Surgery for Women
Breast
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery, known as reduction mammoplastly, is often an appropriate solution for women who experience the difficulties caused by overly large breasts.
The size of a woman’s breasts is determined by several factors, including genetics, body weight, and hormones. As such, overly large breasts may become an issue for women at different stages of life. At whatever age that it affects a woman, there are certain consequences that are common to all situations, such as discomfort, neck and back pain, rashes and soreness under the breasts, and difficulty in finding appropriately sized bras and other items of clothing. In certain circumstances, women can also find overly large breasts to be an impediment to how they live their lives (such as those who wish to pursue sports), and can affect their self-confidence extremely negatively.
Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess skin, and fat from the breasts. The breasts are then re-shaped to suit their reduced size, and the nipple/areola complex is re-positioned to form smaller, more naturally shaped breasts. Asymmetries between the size of the breasts can also be corrected during the procedure. Where required, liposuction may be performed on fatty areas under the armpits. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, usually takes between two to four hours, and normally involves a one night stay at the Hospital.
In the most common procedure, scars will result around the areola, then vertically down, and sometimes also horizontally out along the breast creases. Following surgery, a firm support bra needs to be worn for between four to eight weeks. Depending on a patient’s specific circumstances, a support bra may need to be worn indefinitely.
Generally, it is advised that most women will not be able to breast feed following breast reduction surgery, however, where the connections between the milk ducts and the nipple can be preserved, breast feeding may be possible.
At the time of your consultation at the Alexandra Private Hospital, your surgeon will discuss the various options available to you, in line with your specific medical circumstances. You should always feel free to ask your surgeon any questions that you have regarding the surgery, and discuss any areas that may seem unclear. The goal of your surgeon and the Hospital staff is to make your entire experience as comfortable, and worry-free as possible.