What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast Reduction, also known as Mammoplasty, is a procedure that will reduce the size and weight of a woman’s breasts.

 

An extra large bust size can cause real discomfort, with back and shoulder pain being very common side-effects. Large breasts can also be embarrassing, distressing and cause confidence issues, as well as making clothing choices difficult at times, therefore this procedure not only results in patients feeling a lot better physically, but also emotionally.

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What are the common side effects of having Large Breasts?

• Backache 

• Neck pain 

• Painful rashes, sweating and even infections under the breasts 

• Poor posture

• Difficulty in exercising or taking part in sports 

• Unwanted attention or harassment 

• Self-consciousness (for example, clothes don’t fit properly) 

• Depression 
   

What are the limitations?

It is very important that you discuss thoroughly with Mr Khan beforehand the size of breasts you wish to achieve. Many women wish for a very radical reduction but in order to achieve this the shape and aesthetic quality of the breasts may be compromised. It is also possible that there may be a degree of asymmetry. This is often less than existed before the surgery. In women with very large breasts the benefits of a significant reduction may outweigh the potential imperfections of poor shape and loss of nipple function and sensitivity. However, in women with breasts which are only slightly larger than normal very careful thought must be given to the scarring and the potential shape and size as the outcome of the surgery may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a normal breast appearance.

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What you should do before your operation

Mr Khan is likely to recommend that you reduce weight if you are overweight and to make alternative arrangements if you are on the contraceptive pill. Smoking does seriously effect the healing of the breast wounds and should be discouraged and attempts to give it up made.

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The Surgery

The Breast Reduction or Mammoplasty procedure itself is carried out under general anaesthetic and takes between two and four hours. There are several boob reduction techniques and the best one for you will depend on the size and shape of your breasts and the results you want to achieve. Mr Khan will ensure you’re fully aware of what the operation involves for you.

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The procedure involves removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin via multiple incisions. The remaining breast tissue will be re-shaped to create smaller, more elevated breasts and your nipples will be moved to a new position to complete the procedure. The breast will become smaller and lifted in appearance and as a result, the areolas may be reduced in size to reflect these changes. Markings will be made before the surgery to indicate where the incisions should be made and once the tissue has been removed, drains will be put in place to collect excess fluid.

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Recovery after the Breast Reduction Surgery

Your new breasts will require a good amount of support in the months following surgery, therefore you will be required to wear a post-surgery bra or sports bra for up to three months during the day and at night. You will be able to shower or bath as normal a few days after the surgery, simply by removing your bra just before and putting it on again immediately afterwards. It is advised that you take at least one week off work in order to give your breasts proper time to recover. Mr Khan will advise you on how soon you can resume normal daily activities and exercise.