Breast reduction

Breast reduction is a procedure to alleviate the problems caused by breasts that are too large and too heavy.

This improves your quality of life and your ability for physical activity, while achieving a beautiful aesthetic result. It is one of the most fulfilling aesthetic procedures and brings you back a great deal of satisfaction, self-confidence and self-esteem.

Are you a good candidate for breast reduction?

There are several reasons why individuals may choose to undergo reduction mammaplasty.

Large breasts can cause a range of physical symptoms such as chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, skin irritation and rashes under the breasts, difficulty finding properly fitting clothing, and limitations in physical activities. Additionally, individuals with disproportionately large breasts may experience self-consciousness, body image issues, and emotional distress.

Most often, breast reduction is performed in women whose breasts have changed with age, usually becoming larger and saggier. This is all due to the influence of female hormones, weight fluctuations or age itself.

Breasts that are too large can hinder women's ability to take part in sporting activities.
Back, neck and shoulder pain may occur.
The posture of the whole body deteriorates.
You can suffer from shoulder indentations caused by bra straps and/or have skin irritation beneath the breast crease
Problems with buying bras and clothes can occur.
You may feel embarrassed because your large breast attracts more attention.
You start to avoid sex, socialising, which can also lead to self-isolation and weight gain.

You can have the procedure at any time of your life, but I advise you to have breast reduction when you have finished with your pregnancies and breastfeeding. If your breasts were already large before pregnancy, you can still have the procedure, but you should understand that pregnancy will change the shape of your breasts and corrections might be necessary after the childbearing period is over. During the breast reduction surgery, I also remove some of the breast tissue, including the mammary gland, so breastfeeding might not be possible.

Make sure your weight is stable before the procedure. The procedure is risky if you are overweight, diabetic, smoke, or have a bleeding disorder. All this can affect the final result and your general health.

It is crucial if you are considering reduction mammaplasty to have realistic expectations and thoroughly discuss your goals and concerns with me. I will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical examination, and provide personalized recommendations based on your unique circumstances.

What are the steps of a breast reduction procedure?

The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and may take a few hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case. The technique used may vary based on individual factors such as breast size, shape, and desired outcome. I will discuss the options and tailor the approach to meet your specific needs.

I will take you through the procedure in a few steps:

The incision and subsequent scarring usually take place around the areola, vertically towards the breast crease (inframammary fold) and additionally horizontally in the course of the inframammary fold (inverted T or anchor shape).
The choice of surgical technique depends on the size of your breasts before the procedure and the size you decide to go for after the procedure.
In addition to reducing the size (and weight), the procedure always involves lifting and reshaping the breasts, with simultaneous reduction of the size of areolas, nipple lift and excision of excess skin.
During the procedure, I may decide to insert drainage tubes, which are removed before you are discharged.
If your breasts are asymmetrical, I will remove different amounts of tissue and make them as equal as possible. However, beware that 100 % symmetry is impossible to achieve.
I will suture the post-operative wound with an absorbable suture that you do not need to remove.
After the procedure, I will bandage your breasts with a compression bandage or put on a compression bra.
After the procedure, you will most likely stay overnight at the clinic.
You will receive detailed instructions about your recovery in your home environment before the discharge.
You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment within two to three days after your breast reduction.

I need to mention that liposuction is not a suitable technique for breast reduction. This technique alone cannot reshape the breasts, remove excess skin, reduce areolas and reposition nipples. However, it can be used in combination with a conventional reduction mammoplasty to further shape the lateral part of your breasts and chest.

What should I expect during breast reduction recovery?

Recovery after reduction mammaplasty can vary from person to person, but generally, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days. Pain medication and support garments are often prescribed to manage these symptoms.

It is important to follow the post-operative instructions, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, wearing a supportive bra, and attending follow-up appointments.

Follow the instructions bellow to avoid the complications:

After the procedure, you should avoid lifting heavy loads, raising your arms above your head and leaning on your hands.
I recommend resting and sleeping on your back, never on your stomach.
Avoid major physical activity, walking around the house and short walks are recommended.
Avoid driving a car for 10 days.
Eat healthy food rich in fibres, vitamins and minerals, drink plenty of fluids and get enough sleep. All these factors will boost your metabolism keep your digestion regular.
Wear a compression bra for 6 weeks after the procedure.
After two to three weeks, you can start to take care of the scar. This way the scar will soften and fade.
After six weeks, you can gradually start all the activities you did before the procedure.

And the result? The final result of breast reduction is visible after a few months, when the breast tissue softens and the swelling settles down.

What are the risks and potential complications after breast reduction surgery?

Reduction mammaplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications.

It is important to be aware of these risks and we will discuss them during the consultation. Some potential risks and complications associated with reduction mammaplasty include:

Infection: There is a risk of developing an infection at the incision sites. This can usually be treated with antibiotics, but in some cases, additional interventions may be required.
Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery can occur. In rare cases, it may require an additional surgery to control the bleeding.
Adverse reactions to anesthesia: Some individuals may have adverse reactions to anesthesia, which can include nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, or other complications.
Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation can occur after the surgery. This can include numbness, hypersensitivity, or changes in the ability to breastfeed.
Scarring: All surgical procedures result in some degree of scarring. The extent of scarring can vary depending on the technique used and individual healing factors. I always strive to minimize scarring and place incisions in inconspicuous areas.
Asymmetry: While efforts are made to achieve symmetry, there is a risk of slight differences in breast size, shape, or nipple position after the surgery.
Wound healing issues: In some cases, delayed wound healing, poor scarring, or skin necrosis (death of skin tissue) may occur. This is more common in individuals who smoke or have poor circulation.
Fat necrosis: There is a small risk of developing fat necrosis, which is the death of fatty tissue. This can result in firm lumps or areas of hardness in the breasts.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE): Although rare, there is a risk of developing blood clots in the legs (DVT) that can potentially travel to the lungs (PE). Steps are taken to minimize this risk, such as early mobilization and the use of compression stockings.
Dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcome: While reduction mammaplasty aims to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome, there is a possibility of being dissatisfied with the results. It is essential to have realistic expectations and communicate clearly with me about the desired outcomes.

It is important to note that these risks and complications are relatively rare, and the majority of reduction mammaplasty procedures are successful with few complications. By choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and following pre-operative and post-operative instructions, the risks can be minimized, and the likelihood of a successful outcome can be increased.

Let me reassure you that breast reduction does not interfere with the clinical examination of the breast when breast cancer is suspected, nor does it hinder mammography, ultrasound or breast MRI. However, despite breast reduction, I recommend that you still have monthly breast examinations and mammograms.

Many women struggle with the decision to have a breast reduction, but afterwards consider it one of the best decisions they ever made for themselves. Women tell me that after breast reduction they have much less pain in the thoracic spine and shoulder area, that they find it much easier to engage in physical activity, to enjoy sex again, to buy clothes and to join in social life.

Overall, reduction mammaplasty can be a life-changing procedure for individuals experiencing physical and emotional discomfort due to large breasts. It can help improve their overall well-being, enhance self-confidence, and restore a more balanced and proportionate body shape.

Breast reduction | Reduction mammaplasty

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