WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) involves a volumetric reduction of the breasts in order to improve the shape and size of the breasts, and (when necessary) a repositioning of the nipple areola complex to a more appropriate position.
Breast reduction surgery addresses a number of cosmetic and physical problems resulting from the medical condition of macromastia (enlarged breasts).
By removing excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the breasts, breast reduction surgery helps patients to achieve more balanced body proportions, and can alleviate some of the discomfort caused by the weight of heavy breasts.
Macromastia can lead to significant disturbances in multiple body systems, and may cause patients to gain weight by negatively impacting their ability to exercise and live an active lifestyle.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREAST REDUCTION?
Reduction mammoplasty can help to relieve a number of aesthetic, emotional and health-related issues resulting from enlarged breasts including:
- Limitations on physical activity and difficulty living an active lifestyle
- Loss of sensation in the breasts, fingers, or arms
- Deep, pigmented grooves in the shoulder-region, resulting from the pressure of tight bra straps
- Poor posture
- Sleep-related problems
- Heightened anxiety, self-consciousness or low self-esteem related to large breasts
- Sagging, drooping breasts and/or stretched breast skin
- Chronic shoulder, neck, back and/or breast pain
- Polycystic mastitis (cystic breast infections)
- Persistent rash and prolonged skin irritation beneath the breasts
- Difficulty finding clothing and bras that fit appropriately
Regardless of your motivation to undergo reduction mammoplasty, Dr. Sinno will work closely with you to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the size and appearance of your breasts after your surgery, and that all of your breast reduction goals have been fulfilled.
WHAT DOES A BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
Reduction mammoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. It typically lasts two to five hours. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sinno will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, assessing your breast reduction goals, breast composition and medical history, before selecting one of three incision options for your surgery: circular incision, key-hole incision or anchor-shaped incision.
During your surgery, Dr. Sinno will first reduce the volume of your breasts. He will then lift and reshape your breasts to achieve your desired aesthetic preferences. If necessary, he will then adjust the position and size of your nipples in order to complete the aesthetically enhanced effect.
Liposuction may be performed in conjunction with your reduction mammoplasty, if Dr. Sinno determines that excess fatty tissue is a primary factor in the enlargement of your breasts. Similarly, if you are suffering from breast sagging (ptosis of the breasts), a breast lift is almost always performed at the same time as your breast reduction procedure to ensure that your newly enhanced breasts are firm, lifted and perky.
In order to achieve optimal surgical results, your breast reduction procedure should be performed by plastic surgeon such as Dr. Hani Sinno, who has helped patients ease the painful emotional and physical symptoms of macromastia with breast reduction surgery at his private practice in Montreal, Quebec.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE AFTER A BREAST REDUCTION?
Following your reduction mammoplasty, Dr. Sinno will cover your breasts with bandages or a gauze dressing. You can expect temporary post-surgical swelling and bruising, which can be ameliorated with prescription pain medication. Any incision scarring will fade over time, until it is barely visible. You should plan to take one week off from work to rest and recuperate. It will also be necessary to avoid all physical activity for at least one month after surgery, in order to allow your body sufficient time to heal.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE ADVICE AND CARE AFTER BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Can I go home after breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery generally takes two to three hours, after which, you may be released (depending on your medical condition and health state) to a friend or family member and may return home to continue your recovery.
When can I remove the bandages after breast reduction?
Dr. Sinno and his team will apply a special dressing and initial bandages that should be kept dry and clean for the first week. At that point, the bandages will be removed and your post-operative state will be evaluated.
Wearing bras should be avoided until the first bandages are removed. Bras with metal underwire should be avoided for six weeks after surgery.
When can I shower after breast reduction?
The bandages usually are removed within a week after surgery. Dr. Sinno recommends that all bandages should remain dry and clean after your surgery, until your first follow-up appointment. Showers should be avoided until authorized by Dr. Sinno. This is usually after all bandages are removed at the first post-operative visit. Until then, sponge baths are recommended.
White non-scented shampoo and soap are recommended to be used along with running water on the incisions after the bandages are removed and when given medical authorization to do so.
When can I exercise after breast reduction?
You will be advised to refrain from moving your arms above your shoulders immediately following your breast augmentation procedure. This is usually advised for a two-week period.
Dr. Sinno recommends that patients refrain from all activities that may increase their heart rate or blood pressure including exercise, sexual activity, stressful situations, etc. in the first week after surgery.
However, it is recommended that patients walk and perform their usual activities within the limitation of the medical advice given and their tolerance to their comfort. No lifting more than 10 lbs. (4 kg) is recommended for at least two weeks after the surgery.
Sleeping on your stomach should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.
Can I drive after surgery?
It is recommended that patients do not drive when taking narcotic pain medications and when having bulky dressings that may hinder their normal reflexes and reactivity.
General Healing
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery, and usually subsides within two to six weeks. Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising and duration may differ, depending on the patient and the extent of the breast surgery.
HOW MUCH DOES A BREAST REDUCTION COST?
The average cost of a breast reduction procedure range between $4,600 to $16,300 plus applicable taxes.
