Breast-reduction

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure used to remove excess fat, tissue and skin from the breasts. If you have large breasts, you might choose to have breast reduction surgery to alleviate discomfort or to achieve a breast size proportionate to your body. Breast reduction surgery might also help improve your self-image and self-confidence, as well as your ability to participate in physical activities.

Surgery :

Anaesthetic : General.

Stay in cosmetic surgey clinic : 2 nights.

Recuperation : 8 days.

Breast Reduction is performed under general anaesthetic, after careful pre-operative marking with the patient standing. The breasts are taped for six weeks post operatively to reduce tension on the scars and to obtain a narrow scar. The patient is instructed on how to tape the breasts herself for the period. A bra is worn continuously for two weeks, day and night, and then during the day for the next four weeks. All sutures are absorbable.

Post surgery:

After breast reduction surgery, you'll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.

You may feel some pain for the first couple of days-especially when you move around or cough and some discomfort for a week or more. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.

The bandages will be removed a day or two after breast reduction surgery, though you'll continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks.

You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.

Results :

Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.

Your plastic surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible.

Still, it's important to remember that breast reduction surgery scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.

However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you'll need time to adjust to your new image-as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had breast reduction surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you'll be pleased with the results.