a fibreoptic light in sugery to stop all bleeding points inside the breast. This avoids drains having to be inserted which results an enhanced recovery.  

A supportive dressing will be applied after surgery.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

The best thing any patient can do, is to be as healthy as possible going into an operation. Keep up with regular excercise, eat well and make sure you get enough sleep. If you are concerned about your weight, set out on a plan to reduce it and get it under control. If you smoke, stop at least six weeks prior to surgery, as this will help limit post-operative complications.

RECOVERY AFTER BREAST REDUCTION

Following surgery, there may be discomfort and mild pain, but this can be easily controlled by mild analgesic tablets which Mr Chana will prescribed. Aspirin or aspirin-like medication (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory tablets) must not be taken.

After breast reduction surgery, you should avoid bending over or doing any activity for at least a week or so to reduce the swelling. Sports or vigorous activity should not be returned to for at least three months, or until you feel able. Sleeping more upright at night using extra pillows will also help reduce the swelling. Most of the swelling will settle in a couple of weeks once the bandages have been removed.

You should also be aware that your new breasts may look bruised but this will disappear after 2-3 weeks. After surgery, the skin adjacent to the incision can sometimes appear slightly ‘pleated’ but this will flatten out over a few months. Scars can take 12 to 18 months to fully heal.

Immediately after surgery, your new breast size will be apparent, but the final shape won't be fully seen until around six months.

THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A BREAST REDUCTION

Serious complications after breast reduction surgery are rare.

Infections around the wound can be easily treated with antibiotics prescribed by Mr Chana. Excessive bleeding or a haematoma (a swelling of clotted blood) are unusual, but can be successfully treated. Should they persist, a further operation may be required but this is particularly rare. Mr Chana and his team will be on hand throughout your recovery should you feel unwell or be concerned about something.

There will be scars from the surgery. These will be red at first and then slowly change to purple as the healing process begins. They should fade after about 18 months. In the event of pleats or 'dog ears' forming along the scar, they can be easily corrected at a later date.  

Two important consequences to bear in mind following breast reduction surgery are that you are likely to suffer a loss in nipple sensation (this can return over time, although some women may lose sensation altogether) and that you may loose the ability to breastfeed in the future.

Most women too, have some degree of asymmetry with their breasts and even after reduction surgery there may still be some asymmetry.

Mr Chana will provide you with a comprehensive information leaflet on breast reduction surgery at your consultation.