Breast reduction & breast lift

BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Some patients may find that they encounter problems due to their breasts being too large. This can cause physical discomfort (pain in the neck, shoulders and back) and practical problems (difficulty finding clothes that fit properly and playing sport). This condition is almost always associated with sagging breasts, and is sometimes accompanied by an asymmetry of the breasts.

The procedure can reduce the size of the breasts and at the same time lift the position of the breasts and correct any asymmetry. Any excess mammary glands are moved to the lower stem of the breast, and the skin envelope of the breast is then trimmed to give the desired appearance. In order to achieve this the surgeon makes an incision around the areola, and also makes a horizontal and vertical incision hidden in the fold underneath the breast (inverted T scar).

This procedure is usually a little painful. The drains that need to be attached are usually removed after 24 hours, around the same time as the first dressing. It is then recommended that the patient wears a bra (night and day) for one month. The sutures are then removed after two to three weeks, and superficial bruising should also subside within two to three weeks. Temporary numbness of the nipples can sometimes take several months to fully subside.

The main risk in this procedure is the scarring, which can evolve in an unpredictable manner. Therefore this needs to be monitored closely. If necessary, this can be mitigated with the use of permanent make up. Any minor asymmetry present prior to surgery may also remain after surgery.

Breast reduction surgery can be performed as early as the end of puperty i.e. once the breasts are fully developed. Breastfeeding almost always remains possible after the procedure. After the procedure the breasts will retain their natural sensitivity to hormonal and weight changes.

BREAST LIFT

A sagging of the breasts usually occurs after a major weight loss or as a result of pregnancy. This can be isolated or can occur alongside hypertrophy or hypoplasia, both of which can be corrected during the same procedure. A breast lift aims to raise the position of the nipple and the areola while remodelling the mammary gland in order to gain a more natural shape and volume.

In order to do this the surgeon makes an incision around the areola as well as a vertical incision. Sometimes it is also necessary to make an inverted T incision in the fold beneath the breast.

This procedure is usually painless. The drains that need to be attached are usually removed after 24 hours, around the same time as the first dressing. It is then recommended that the patient wears a bra (night and day) for one month. The sutures are then removed after two to three weeks, and superficial bruising should also subside within two to three weeks. Temporary numbness of the nipples can sometimes take several months to fully subside.

The main risk in this procedure is the scarring, which can evolve in an unpredictable manner. Therefore this needs to be monitored closely. If necessary, this can be mitigated with the use of permanent make up. Any minor asymmetry present prior to surgery may also remain after surgery.

A breast lift can be performed as early as 17 in some cases, though it is recommended that pregnant women wait until the end of their pregnancy before considering it. Breastfeeding almost always remains possible after the procedure. After the procedure the breasts will retain their natural sensitivity to hormonal and weight changes.