Breast Reduction

Introduction

Duration Thailand
12-14 Days

Breast reduction is an operation to reduce the size of the breast and at the same time achieve an  aesthetic shape. This procedure also results in an improvement of the position of the breast on the chest wall.

Point to Consider

There are some factors which you need to consider and then to discuss with your surgeon:

• Are you happy with your body weight
• Do you intend to lose weight in the future?
• Do you plan to have children in the future?
• Do you have a preconceived idea of how you would like your breasts to look?
• Have you considered the effects of surgery on the sensation of the breasts and nipples?
• Have you considered the prospect of scarring on your breasts?

Consultation

Your breast history and the history of other women in your family will help in the assessment of your suitability for breast surgery. Your Surgeon may recommend preoperative mammograms and would want to know about any family history of breast cancer. Any breast disease or biopsy you have experienced will influence your surgeon’s advice to you. A postoperative mammogram (say six months after surgery) may usefully serve as a baseline for future breast examinations.

You will need to submit Pre-surgery photos for recommendations and suitability for this surgery from your surgeon. These images will not replace the consultation with surgeon when you arrive in Phuket.
At this consultation your surgeon will look for abnormalities, lumps, and asymmetries of the breast or nipple. It is usual for one breast (and nipple) to be larger than the other or to be lower than the other. Whilst all attempts to achieve symmetry postoperatively will be made, it is unreasonable to expect that both breasts will be symmetrical in all respects after the operation.

The Procedure

On the day of surgery, after your preoperative consultation and shower, Your surgeon  will draw on your breasts, marking the incision lines and making other relevant measurements decided on at the preoperative consultation.

Once you are asleep and lying down the landmarks change as the breast assumes a different shape to that we observe when you are standing.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. At the end of the operation a firm dressing or your brassiere is placed around your chest. Drainage tubes may be in place to eliminate any blood that may accumulate. These drains are removed within 2-3 days of the operation.

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed through incisions on your breasts with surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin. In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques described below. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used in the procedure for breast reduction The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and the surgeon’s advice.

After the incision is made, the nipple (which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply) is then repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary. Underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft). The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts; sutures, skin adhesives and/or

Questions Frequently Asked

How long can I expect to be off work?
For the average woman doing non-strenuous clerical-type work, it is generally less than one week after surgery before you may be able to return to work. For other types of jobs, however, which may require heavy lifting, it may be longer. This is something you must discuss with the doctor, since each woman is different.
How long will it take for the swelling to go down?
Although swelling is minimal after breast reduction, there will be some puffiness. You can expect all of this to be gone after one month.
How long must I wear a special bra after reduction?
As the brassiere is an essential instrument of breast moulding, the bra we recommend should be worn day and night for up to eight weeks. You should remember, though, now that you have a breast of relatively normal volume, this will always require a good bra support to reduce the degree of sagging. Gravity over the years takes its toll, and any breast of reasonable volume will eventually show some degree of droop without good support.
How will I feel?
Naturally you may feel "woozy" as the anaesthetic wears off. You may feel some soreness, swelling or discomfort, but this is quite natural. You may also feel tired and exhausted after surgery, but this and the soreness is normal and will last only a short while.
How long will it be before I can start normal activities?
Following surgery,your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding your participation in everyday activities, athletics and sexual relations.
Will I be able to breast feed?
This depends on your potential before the operation and the style of operation you decide on after discussion with the doctor.
Will I have feeling in my breasts and nipples?
There may be reduced feeling right after surgery. With few exceptions, experience shows sensation in both breasts and nipples will improve in a few months.

More detailed information is contained in the information sheet available for download below