Breast
ReductionBreast
reduction, reduction mammoplasty. WHY
ARE LARGE BREASTS A PROBLEM? Some
women have problems with asymmetry (one breast much larger than the other) or
have very heavy or pendulous breasts. Very large breasts can cause back
ache, neck pain and irritation of the skin underneath the breast. It can
be hard to find suitable clothes and comfortable bras, and certain sports
can be difficult. For some women having large breasts can make them very
self conscious. WHO
CAN HAVE REDUCTION SURGERY? Any
women with very large breasts that are problematic can be considered for a breast
reduction. The size of a woman's breasts will largely be determined by genetics
but it will also be influenced by fluctuations in weight, pregnancy, breast feeding
and hormonal changes. For these reasons most surgeons advise that surgery
is only undertaken when the woman's breasts have reached maturity (ie best not
performed on young teenagers) and the patient maintains a stable weight.
You may be asked to lose weight to achieve a healthy BMI (body mass index) before
surgery is offered. Ideally surgery should be delayed until any planned
family is complete but special cases can be considered. WHAT
IS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION? A
breast reduction is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, takes between
2 and 4 hours and requires a 2 to 4 day stay in hospital. There are a number
of different techniques that the surgeon can use. There may be a scar underneath
the breast, one around the nipple or even a vertical scar running down from the
nipple to join the scar underneath. The choice of operation will be determined
by the size and shape of the breasts before surgery and the size that is desired
afterwards. You should discuss the options and the exact position of the scars
with your surgeon before the operation. Excess skin, fat and breast tissue
is removed and the position of the nipple may be moved permanently. Before
the operation, depending on your age and fitness, you may have to undergo some
simple health checks such as blood tests and a mammogram. The surgeon will
also examine your breasts and draw guidelines with a marker pen before you are
under the anaesthetic. If you decide on surgery you will be required to sign a
consent form giving permission for the operation. This requires that you are aware
of the risks and complications involved with the procedure. A ARE
THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS? There
are general risks associated with a general anaesthetic including chest infection
and DVTs (clots in the veins of the legs). There are risks specific to breast
surgery. Bleeding,
sometimes requiring a blood transfusion is a relatively common event. Problems
with wound healing and infection can occur particularly in those who smoke and
it is therefore advisable to stop smoking before the operation. In most
cases the scars will fade, becoming hardly noticeable and would not be visible
in normal underwear or swim wear. Scars vary enormously from one woman to
the next and some people can have problems with red, raised and lumpy scars. There
may be a permanent loss of sensation (normal feeling) in the nipple, breastfeeding
may or may not be possible and in some rare but extreme cases the nipple may be
lost altogether due to problems with its blood supply. After surgery there
may be some asymmetry and there may be further changes associated with future
weight fluctuations and pregnancies. A second operation for minor adjustments
may be needed but can usually be performed under a local anaesthetic. WHAT
HAPPENS AFTER THE OPERATION? When
you come round from the anaesthetic you will be heavily bandaged and have drainage
tubes in place. The drains can usually be removed a day or so after the
operation but occasionally will be left for a little longer if fluid continues
to leak. You may have dissolvable stitches but any permanent stitches that
are used will need to be removed approximately 10 days after the surgery. You
should expect lumpiness and tenderness for some weeks or maybe months after
the operation. WHEN
CAN NORMAL ACTIVITIES BE RESUMED? You
will be advised to wear a supportive bra day and night and should not drive or
undertake any vigorous activity for up to 6 weeks. Depending on your
job, you should be able to return to work 2 to 4 weeks after the operation. The
British Association of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.baps.co.uk/ More
Information ... |
