Breast reduction

Very large breasts tend to sag under the effect of gravity and change in shape and projection. Besides the aesthetic and psychological impact, heavy breasts can cause back pain, get in the way of work and sport, and cause skin irritation in the breast fold, especially in hot months. Breast reduction removes the excess volume and restores a harmonious shape and projection. It requires very careful planning to achieve the desired shape and volume with stable results.

Surgical technique

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about three to four hours. There are several techniques, chosen according to the starting condition and the surgeon’s preference. All of them remove excess skin, glandular tissue or fat, move the nipple-areola complex to its natural position and reshape the remaining gland.

With very large breasts it may rarely be necessary to remove the nipple-areola complex and graft it back in the correct position at the end of the operation. Scars vary with the technique: usually one around the areola, one in the breast fold and a vertical one joining them (inverted T), easily hidden by a bra. L-shaped or vertical scars are also possible. They fade over time, but a touch-up under local anaesthesia may occasionally be needed at least one year after surgery.

Any stretch marks will be fewer and look better. Drains, if used, are removed after one or two days. A supportive dressing is removed 48 hours after surgery and replaced by a support bra, worn day and night for at least one month.

Other information

Breast reduction may require one or two nights in hospital. After two or three days the patient can gradually resume normal activities, avoiding any trauma to the breasts for at least fifteen days. The frequency of dressings and timing of stitch removal depend on the individual case.

This operation may affect the ability to breastfeed, especially when a large amount of glandular tissue is removed. Changes in nipple sensation can last for some months and in some cases may be permanent.

Complications

Haematomas and infections are fortunately rare.

Before and after