Is breast reduction permanent?
Yes, breast reduction is permanent. The breast tissue that is removed is gone forever. The exception is a teenager whose breasts have not completely finished developing when she has the surgery, but most surgeons advise waiting until development is complete before scheduling a procedure. In addition, if you gain weight in the future, your breasts may expand in size along with the rest of your body.
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What is a typical breast reduction consultation like?
Your doctor will discuss your goals with you, and he or she will explain what can realistically be achieved by surgery. He or she will examine your breasts. If your breasts are tender at certain times of your menstrual cycle, you should consider scheduling this appointment around that. Your surgeon should take into account your hip size in order to maintain a good balance and proportion for your body. You can bring in photos of what you think your ideal breast shape and size would be. He or she will also discuss at length the risks associated with breast reduction surgery.
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Where are the mammoplasty incisions made?
The incisions for mammoplasty are usually made around the nipple and downward to the crease under the breast. Some procedures require only a vertical incision, while others require an incision that ends up looking like an anchor. The breast reduction procedure is not a minor one, and scars should be expected. You should discuss with your surgeon his or her incision placement of choice.
What should I expect after breast reduction surgery?
Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may be driven home that day or stay overnight in the hospital. After breast reduction surgery, pain is usually minimal-to-moderate and is controlled with oral pain medication.
You will need to wear a surgical bra 24 hours a day for at least the first 3 weeks, taking it off only to wash yourself. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to take care of your incisions and when to return to his office to have them removed. Your surgeon will determine when normal activities can be resumed at your postoperative visits. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting must be avoided for several weeks.
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Is mammoplasty quite painful? Is there much bruising?
It takes about a week and a half for most of the swelling to subside, and the rest will gradually resolve over the course of several weeks. There may be bruising, and the amount varies from person to person. You should take pain medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort that you may experience. If you feel as if your pain is severe, call your surgeon’s office.
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When will I be able to return to work after breast reduction surgery?
Most mammoplasty patients return to work within 2 weeks. However, you should not bend over, lift your arms over your head, or exercise until at least 3 weeks postoperatively. Your doctor will be able to give you a more definite guideline based on your job and on how fast you are healing after breast reduction surgery.
When will I be able to see mammoplasty results?
You should notice a difference in breast volume immediately, and more as any swelling goes down. For some patients, if the procedure was due to back pain associated with very large breasts, the pain relief is usually immediate.
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