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Procedures of the Body - Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Procedure (Mammoplasty)

Sometimes the breasts are too voluptuous and cumbersome, making common tasks more difficult than they need to be or causing chronic shoulder, neck and back pain. Over-developed breast may make some women appear out of shape and overweight or limit their participation in certain activities and exercises. This often results in embarrassment or self-consciousness.

Reduction Mammoplasty can improve the appearance of the breasts. A reduction can also relieve the physical symptoms related to large, heavy, pendulous breasts. In exchange for this improvement the patient must accept scarring on the lower part of the breasts. The long term results of the operation cannot be predicted in a specific patient, due to many factors unrelated to surgery, such as normal slackening of tissues, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, breast feeding and weight changes. This operation permits the patient to feel better about her figure, to more easily acquire properly fitting clothing and to be more comfortable while engaging in physical activity.

This type of surgery has been practiced for more than 40 years. Better results are now being achieved through new surgical techniques. Reductions are carried out to relieve back, shoulder and neck pain, skin irritation and problems with clothing which are common in women with large, pendulous breasts, as well as for improvement in appearance. They may also make sports more enjoyable.

Women are not the only ones who suffer from this condition. In men, enlargement of the male breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia, can be an equivalent source of discomfort and embarrassment. For men, the breast reduction procedure is often performed using liposuction. See liposuction for details on this procedure.

The dangers of breast cancer are no greater after this type of breast surgery, and self-examination of your breasts post-operatively is still possible and important.

Breast Reduction Recovery :

POSITION:
For at least the first week after surgery, try to sleep on your back instead of your side. Two pillows to elevate and support both your head and your back will help to keep the swelling down. (It is more important for you to sleep than to rigidly adhere to this suggestion).

DRESSINGS:
At the time of surgery, gauze dressings and an Ace wrap will be applied around the chest over a surgical bra. The Ace wrap will be removed in 1-2 days after surgery. You may shower if you do not have drains. You should wear your surgical bra day and night for 2-3 weeks after surgery (you may, of course, remove it for laundering and showering).

DRAINS:
One drain may be placed in each breast at the time of surgery, and it will be brought out through the end of the incision under the arm. These drains evacuate the fluid that accumulates after surgery and enable you to heal faster. When the drain is first put in place, the bulb at the end of each tube will be compressed to create gentle suction. As the fluid collects in the bulb, the bulb will slowly expand.

DRAIN CARE:
Secure the bulb of the drain to your dressings with a safety pin. Twice a day or whenever the bulb is three-quarter full, you should empty the bulb by opening the plug at the top and pouring out the contents. Do not attempt to remove the bulb from the tubing. Squeeze the bulb to recompress it, and put the plug back into the hole at the top in order to maintain the vacuum. If the bulb fills rapidly after emptying it, or you need to empty it more than three times a day, please call us at (480) 464-8000. Dr. Borsand or a nurse will remove the drains 4-5 days after surgery, when the fluid begins to turn a clear straw color and/or the amount of drainage has diminished. Record the amount of drainage and bring this information with you to the office visits.

SUTURES:
You may have steristrips or specialized tapes over incisions. Leave these closures alone until instructed to remove. If you have skin sutures, the sutures around the areola will be removed 5-7 days after surgery. The remaining sutures below the skin will dissolve in 4-6 weeks.

EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT:
Scars take at least 1 year to fade completely. During this time, it is better that you protect them from the sun. Even through a bathing suit, a good deal of sunlight can reach the skin and cause damage. It is imperative that you wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 at all times when you are in the sunshine. Be extremely careful if areas of your breast skin have reduced sensitivity.

SHOWERING AND BATHING:
You may shower or bathe after the first post-operative visit.

SPECIFIC “AS YOU HEAL" INSTRUCTIONS

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES:
Tingling, burning, or shooting pains, which will disappear with time and should not alarm you, indicate regeneration of the sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.

ASYMMETRY:
The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial shape. After complete healing, they will look remarkably similar and natural. You must have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of Dr. Borsand or the nursing staff.

ACTIVITIES:
Any type of strenuous activity can induce swelling and bleeding, especially during the first 10-14 days after surgery. Therefore, limit your exercise to walking during the first month. In general, guide your activities by your discomfort -- that is, if an activity hurts, do not do it. If your job keeps you rather sedentary, you may feel well enough to return to work in 7-10 days. You will tire easily and you may want to limit your hours on your first few days back. If the swelling or discomfort increases, you have probably done too much too soon. One month after surgery, you may start easing yourself into your usual exercise routine. Remember, do not push yourself too quickly.