Breast Reduction
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction also known as reduction mammoplasty is a surgical procedure employed to remove excess fat, tissue and skin from the breasts.
How is breast reduction performed?
Your surgical practitioner will draw on your breasts, marking the incision lines and making other relevant measurements decided on at the preoperative consultation. Once you are asleep and lying down the landmarks change as the breast assumes a different shape to that we observe when you are standing. The diagram demonstrates the "landmarks" your surgical practitioner uses to achieve the result.
Breast Reduction surgery is performed with the patient under general anaesthesia. Your surgical practitioner will measure the height of the nipple and estimate the volume of breast to be removed. Excess breast tissue is usually removed from inner and outer areas of the breast. Skin edges will be approximated after the excess breast tissue is removed.
The nipple is elevated into the new position. It is not detached from the underlying breast tissue. At the end of the operation a firm dressing or brassiere is placed around your chest. Drainage tubes may be in place to eliminate any blood that may accumulate. These drains are removed within 2-3 days of the surgery.
What are the risks and complications of breast reduction surgery?
As with any surgery, breast reduction involves risks and potential complications. The possible risks and complications associated with breast reduction include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Breast asymmetry
- Loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts, which may be temporary or permanent
- Potential inability to breastfeed
- Haematoma (bleeding inside the breast tissue)
- Poor wound healing