Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Why do women seek treatment for large breasts?

Women who have large breasts are often physically uncomfortable due to neck ache and backache or when the straps of the brassiere cut into the shoulders. They often sweat excessively in the crease underneath the breast resulting in irritation of the skin in the area. They find it difficult to buy comfortable brassieres off-the-shelf and often have to go to specialist shops which are expensive. They are embarrassed because they feel a large bust attracts unwelcome attention ('men speak to my breasts and not to me’) and they are self-conscious both in the workplace and while participating in leisure activities. They do not like to participate in exercise or aerobics due to discomfort while exercising and often do not like to take their children swimming due to embarrassment. They also find it difficult to find clothes that fit their overall frame due to the disproportionately large bust.

What is the treatment of large breasts?

The size of a breast can be reduced by an operation which involves a general anaesthetic and one or two nights in hospital. This is a common procedure in which excess breast tissue is removed and the skin of the breast is tightened resulting in a smaller and better shaped breast with a more youthful appearance.

What is the normal postoperative care?

Following surgery a tube drain is inserted into each breast to remove any fluid blood that collects underneath the skin. This tube drain is normally removed within 24 to 48 hours following surgery. Most patients are able to have a shower before they leave hospital and every day at home. An outpatient appointment is made for removal of sutures one week to ten days following surgery.

How does the appearance of the breast change following surgery?

Following surgery the breasts are swollen and bruised and will appear larger and higher than the final result. It is important to bear this in mind for the first six to eight weeks after a breast reduction. The swelling and bruising gradually subsides over a period of two to four weeks. The breast feels firm to start with and gradually becomes more supple and natural in appearance over six to twelve weeks following surgery.

How do patients feel in the first couple of weeks following surgery?

Most patients experience mild discomfort in the first few days after an operation which is adequately controlled by painkillers. There may be some restriction of movement especially while lifting heavy weights or stretching above the head which gradually returns to normal over seven to ten days. Most patients returned to normal activities within two to four weeks following surgery and are able to undertake normal exercise regimes including gym, aerobics and swimming approximately four weeks following the operation.

How much time do I need off work?

Most patients are able to return to work which does not involve heavy lifting in approximately two to three weeks after surgery

What are the complications of this procedure?

Breast reduction can have complications just like any other surgical procedure. These include bleeding, haematoma (blood clot within the breast), infection, visible scars, asymmetry and loss of sensation over the breast of the nipple. Although it is very unusual there is a small possibility of partial nipple loss or fat necrosis (painful lump) in the breast. Very rarely is it necessary for patients to have a revision procedure following a breast reduction. Your surgeon will discuss potential complications with you in detail at the time of the consultation.

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Diary of a Bilateral Breast Reduction

“I have been unhappy for a very long time with both the size and shape of my breasts and surgery was something that I considered for many years, but it was never the right time or I never had the courage to have it carried out. After finally losing over four stone in weight my breasts remained large due to the excess skin, and I grew increasingly unhappy and knew that I had to do something about it.

Although happy that I had finally found the courage to undergo surgery I had to find the right surgeon as I had to live with this for the rest of my life, and that is when a friend recommended Mr Sood to me. Whilst I made an appointment to see Mr Sood I was still not entirely sure that I would have the surgery carried out as I knew that there would be scarring, and I would have to live with that for the rest of my life, and I had to be sure that I was prepared to live with them and the consequences if anything did go wrong. However, from the moment I met Mr Sood, I knew that I had met the right the person to carry out my procedure and it was full steam ahead.

Mr Sood explained the whole procedure to me and answered all the questions that I had. I left the consultation feeling reassured that I was making the right decision and I couldn’t wait to have the surgery carried out.

In the weeks leading up to the surgery I was sent information from Mr Sood explaining fully about the procedure that would be carried out, what the risks were and what I could expect after surgery. I was very anxious leading up to the surgery, but on the day of the surgery I was surprisingly calm and couldn’t wait for it to go ahead.

I arrived at the hospital at 7am, I met with both the anaesthetist and Mr Sood who both explained fully what would be happening. I was taken down to theatre at 9am and told that the procedure should take about 2 hours, in-fact the surgery took over 4 hours as Mr Sood found that there was a lot more work involved than first thought.

Once I was back on the ward, Mr Sood came to see me and explained why the surgery had taken longer than expected, I asked if I could take the bandages off so I could see my new breasts and also the scarring. When the bandages were removed, and all I can say is that at that point I was so overwhelmed, my breasts looked amazing, the were the perfect shape and size and the scarring was better than I could ever have expected.

I was released from hospital the following day and was amazed at how well I felt, although sore I was not in the pain that I had expected to be in. Within a couple of days I felt great and was on minimal pain relief. I visited Mr Sood a week after the operation where all my dressings were removed and was amazed at the results after just one week.

A month later and I am still overwhelmed by the results. I finally have normal breasts, which is something that I had only ever imagined of. The scarring is healing extremely well and is so thin it amazes me every time I look at it, and I have been told by all the nurses that cared for me during my time at the hospital and in my follow up consultations that they will fade to a minimum, which to me is just a bonus.

My whole experience has been extremely positive and thanks to Mr Sood I finally have the breasts that I have always wanted.. I never once felt that I was on a conveyor belt, I was given individual treatment and as a result was given the best results possible.

This has made an enormous change to my life. And I would do it all again in a instant.”

BBR

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