Breast Reduction
Some women will have very heavy breast tissue that is droopy (ptotic). It may cause symptoms like neck, shoulder and back pain, recurrent infections on the undersurface of the breast, bra straps digging into the shoulder as well as low confidence and restrictions of clothes that are worn.
A breast reduction can be very successful in reducing the breast weight and lifting the nipple position to a more youthful position. It can be regarded as a ‘functional’ operation as it can be life-changing for some individuals.
Women aged 40 years and above will be recommended a mammogram to ensure any future mammograms can be compared to a baseline and that the breast tissue is clear of any abnormalities. Bra size measurement can be very unpredictable with varying sizes recorded when measured at different establishments. It is useful to guide future discussions on breast reduction but in general an individual will be counselled that they would have a breast reduction to suit their body frame rather than a bra size.
Surgery involves an overnight stay with a 6 week recovery period. The surgery involves removing breast skin and breast tissue at the same time lifting the position of the nipple. There is extensive scarring (Anchor pattern or wise pattern or inverted T) which can take a number of weeks to settle down. Risks include bleeding, skin damage, nipple damage, asymmetry, excess skin or bulges, lumpy breast tissue and fat necrosis. The T-junction of the scar is the point of maximum skin tension and can take a while to heal.
Women will be encouraged to get into a post-operative bra as soon as possible to take the weight of the scars. If possible, a compressive bra should be used for 6 weeks whilst healing takes place. The breast tissue that is removed will be sent off to be examined under the microscope. In general, this is a procedure associated with high patient satisfaction.
