Breast Reduction

When a women’s breasts are too large her quality of life becomes negatively affected due to shoulder, neck and back pain as well as chronic skin irritations, resulting in constant burning and itching between and below her breasts. A constant battle to find clothes/underwear that fit properly, often becomes the norm in their lives.

It is for the reasons mentioned that I personally find a breast reduction to be the most gratifying cosmetic procedure to perform, whereby a patients quality of life is dramatically changed with a single operation!

Who will benefit from a breast reduction?

Women with large heavy breasts experiencing any of the following problems will benefit from a breast reduction:

  • Chronic shoulder pain
  • Neck and back pain
  • Severe skin irritation below and between the breasts
  • Poor posture
  • Difficulty to find clothes/underwear that fit properly
  • Low self-esteem
  • Normal life activities such as exercising and playing sports are negatively affected by large breasts
Procedures

During the consultation, the technique to be used will be discussed with the patient. The size of the breasts will determine the technique. If the breasts are not too big I will normally use the so called inferior pedicle technique. With this procedure, the nipple remains attached to the breast by means of a pedicle through which it receives both blood and nerve supply. The resulting scars are reverse T-type scars. Most women will find the scars to be a good trade off for their more comfortable, smaller breasts, affording them a better life quality!
In EXTREMELY large breasts, known as GIGANOMASTIA a free nipple graft technique is used.

During such procedures, the nipple is completely removed from the breast but gets sutured back as a free graft after the breast has been reduced. These patients will have no feeling in their nipples after surgery, but usually don’t have nipple sensation anyway due to the enormous size of their breasts.  All breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia in a dedicated, fully licensed, cosmetic surgery hospital.

The patients will spend at least one night in the hospital.

Duration of Procedure 3 to 3.5 hours

    What are the Risks?
    • As with any form of surgery , risks may occur, although major complications are seldom seen! The following (SELDOM SEEN )risks may occur:

      • unfavourable scarring, should a patients body not form good scars
      • infection
      • changes in nipple/ breast sensation, normally temporary, but may be permanent
      •  bleeding (haematoma), see medicines/ substances that cause increased bleeding (PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS)
      • blood clots
      • potential loss of skin/ tissue of breast, where incisions meet
      • potential partial/ total loss of the nipple and areola
      • fatty tissue could die ( fat necrosis)

      WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ?

      • breast reductions may interfere with certain diagnostic procedures
      • your ability to breast feed , following a breast reduction may be limited
      • breast reduction may be performed at any age , but is best done when your breasts are fully developed

    Recovery

    Directly after surgery patients will experience a burning sensation in their breasts. Appropriate pain medication will be administered during this period. On the second day,  patients will experience pain which can be described as ranging from severe discomfort to moderate pain. After enjoying a breakfast served by our friendly staff, the drains will probably be removed. At this stage, you will get your first glimpse of the new you. After receiving your post op instructions you will be discharged.

    Although you’ll be instructed to take things easy once you’re home, it is important to slowly walk about and not only stay in bed!

    See instructions for wound care under Post operative care

    You may start driving and doing office type work after 7-10 days.

    • No strenuous exercising for 4-6 weeks.
    • Sexual activity may resume after 2-3 weeks, with caution. (As comfort permits )