BREAST REDUCTION

A breast reduction, also known as “reduction mammoplasty”, is a surgical procedure which is performed to reduce breast size.
The procedure involves removing excess breast fat, tissue and skin.

You may consider breast reduction if:

• Your breast size limits your physical activity
• You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
• You have heavy, pendulous breasts.
• Because of your breast size, your nipples fall below the breast crease
• You have stretched skin and enlarged areolas
• Your breasts cause you emotional issues; for example you are continually self-conscious of the size of your breasts.

Your suitability for the procedure will be determined by a surgeon’s consultation which will take into account factors such as your medical history and condition. It is important that you have realistic expectations of what the surgery can do.
You should be aware that your ability to breastfeed following this procedure may be limited; therefore it is important to discuss this with your surgeon before you opt to have a breast reduction.
The consultation with the surgeon will enable you to come to an informed decision.

As well as relieving any discomfort, pain, or physical limitations experienced prior to the procedure; your better proportioned figure will mean that clothes fit better. This in turn could enhance yourself image and boost your self-confidence.
Any emotional issues attached to your breast size should be eradicated.
The procedure can make breasts smaller, firmer, and lighter.

The incisions from your breast reduction surgery will heal and fade and should become less noticeable over time. Of course, your surgeon will endeavour to make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.
Fortunately, the incisions for such surgery are in locations which are easily concealed by clothing.
Although scarring may never become totally undetectable; the scarring should gradually fade in the months following the surgery.
The exact location of the scar will depend on the type and extent of the surgery you have, and this can be discussed with the surgeon before you proceed.

The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting.
Unless you lose or gain a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your new breast shape should last for quite a few years.
However the effects of aging eventually alter the shape and size of most women’s breasts.
To achieve the best results possible, you should adhere to the surgeon’s post-surgical recommendations.

This will depend on the extent of the surgery; but usually the procedure itself takes between 1 and 3 hours per breast depending on the extent of surgery and the techniques used.

The techniques used can vary but in general an incision is made around the areola and down the breast. This enables excess breast fat, tissue and skin to be removed which in turn reduces the size of the breast.
Normally the nipple and areola remain attached unless the breasts are very large and pendulous, in which case they may need to be removed and reattached at a higher position on your breast.

During the procedure you will be under general anaesthesia. However, you may experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery as your body heals. You can expect to be sore, swollen and bruised and you should follow the surgeon’s instructions with regard to post op care. After the surgery you will be given painkillers to help with any pain and discomfort you may be feeling.
We provide private, self-catering accommodation with first class post-operative nursing care. Our English speaking nurses are highly trained and experienced in cosmetic surgery. Your visits are organized daily immediately after discharge. These visits take into consideration, your needs and are timed at your convenience.

We recommend you stay for 7 to 10 nights depending on the extent of the surgery you undergo.

This can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery and can take anything from two to six weeks, or longer. You are recommended to take at least a portion of this recovery time off work.
You are encouraged to start moving around the following day after surgery and can partake in gentle exercise not long after. However, you should not attempt any strenuous exercise for a minimum of 6 weeks post-surgery. During this time you should not be doing anything which involves heavy lifting or moving large objects.
Other than that you can return to your normal everyday activities after four to six weeks.
Recovery periods can vary between patients and are dependent upon factors such as age, state of health, the procedure undertaken and your own bodies healing ability.

In common with all types of surgery, there are certain risks involved. The majority of side effects often prove to be temporary but can include bleeding, oedema, infections, and temporary loss of sensitivity in the breast area.
Full information of the risks involved, and what you can expect to experience, will be provided to you by your surgeon before the procedure.