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The operation for reduction of excessively large breasts is a major operation performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. It is usually performed to reduce weight-bearing pain, pain in the upper portions of the neck as well as shoulders from brassiere strap marks due to excessive weight of the enlarged breasts. In addition, breast reduction allows a patient a wider range of clothing styles and improved over-all general appearance.
There are many types of specific operative procedures for breast reduction, however, most fall into two basic categories. One of these requires the complete removal of the nipple, followed by large amounts of breast tissue, fat and skin, with reshaping of the breasts and then re-applying the nipple as a free graft in a new position on the reformed breast. In this type of operation, the sensation of the nipple is lost. This procedure may be necessary if the patient has EXTREMELY large breasts.
The second type of operation is done when the nipple area is transported without being completely removed from the breast; therefore these nipples frequently retain sensation, however, this sensation may be reduced to varying degrees. Future breast feeding with both types of operation is NOT possible.
Approximately two days, depending on the individual and her healing process.
Approximately four hours.
General Anesthesia
As noted, there are two basic types of surgical reduction procedures, each of which result in approximately the same type of scar. In both cases, large portions of fat and skin are removed as well as portions of the actual breast gland.
Extensive measurements are made before the actual surgery in an attempt to give a normal position to the nipple complex as well as equal size and shape. No breasts are ever exactly the same size nor will they be after this surgical procedure. All possible attempts are made to produce symmetry.
Discoloration and swelling may be present about the incisional area, which is normal with a procedure of this magnitude.
The patient is placed in a brassiere-type bandage, which is changed at the discretion of the surgeon. The stitches are removed in approximately seven to fourteen days.
Drains (plastic catheters) may be utilized and would exit from underneath the dressings and be attached to a small pump or other suction apparatus.
The patient should remain within reasonable traveling distance of the doctor's office for approximately two weeks following surgery. The patient will be given proper medications upon discharge from the hospital.
There are risks involved with every surgical procedure - they will be discussed with you in detail. The patient should NOT accept advice from those who are not directly concerned with the surgery. All medical questions should be directed to your surgeon.
Take all medications EXACTLY as ordered.You may be requested to take some medicines before your surgery. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR ANY ASPIRIN-COMPOUNDS FOR TWO WEEKS AFTER YOUR SURGERY. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Valadol, Tempra) may be used in place of Aspirin. AT THE FIRST SIGN OF HIVES OR A RASH, DISCONTINUE ALL MEDICATION AND CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
The surgical scars are permanent and reasonably extensive. There is generally a vertical scar beneath the nipple and a horizontal scar under the entire breast where it meets the chest. Also, a scar surrounds the areola (the pigmented soft skin immediately surrounding the nipple). These scars are quite noticeable for a period of time, up to a year or more. Up to that time, however, the cosmetic disability is usually mild (Occasionally it is necessary to revise these scars.)
All coiffure procedures may be carried out approximately two weeks following surgery.
The patient is restricted to sponge baths until the surgeon notifies her that the incision areas may be bathed. This usually follows complete suture removal.
Social activities should be limited for approximately 2 weeks following surgery. Strenuous exercise, such as golf, tennis, swimming, etc., should be avoided for six weeks. As you might expect, some patients recover more rapidly than others, and this of course, affects the suggested time of limited activity.
The surgeon's fee does not include hospital or general anesthesia costs. This operation may be covered in part by an existing insurance policy, to help defray the surgeon, anesthesiologist and hospital bills. Discuss this with your insurance carrier prior to undergoing the procedure to avoid later disagreements between you and your insurance company.
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