Breast Reduction surgery at Plastic Surgery Truth.com

Breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty: This procedure is more complicated than a breast enlargement. Often there is a medical necessity to operate: breasts weighing more than 400 grams can cause neck and back pain, overtax the spine and even lead to osteoporosis. Very young women and women beyond menopause are affected the most.

The operation takes approx. three hours. The patient is fully sedated during the procedure and stays in the clinic for 2-10 days. The aim of the operation is to reduce skin, subcutaneous fat and gland tissue and, to lift up the nipple’s mammillary and areolar tissue and to thereby reshape the breast.

breast reduction

Breast reduction plastic surgery

To shift the nipple upwards, the envisioned position is marked on the skin while the patient is sitting upright. Except in very extreme operations, the mammilla is never detached completely from the gland system. The connections to the gland and to the underlying tissue layer are preserved so that the breast’s sensitivity and ability to produce milk are maintained after the operation.

The following surgical techniques may be used:

- Classic “T-incision” technique, as developed by McKissock, Pitanguy, Ribeiro etc.: The scar runs around the nipple areola, down to the submammary fold and horizontally along it – describing the shape of an inverted “T”. The horizontal incision is kept as short as possible so as to avoid thickening and keloid formation.

- Vertical reduction mammaplasty (Lassus-Lejour): The Belgian surgeon Dr. Madeleine Lejour developed this technique with minimised scarring. Again, the scar runs around the areola and vertically down to the submammary fold, but there is no horizontal incision along the fold. The skin is “frilled” by the vertical scar, but within three months after the operation, it is smooth again.

- Periareolar reduction mammaplasty: The scar only runs around the areola. This method is successfully used for minor procedures. Small creases may initially appear on the skin, but again these smooth out within several months.

After a breast reduction procedure, drainage tubes are installed and a firm bandage is applied. The drains, situated on either side of the breast, transport wound fluids and excess blood. The surgeon removes them after 24-48 hours. After the dressing is changed for the first time, a support bra is fitted over the bandage for added stability. The breast is initially quite swollen. Wound pain, tension and skin discolouration may be experienced. Frequently, the breast seems to be very tight and raised too high; these symptoms are gradually alleviated by gravity as part of the healing process.

After 8-14 days, the stitches are removed. The suture scar is protected by a bandage for the following month. For approx. Three months, a support bra needs to be worn at all times so that the healing process of the interior wounds is not interfered with. After a week, the patient can resume floor exercises and leg training; swimming is permitted after a month, fitness training after two months, tennis, golf and horse riding after three.

Risks: Asymmetrical breasts, i. e. Uneven nipples. This usually requires surgical correction.
Fit for work: After 1-2 weeks.