BREAST REDUCTION – REDUCTION MAMMOPLASTY

Woman who have excessively large breasts (macromastia / gigantomastia) can be afflicted with head, neck shoulder and back pains. Large breasts can also cause chafing of the skin of the chest and lower breast, brassiere-strap indentations to the shoulders, poorly fitting clothes, physical limitations, loss of self esteem and psychological depression.

Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) is a plastic surgical procedure for correcting over sized breasts which aims to resolve the physical symptoms, functional limitations, lessen anxiety and improve self esteem.

There are a number of techniques for breast reduction and the location of the scars can vary depending on the technique.

A consultation is required before any surgery with Mr Stanley Loo at Eastcare Medical Specialist Centre, 260 Botany Road, Howick, Auckland or Ormiston Specialist Centre, 125 Ormiston Rd, Flat Bush, Auckland, to discuss what your requirements are and to determine best technique for you. During this consultation you will be assessed for the suitability of this procedure and instructed on how to minimise complications to give you the best possible results.

Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic at Ormiston Hospital, Botany and takes approximately 2 – 3 hours. Tissue is removed from the dependent parts of the breast and the remaining breast tissue and nipple areola complex is lifted into its new position giving a more youthful breast appearance.

When you wake up from this procedure you may have 1 drain coming out from each breast. This is removed the following morning. Most patients who undergo this procedure feel very little pain post operatively and those that do feel slight discomfort are mostly managed on paracetamol only. I would recommend that patients who undergo this procedure stay overnight in the hospital although this is not an absolute requirement. I routinely place dissolving sutures in for closure so that post operative discomfort can be minimised.

Post operatively I recommend that patients go into a non underwire supportive bra for up to six weeks. Scar management is discussed in the pre operative consultation. Most patients should be able to go back to work within 10 – 14 days but should avoid heavy physical activity for 4 – 6 weeks.