BREAST REDUCTION AND LIFT

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, reduces the size and shape of a woman's breasts by removing excess tissue and skin from the breasts. The procedure can also involve reducing and repositioning the areola. For women with large, heavy breasts, breast reduction surgery can provide a very satisfying solution.

PROCEDURE

The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. After the incision is made the surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts. The nipple and areola are then moved into their new position. The skin from both sides of the breast is brought down and around the areola and shapes the breast into is new contour. Liposuction may also be used to remove excess fat from the breasts.

SURGERY

Time required: 2 to 4 hours
Anesthesia: General anesthesia.
Side effects
Permanent scars, slightly mismatched breast, unevenly positioned nipples.
Breast Reduction Recovery time
Back to work: 3 to 4 weeks
More strenuous activity: around 6 weeks
Fading of scars: several months to a year or more.

RECOVERY

Patients may feel some pain for the first couple of days after surgery. Bandages are usually removed a day or two after surgery, however patients will need to wear the surgical bra continuously for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Stitches are removed in one to three weeks.
Some patients may experience random, shooting pains for the first few months after surgery. Some temporary loss of feeling in the nipples and breast skin.
Incision lines will be permanently visible but should fade over time.