Breast reduction
Women with large breast are often very self-conscious and bothered by problems including neck and back pain, difficulties finding bras that fit and bra straps digging into their shoulders. If this sounds familiar then you are probably a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction surgery removes the unwanted volume and weight of the breasts as well as giving them a “lift” to restore a higher position on the chest.
How is it done?
The volume to be removed is estimated by the surgeon before the operation. The operation is done under general anaesthetic with the patient asleep. The preplanned amount of breast tissue is removed from each breast and the remaining breast is reshaped and nipple restored to a higher, more aesthetic position on the breast. Typically 500g to 1000g is removed from each breast. All wounds are closed with dissolvable stitches. A small minority of patients are suitable for removal of breast tissue by liposuction rather than surgical excision.
The operation takes around 3 to 4 hours and is performed at Kensington Hospital in Whangarei usually with just an overnight stay.
What is the recovery period?
Stiffness and tiredness may be experienced for the first week to 10 days. Most of the swelling is gone by 10 days although some bruising may last for around 3 weeks. The breasts may be sore for about 2 weeks but this pain, if present, is usually managed well with conventional painkiller. Depending on your occupation It is recommended that three to six weeks be taken off work. It is recommended that aerobic work outs are avoided for around 6 weeks.
What are the risks and possible complications?
As with any surgery there are small risks of bleeding and infection. Although symmetry is the aim there is a small risk of assymetry.
Some areas of the retained fatty tissue within the breast may suffer lack of blood supply and die off. This is called fat necrosis. This can cause a collection and discharge for a couple of weeks or may just become a firm area within the breast that slowly settles down. Rarely these areas may need to be excised.
Scars take about a year to settle fully but you will be instructed on how to look after your scars. Usually scars are hidden beneath the breast fold and around the nipple, the only visible ones are the short scars that extend vertically down from the nipple which will fade in time along with the others.
Being a smoker and being overweight both increase the risks of complications such as poor healing of wounds and blood clots in your legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis) that can travel to your lungs (Pulmonary Embolus) so weight loss and smoking cessation are strongly recommended before surgery.
In general patients are unable to breast feed after this operation although a very small proportion are still able to do so. The sensation to the nipple is also typically reduced.
Reach out to Northland Plastic Surgery by phone, email or book in an assessment via Zoom.