| BBR | Breast Reduction Surgery |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Large, pendulous breasts can cause pain in back, neck and shoulders, soreness under the breasts (=intertrigo) and embarrassment. Breast reduction surgery (=reduction mammaplasty or mammoplasty) removes excess breast tissue, lifts the breast and repositions the nipple. It can be combined with liposuction. Women over 50 or women with a strong family history of breast cancer should have a breast cancer screen prior to aesthetic surgery. I do not use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. A support garment following surgery is recommended. It is advisable to test the excised breast tissue for cancer. |
| Scars | Anchor shaped: Around & below areola & in breast fold |
| Operation time | 3 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery > (Overnight) |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological, Functional, Symptomatic |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis of nipple, skin or fat, Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness), Pneumothorax, Loss of breastfeeding, Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Droopiness, Aesthetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent pregnancies / weight changes), Unfavourable nipple position or shape, Seroma, Shoulder problems, Skin penetration, Need for further surgery, Skin cones, Allergic reaction. General anaesthetic procedures: Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs. N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Alcohol, Breastfeeding over last 6 months, Poor tissue quality can cause recurrent laxity, Asymmetry cannot be entirely corrected, Too early or excessive mobilisation, Wound interference without surgeon's agreement; Contraindications which preclude surgery unless discussed otherwise in the consultation: Smoking / vaping / nicotine / recreational inhalations within 6 weeks before and after surgery, Contraception with estrogens or HRT tablets (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel over 2 hours within 6 weeks before and after surgery (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel under 2 hours within 2 weeks before and after surgery, Overweight (Body Mass Index = BMI of 27 and over), Recent weight changes over 6kg, Pregnancy (if under general anaesthetic), Raised blood pressure (if poorly controlled), Bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), Diabetes or immunosuppression (if poorly controlled) |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, sufficient sleep, scar massage, sun protection, silicone sheets / gel, support garments |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work / sports / sex 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Custom measured bras, Weight loss, Physiotherapy |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
