Oversized breasts are both an aesthetic problem and cause health problems such as back and neck pain, deep brassiere creases, redness in the lower breast regions in hot seasons and flattening of the cervical vertebra.
Breast reduction in combination with removal of excessive skin and fat tissue eliminates these problems, as well as providing a psychological well-being to the patient.
A physical examination is performed prior to the operation, in order to evaluate the distance between the areolar regions, sizes and symmetry of the breasts. The technique to be used is determined according to the size of the breasts and the localization of the excessive fat tissue. The patient is informed about the operation following a detailed photography.
Breast reduction operation will leave a scar and the patient should be well informed about the placement and length of these scars. The scars are generally in the form of an inverted T. The physician may request ultrasonography or mammography when necessary. Pre-operative marking is carried out by the physician and the new localization of the areola, and the scars will be demonstrated.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and will take a mean duration of 3 hours. The excessive fat tissue is removed with the overlying skin. Silicone tubes referred to as drains will be placed in order to transfer the fluid expected to accumulate within the tissues. A special brassiere is given to the patient to support the breasts.
One night of hospital stay is sufficient after the operation. Showering is allowed 48 hours after the operation. If a drain is placed, it is generally removed prior to discharge. A special brassiere is given, which should be used for 4 weeks.
The patients are called for a control visit 2 days after the operation.
The brassiere given should be worn for 4 weeks.
Areolar sensory loss may be observed in the early term, which will return to normal in weeks.
There is no need for wound care or suture removal. The sutures will resorb in time.
Lying face down is not recommended for 3 months.
Patients generally return to their social lives 72 hours after the surgery. Mild sportive activities are allowed 1 months after the operation. 2 months are needed to commence heavy sportive activities.
Bleeding may be observed during or after the operation. Infection may be observed but is rare.
Although the patients are informed before the operation that the surgery leaves a scar, some of the patients consider their scar to be thicker or more scattered than expected.
Openings of the surgical wound edges may be observed in small areas. If this is observed, recovery may be provided via serial wound care, and the need for an additional operation is rare. Smoking patients may experience wound healing problems more commonly.
