Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
It is important that before considering plastic or cosmetic surgery that you are in good general health and within seven pounds of what you see as your ideal weight. You will also need to share with us any problems in your past history and of any medication you may be taking. Smoking is contraindicated during the operative period with many aesthetic procedures.
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Breast reduction operations (or reduction mammaplasty) reshape the breasts in order to make them smaller, lighter, and firmer. Reduction is accomplished by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. Large breasts can cause physical pain, with back and neck problems, as well as emotional and social anxiety.
In addition, large breasts may limit exercise. Women who undergo breast reduction procedure find that they are able to lead a healthier, more comfortable life, in addition to enjoying a better shaped, more proportionate appearance.
Breast reduction surgery is carried out under general anesthetic, usually requiring an overnight stay in hospital. Techniques for breast reduction vary; however, most leave a scar around the areola, with a scar from the nipple to the bottom of the breast. With larger reductions a scar will be left in the fold underneath the breast.
Excess glandular tissue and fat is removed and skin envelope is reduced. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful position. Occasionally, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size. The best procedure is determined at examination, during the initial consultation visit.
Despite the scarring, patients are pleased with the elimination of physical pain caused by large breasts as well as a better proportioned body, an enhanced appearance and better fitting clothes.
Most patients will stay in hospital overnight following the breast reduction and can go home after any drains are removed. It is not usually a painful procedure and only simple analgesia is required. Tapes are applied to help support the breasts and sports bra should be worn night and day for the first 2-3 weeks.
The tapes are removed 10-12 days later and patients can return to normal day to day activities within 2-3 weeks. Impact exercises are best left for 4-5 weeks.
Complications following breast reduction are unusual. Infection and bleeding are uncommon and alteration in nipple sensation can occur. Rarely surgery can interfere with the blood supply to the nipple, with partial or complete loss of the nipple.
Scars will be left.They can stretch and become thickened, but, whilst individual dependent, these usually settle well and are placed within the bra. Use of Solution for Scars has been shown to improve scar outcome.
Because the skin is pulled tight, wound healing problems can occur. Secondary adjustments are sometimes required to optimise the result.
Breast reduction may affect breast feeding and, if this is important, surgery is best left until after having a family. Most women have some degree of asymmetry which should be improved.
Below are the full range of breast procedures that we offer