Breast reduction, also called reduction mammaplasty, is an operation used to reduce the size of a breast and to uplift it at the same time. It can be performed at any age after the breasts are fully developed. This operation also helps relieve neck and backache, which is caused by heavy and large breasts, and can also result in body posture improvement.
The large breast is reshaped to bring the nipple in a more prominent position at the highest point of the breast. Excess breast fat and breast tissue is excised with skin from the under side of the breast. The areola, which may be stretched, is reduced in size to match with the new breast shape. After the operation, the patient is usually required to stay in hospital for at least two days. Thin tube drains will be placed in each breast to avoid accumulation of blood/fluids. These are removed before going home.
Scars, which usually heal well, are present around the nipple, and usually in an inverted 'T' fashion under it, running horizontally in the lower breast fold. Sometimes the procedure can be done with a scar around the nipple and a vertical one under it. Scars are permanent and visible after the operation. Depending on breast size and shape, the operation can be carried out through a vertical scar only, avoiding the big horizontal scar. This is the 'Lejour Mammaplasty', or vertical scar mammaplasty and can only be carried out in some cases.
After the surgery, the patient will be instructed to wear a firm support bra for one month. Breasts will be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a few days, but the pain should not be severe and can be controlled with common painkillers. Delaying healing can occasionally occur, mainly at the 'T' junction and may require regular dressings for a few weeks. Haematoma is a complication that might occur within the first few hours of surgery and can be treated by a return to the theatre to wash out the blood. If wound infection occurs, then it may involve administering antibiotics until the infection settles. Also, patients might experience swelling and numbness of the breasts. This usually improves with time but sometimes it can be permanent.
Women are unlikely to be able to breast feed after this operation, although breasts will react by normal increase or decrease in size with pregnancy, weight changes and menopause.
