polskiniemieckiangielski

BREAST REDUCTION
SYN. REDUCTION MAMMAPLASTY, BREAST (MAMMARY) REDUCTION,
DECREASING BREAST SIZE

Preparing for surgery


  • Required laboratory tests: blood cell count, clotting profile (coagulogram), blood group, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fasting blood glucose, blood ion levels, urea, creatinine, ECG, chest X – ray, hepatitis B vaccination, breast ultrasonography.
  • For one week prior to the surgery aspirin, other acetylsalicylic acid products and other blood thinning products should be avoided. Drugs that enhance coagulation and decrease blood vessel wall permeability such as vitamin C and Rutinoscorbin (rutin and ascorbic acid tablets) are recommended.
  • No smoking is recommended for 14 days before the surgery. Food, drinks, chewing gum, chewing sweets (including Tic Tac) are forbidden for six hours before the surgery.
  • Recommended: good health, make – up removal before the surgery.

    • Description of procedure

    Anaesthesia: general.

    Length: 1,5 – 3 hours.

    Discharge from clinic: 1 – 2 days after procedure.

    Breast reduction surgery is performed to reduce size and volume of the breasts and to adjust the breasts to the patient's figure, body proportions and expectations. It can also reduce and even out areolas of the nipples. In practice, various techniques are used to achieve desirable results:

    McKissoka – a scar in the shape of reversed letter T is left
    Lejour – a vertical scar is left
    Benelli – a scar around the nipple is left
    Hall – Findley – a vertical scar is left

    A technique to be used depends on the body constitution and patient's preferences. All the details will be discussed by your plastic surgeon during the consultation preceding the surgery.
    Breast reduction is very often performed because of medical indications. The procedure can eliminate problems caused by excessive weight of the breasts such as spondylalgia, back pain, skeletal deformities.

    Recovery

    1. Drains are removed one day after the surgery.
    2. A special protective bra will have to be worn for 30 days after the surgery.
    3. Stitches are removed 7 days after the surgery.
    4. Physical exercise, heavy lifting, sauna and solarium must be avoided for 2 – 3 weeks after the surgery.
    5. When stitches are removed the scar should be oiled with baby oil. Do not use scar – reducing products at that moment.
    6. Usually there are: pain which requires pain – killer medications, swelling, discharge from drains, transient loss of feeling in the nipples and areolas.
    7. Possible complications: haematoma requiring repeat surgery, infection, persistent swelling, hypertrophied scars requiring surgical removal, necrosis of the areola and the nipple, delayed healing.

    Duration of results

    The full results are seen not earlier than 4 – 6 weeks after the surgery. In most patients the result is permanent. However aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations may result in the need for repeat surgery.

    Frequently asked questions

    I have very large breasts (size H). In fact I am not able to practice any sport and at the end of the day I have unbearable back pain. I would like to reduce my breasts but I am concerned whether I could nurse my baby in the future.

    Unfortunately in great majority of cases breast-feeding is not possible. Therefore women who are going to have a baby and breast – feed are advised not to undergo the procedure. However if you decide to reduce your breasts you can still supplement your breast milk with formula.

    What size reduction can be achieved as a result of breast reduction surgery?

    It depends on the patient's individual predispositions and expectations. In fact I happened to perform breast reductions by 1 to 4 bra cup sizes.