Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive size and weight of their breasts . Symptoms may include back and neck pain and skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman or a teenage girl feel extremely self-conscious.

Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammoplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give you smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of your body.

If you're considering breast reduction, this web site will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, as a lot depends on your individual circumstances.

If you have further questions, feel free to e-mail your queries, or freecall us on 1 8000 8000 1 to take advantage of our free consultations..

The Best Candidates for Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is usually performed primarily for physical relief rather than cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.

In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious problems. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction reduces your chance of successful breastfeeding by about 25%.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anaesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's advice both before and after surgery.

The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breastfeeding may not be possible, however studies show that your chance of successful breastfeeding is still quite good.

Some patients (5%) may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Very rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die - a problem seen almost exclusively in smokers. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however.)

Planning Your Surgery

In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his opinion. Every patient has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.

Your surgeon will examine your breasts, and will photograph them for reference. He will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure - such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin.

Your surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. He will also explain the anaesthesia he will use, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs. Medicare & health insurance funds will contribute towards your surgery.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Your surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You'll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

Breast reduction doesn't usually require a blood transfusion. While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed

Breast reduction is generally done in a hospital, as a day procedure. The surgery itself usually takes two to three hours. You may elect to remain in the hospital overnight, and those with little support and/or little children at home may be well advised to do so.

Type of Anaesthesia

Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia. You'll be asleep through the entire operation.

The Surgery

Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Your surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. He then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area, as an adjunctive procedure.

In almost all cases, the nipples remain attached to you, and to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if your breasts are enormously large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areola tissue.)

Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. Almost all stitches are absorbable, and do not need removal. Occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars. This will only be the case where the breast is not sagging noticeably.

After Your Surgery

After surgery, you'll have an elastic type dressing over some gauze pads. No drainage tubes are necessary. You may feel some pain for the first couple of days - especially when you move around or cough, and some discomfort for a week or more. Dr Mc Govern will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.

Most patients expect a lot of pain, as their breasts are very sensitive. But most women are amazed at how little pain they experience.

Your first menstruation following surgery may cause your breasts to swell and hurt. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.

Getting Back to Normal

Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid strenuous exercise for three or four weeks.

Most women can return to work (if it's not too strenuous) and social activities in a week or two. But you'll have less stamina for several weeks, and should limit your exercises to stretching, walking, and gentle swimming until your energy level returns.

A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some crusting, is normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, don't hesitate to call your surgeon.

Your New Look

Although the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first six weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.

Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it's important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops. Your surgeon uses a combination of long lasting absorbable sutures and postoperative scar support, both demonstrated and proven to narrow your scars.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in one of the quickest body-image changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.

However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you'll need time to adjust to your new image - as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you'll be very pleased with the results.

If you have further questions, write them down and ask your surgeon and his staff at your consultation.