Breast Reduction and Breast Lift
For some woman their breasts are too large, not only can this be socially embarrassing but it can have adverse health effects such as back and neck pain, rashes underneath the breast and deep indentations of the bra strap into the shoulder. These women can benefit from breast reduction surgery.
The shape of woman’s breast can alter with time through the effects of gravity and breast feeding. This means that the breasts tend to sag and lack fullness. For these women a breast lift or “mastopexy” can correct this situation.
Breast Surgery Consultation
begins with a discussion about what the woman would like changed with her breasts. For a woman with large breasts, the size she would like to be is decided upon. Surgery for breast reduction aims to reduce the volume of the breast, reduce the skin of the breast and raise the position of the nipple. There are different surgical techniques and Dr Mills will discuss the appropriate technique with you.
The consultation for breast lift is very similar. Sometimes a breast lift is achieved by Augmentation Mammaplasty, otherwise the breast is reshaped in a similar fashion to breast reduction surgery except little or no breast tissue is removed.
A breast examination is carried out during the consultation to check for breast lumps. All women over 40 years of age should have a mammogram prior to surgery.
Breast Surgery
is performed under general anaesthesia. The nipples and areolas are preserved along with their blood and nerve supply. Excess breast and/or skin is excised, the nipples and areolas are placed in their new positions and the wounds are closed. Often drainage tubes are placed in the wounds to take away excess fluid. Dressings are applied.
After Surgery
woman normally stays 1-2 nights in hospital. Pain relief is given as prescribed medication. Drains are usually removed the day after surgery and the woman is placed in a surgical bra. The patient is encouraged to wear the bra night and day for 6 weeks. The woman should avoid strenuous activity for 4 weeks. All breast reduction and breast lift techniques will leave permanent scars and they take 6-12 months to fully fade.