| Women
with very large breasts can experience several medical problems
from the excessive weight - back and neck pain, skin irritation,
skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Breast reduction removes
fat, skin and tissue from the breasts, making them smaller and firmer,
leaving the patient with better-shaped breasts in proportion with
the rest of her body.
BEST CANDIDATES
Women who don't plan to breastfeed, are troubled with large, sagging
breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
You may have to have a mammogram prior to surgery. You will be advised
to quit smoking and you may be advised to diet before surgery. Arrange
for someone to drive you home after surgery, and to help you out
for a few days.
ANESTHESIA
Breast reduction surgery is performed at an outpatient surgical
facility - you will go home the same day. General anesthesia will
be used so you will not be awake during the surgery. The surgery
takes about two to four hours.
THE SURGERY
Several variables affect the breast reduction procedure: your age,
the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin.
Dr. Efird will make an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola
(the dark skin around the nipple), extends downward, and follows
the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. He will remove
excess glandular tissue, fat and skin, and then move the nipple
and areola into their new position. He then brings the skin from
both sides of the breast down and around the areola, making the
new shape of the breast. Sometimes, if the breasts are very large,
the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted
into a higher position. Stitches are located around the areola,
in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease
of the breast.
RECOVERY
After surgery, you'll wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra
over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast
to drain blood and fluid for 1 - 2 days. The pain and discomfort
you experience can be managed with medication. Bandages are removed
1 - 2 days after surgery. You will continue to wear the surgical
bra for several weeks. Stitches are removed in 1 - 3 weeks.
HEALING
You may experience random, shooting pains for a few months. The
swelling after surgery can cause loss of feeling in your nipples
and breast skin, but this usually fades after six weeks. Avoid lifting
or pushing heavy items for 3 - 4 weeks. Most patients return to
work and social activities in about two weeks.
Although most swelling
and bruising disappears in the first few weeks, it may be 6 - 12
months before your breasts retain their new shape. Breast reduction
scars are permanent. They may remain lumpy and red for months, then
gradually fade to
thin white lines.
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