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.