PROCEDURE
Breast Reduction
Many women with larger breasts often find themselves contending with a series of physical challenges due to the additional weight they carry. This can range from persistent back, neck, and shoulder pain to marks left by bra straps, breathing difficulties, sleep disturbances, and challenges when trying to engage in certain physical activities. Beyond the physical discomfort and medical complications, the size and weight of larger breasts can lead to sagging, impacting confidence and overall aesthetic appearance.
While breast reduction surgery is often associated with women, do understand that men too can face challenges with enlarged breast tissue, a condition known as gynecomastia. This enlargement can be a result of hormonal imbalances, genetics, certain medications, or weight fluctuations, all of which can lead to emotional and psychological discomfort, impacting self-esteem and day-to-day life.
Reduction mammoplasty, commonly known as breast reduction, is a surgical procedure designed to decrease the size of the breasts, offering both relief from physical and psychological discomfort and an aesthetic uplift. While the primary goal is to reduce size (particularly for men), the procedure also focuses on ensuring that the result helps give your body the shape it deserves. In certain instances, the procedure might also involve liposuction to contour adjacent areas of the breast, chest, and back. The best approach to breast reduction in London, tailored to individual needs, is determined through a comprehensive consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Typically 2-5 hours.
Hospital Stay:
Overnight stay may be required, depending on your individual case.
Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia.
Downtime:
1-2 weeks off work recommended; full recovery varies between 4-6 weeks.
Showering:
Wait 48 hours post-surgery before showering; avoid baths for 2 weeks.
Sleeping:
Sleeping on your back and elevated is recommended for the first few weeks.
Driving:
Should be avoided for at least 1 week post-surgery or until comfortable.
Smoking:
Smoking should be stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2 weeks post-operation.
Direct Sun Exposure:
Should be avoided on scars for at least 6 months.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Choosing to undergo a breast reduction can bring about numerous advantages to your daily life. Here’s how it could benefit you:
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Alleviate Pain:
One of the primary grievances of having larger breasts is the persistent pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. By opting for a breast reduction, you not only lighten the physical burden but also drastically reduce these constant aches, making your everyday life more comfortable.
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More Freedom in Activities:
Larger breasts can make physical activities more difficult, often causing discomfort or getting in the way. A breast reduction offers you the liberty to move more freely, whether it’s jogging, yoga, or dancing.
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Sleep Comfortably:
Finding a comfortable position can become a nightly challenge, often requiring restrictive bras or clothing, particularly if you have larger breasts. Post-breast reduction, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Dive into bed and discover the joy of uninterrupted, restful sleep without any encumbrances.
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Increased Self-confidence:
Large breasts can sometimes lead to feelings of self-consciousness, impacting wardrobe choices and overall body image. A breast reduction can be transformative in this aspect, allowing you to feel more confident in your appearance.
Types of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction, while fundamentally aiming to reduce breast size, is carried out through various surgical approaches that can be tailored depending on your characteristics and goals Each method varies in its incisions, scarring potential, and results. Here’s an overview of the four breast reduction techniques:
Gynaecomastia surgery, often referred to as male breast reduction, is a procedure designed to address the presence of enlarged breast tissue in men. This enlargement can be the consequence of various factors, including hormone imbalances during adolescence, certain medications, or natural shifts in hormone levels that occur as we age. In more severe instances, the abundance of breast tissue can lead to the breasts sagging and the areola (the darker skin encircling the nipple) becoming stretched and enlarged.
The surgery uses different techniques based on the patient’s individual needs:
– Liposuction. This method involves removing excess fat from the breast area.
– Breast Bud Excision. Where larger incisions are made to remove glandular tissue or excess skin.
– Combined Approach. At times, a combination of both liposuction and excision is deemed most suitable to achieve optimal results.
Liposuction is a simple technique that leaves minimal scars. It’s suitable if you want a minor reduction and have more fatty than glandular tissue in your breasts, but, it won’t change the breast’s shape or lift the nipple and areola.
This technique uses two cuts: one around the areola and another running down to the breast crease. It’s good for medium reductions and if you want some lift and reshaping. You’ll have more scars than with liposuction, but they’re often hidden by the breast’s shape or clothing.
This method combines the cuts used in the lollipop technique with an additional one under the breast. It’s best for large reductions or if you have a lot of sagging. The scars are more visible, but they’re typically placed in areas that can be covered by swimwear and undergarments.
Breast Reduction Procedure Steps
Understanding the steps involved in the breast reduction procedure can certainly help ease any concerns you might have. Here’s a simple breakdown of the main steps involved:
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Anaesthesia
Breast reduction is a significant procedure, so anaesthesia is essential. General anaesthesia is often used for breast reduction surgery.
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Incision
Mr Yapa will create an incision in the breast. The goal is always to minimise scarring. Depending on the technique used, scars can often be discreetly placed, ensuring they’re less visible, especially when wearing swimwear or low-cut clothing.
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Tissue Removal and Repositioning
Once the incision is made, the surgeon will reposition the nipple while ensuring it maintains its vital blood and nerve supply. If required, the areola’s size (the dark circle around the nipple) can be reduced. Excess breast tissue is then removed, and the breast is reshaped. In rare cases, especially for considerably large breasts, the nipple and areola might be moved to a new position using a technique called a free nipple graft.
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Closing the Incision
After reshaping the breast, the incisions are sealed. Supportive sutures are placed deep within the breast tissue, and the skin is closed with stitches, skin adhesives, or surgical tape. While these scars are permanent, they tend to fade over time and can typically be concealed beneath clothing.
Risks and Complications
While Mr Kshem Yapa employs the highest standards and practices to ensure your safety, it’s important to be aware that every surgical procedure comes with inherent risks. Here are some of the potential risks and complications associated with breast reduction:
Expect scars post-surgery. They fade over time but remain permanent, though Mr Yapa will do his best to place them as inconspicuously as possible.
Post-operative infections are rare but possible. Proper wound care can help prevent this.
You might experience temporary or, occasionally, permanent changes in breast or nipple sensation.
Some individuals may react to anaesthesia, which can include allergies or other side effects.
Excessive bleeding can occur during or post-surgery, but Mr Yapa will do his best to prevent this from happening. Adhering to post-operative guidelines helps reduce this risk.
All surgery can raise the risk of blood clots. Early movement post-surgery can help prevent this.
Typical after surgery, but should subside over time.
Recovery
Directly after surgery, you’ll typically have dressings on your chest, perhaps with adhesive strips or glue, and a supportive bra to offer both support and compression. Initial discomfort including swelling, bruising, and slight pain, is to be expected but can be managed using some pain relief prescribed by your surgeon. Some drainage, like blood or clear fluid, may occur, so be sure to protect your bedding.
For the first week, prioritise rest, undertake gentle walking, and avoid heavy lifting. Sleep on your back for two to three weeks. By the end of the third week, most bruising should have subsided, and you can gradually reintroduce activities. In the months following, reintroduce regular activities cautiously, starting with low-impact exercises.
It’s possible to experience intermittent numbness or sensations, but these typically lessen over time. While most swelling diminishes within a few months, scars may take up to a year to fully fade.
You will be provided with a direct phone line to our experienced specialist cosmetic surgery nurse who provides an on call service 24 hrs a day, from the moment you have surgery, for any questions or concerns you may have or any other support you may need. We take pride in making sure our patients are well looked after following surgery and want you to feel well supported throughout your journey with us.
