Breast Reduction

FAQ

• How long does the Breast Reduction surgery take?

  The surgery takes around two hours to complete and is performed under general anaesthetic, which means you are fully asleep while the procedure is carried out.

• Do I need to have a combination of both a Breast Lift and Reduction to achieve a perkier breast?

  You can get both in one operation. Many women are confused about what a breast reduction will do in terms of lifting the breast. Simply put, a breast reduction will reduce the size of the breast and improve the shape. On the other hand, a breast lift (or mastopexy) will lift the breast, improving the look to a more perkier result. Both reduction and lift procedures are designed to lift the breast to a perkier height.

  So, if you have more breast tissue than you desire, a reduction is what you need. If you are happy with the size of your breasts but are concerned about the sagging, then a breast lift would be a more advisable recommendation.

• Is there a lot of pain with Breast Reduction?

  Although there are multiple incision sites, they are placed in areas of the breast that are not too sensitive. In addition, due to the fact that the nerves to the breast skin have been stretched out by the weight of the breasts over a long time, the skin is less sensitive. Thus, the pain after surgery is usually managed with oral pain medication.

  Initially, there is discomfort in walking, getting out of bed, and any activity that causes the breasts to move. You may continue to be sore for the first few days after surgery.

  For the first few days after the procedure, you will feel more discomfort than pain, and you will be sore. Our surgeon will supply you with the right medications to treat the pain. Take your medication as prescribed by the surgeon at the correct times even if you are not feeling pain; the medicine can take up to 30 minutes to work, so if you wait until it hurts, you could be in discomfort for a little while.

• When Will My Scars Heal after Breast Reduction surgery?

  Your scars will be red for up to 3 months as they gradually fade. These were incisions, and they need time to heal like any other minor cut. Be patient, as the redness will disappear over time. You can lessen the look of them using products that are rich in vitamin E . You can also buy products specific for lessening the appearance of scars such as Dermatix or any silicone-based gel. Our clinic will advise these products post-surgery.

• When Can I Go Back to Work?

  You should be able to go back to work after 5-7 days and once your pain is at a level that can be managed with just over-the-counter pain medication. Most women like to allow for at least one full week off work and can return soon after that. Be aware that there will be restrictions on raising your arms above shoulder level and lifting anything for some time after surgery.

• How Long Until I Can Have Sex?

  Sex is possible generally two weeks after a breast reduction surgery, but you will want to be careful to wait until you are healed enough. You will be having follow-up appointments with your surgeon, so, don’t be shy to ask. Only your surgeon will know when you have healed enough to resume sexual activity.

• When Will I See My Final Results?

  You should see your final results straight after your surgery but allow up to 5 months after surgery before you are considered fully recovered. Remember, your body has been through a lot. Your incision scars may still be red, but by this point, your swelling should be completely gone so you know the true new size, and your breasts should have dropped and settled into position. You will notice improvement each month up until about the eighth month.

• Will I lose nipple sensation?

  There is very little evidence to associate any particular incision with more or less risk of losing the sensation of your nipples. Most plastic surgeons agree that loss of sensation has a lot more to do with the surgical technique.

  Also, remember that there is no best incision. A very well-healed incision in any location is better than a poor incision. Which incision is least noticeable is another variable that depends on how it has healed, what you are wearing, etc. Our plastic surgeon will give you your choices.

• Can Breast Tissue Grow Back After Breast Reduction?

  Rarely patients who undergo breast reduction experience re-growth of breast tissue. In some cases, this may actually require a secondary breast reduction procedure. When this occurs, there are several potential causes. These include pregnancy, menopause, and weight gain.

  Occasionally, patients with juvenile breast hypertrophy who have had early intervention may also experience re-growth of their breast tissue.

  If any of these scenarios arise secondary, breast reduction is possible. Before proceeding, your surgeon should carefully review the previous operative report to minimise the potential for complications. If a patient is very young then the breasts will continue to grow and sometimes a second procedure is necessary.