Breast reduction

Introduction

The breasts are among the most important elements of the female beauty, symbol of sexuality, of motherhood, and an important erogenous zone. For this reason, the size and shape of the breasts are a permanent and primordial concern in a woman’s life.
The reductive mammoplasty (reduction of the breasts) may resolve the problems related to very large and ptotic breasts, ranging from neck, ear, back pains and skin rashes to skeletal deformations and respiratory problems. Other issues, minor but still there, are the difficulty in finding a suitable brassier and in choosing the outfit. Those phenomena reflect in a negative way on the woman’s psychology, as it is the case with the very small breasts. The breast reduction has been employed since the fifties, a large number of women benefiting since then from the results of this intervention.

What patients can benefit from breast lift?

Breast lifting concerns women with "fallen" (ptotic) breasts. There is no physical exercise or medical treatment that can solve this handicap.
On the initial examination it is important to discuss your expectations with the surgeon because every person has a different view regarding the size and shape of the breasts and to the scars. You should also talk about the nipple and areola position and you must understand what type of scar will result.

Surgery risks

There is no surgery without risks. Because it is a large-scale surgery, the risks must be discussed in detail with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist before the surgery.
Besides the risks common to any general anesthesia surgery, infections, hematomas which can make for unaesthetic scars appear. Even without these complications, the surgery leaves visible and permanent scars. The healing is difficult and with broad scars especially with smokers.
Modifications of sensitivity of the areola and nipple may occur, however hardly ever permanent. The procedure may result in breasts with slightly different size or in areolas positioned at different levels. Due to the fact that during the procedure several galactophore ducts, in very few cases it is possible that the possibility to breast-feed be permanently lost.
Breast lift is not a simple surgery but normally it is safe if it is done by an experienced plastic surgeon.

Before surgery indications

• before the operation, you must undergo a mammogram or an ultrasound examination;
• do not eat and drink anything after midnight before the surgery;
• it is forbidden to take aspirin and other drugs that contain aspirin for 2 weeks before the surgery;
• usually the surgery must be done outside the menstruation period;
• you must tell the doctor or the anesthesiologist if you have medical problems (hypertension, vascular problems, heart failure, diabetes, lung problems, bleeding problems, epilepsy, neurological problems, allergies to certain drugs);
• you must tell the doctor if you wear dental prosthesis or contact lenses;
• if you smoke, plan to stop smoking for 1-2 weeks before the surgery and do not start smoking until at least 2 weeks have passed from the surgery;
• avoid extra exposure to sun before the surgery;
• do not keep a strict diet before the surgery because it can delay the healing;
• if you catch a cold or you have an infection of any kind, the surgery must be postponed;

The surgery

Breast reduction is done under general anesthesia. Depending on the case complexity, it takes between 2 and 3 hours. There are many techniques, but the most used is the one when an anchor shaped incision is done following the natural breast curves. The extra skin is removed and the nipple and areola are moved higher following a pre made drawing. At the same time, the breast tissue is separated from the pectoral muscle, the excess tissue and fat is removed and the breast is fixed into the new position with non resorbable stitches. Liposuction can be used for the subtraction of fat from the armpit. A circular scar around the areola, a vertical scar from the areola to the breast cease and one scar in the cease will result. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for 24 hours.

Post surgery hospitalization

Hospitalization lasts for about 1-2 days, during which antibiotics are given to the patient. The patient will wear an elastic garment outside the normal garment. In the first days after the surgery the breasts will be swollen and painful.

Post surgical retrieval

After you leave the clinic the stitches are removed, 12 days after the surgery; this can also be done by your family doctor. You must wear a surgical bra for 2 to 3 months. Areola and nipple sensitivity modifications may appear but these usually disappear in the first 6 weeks. They are rarely permanent.
You can go back to work in maximum 1 week after the surgery but demanding spots must be avoided for 1 month. The surgery does not hinder breast-feeding if you have a new pregnancy but this will negatively influence the scars and the breast position.
As for the scars, by the sixth month they will have turned red and swollen. After 9 months - 1 year they will diminish and turn light. It is recommended to avoid exposure to sun for one year to prevent the darkening of the scars. We do our best to make the scars as small and inconspicuous as possible. Yet, it is important to understand that mammopexy scars are large and permanent but they can be covered by the bra or bathing suit.

Conclusion

You must take into consideration that the new breast position will not be permanent, the effect of gravity, pregnancy, aging and weight changes may determine the gradual reappearance of ptosis. Yet, with breast reduction you can be relieved of the physical discomfort that large breast bring on, your body will be better balanced and the clothes will fit you better and most importantly you will lose all your complexes.
With this surgery we have a big medical practice: more then 3000 cases operated on, in a 15 year period. If you have realistic expectations and you are prepared to bear the consequences which consist in a permanent scar, breast reduction is the only solution you have got.

Find out how you can benefit from this intervention. Make an appointment for an examination at Prof. Dr. Bratu.