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- BREAST REDUCTION-
Location:
ISTANBUL / TURKEY
 Breast
reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure
to reduce the size and contour of large breasts. It can
allow more comfortable physical activity, relieve weight-bearing
pain in the breasts, shoulders, neck and back, and improve
an individual's overall appearance. A consultation with
a plastic surgeon is the first step an individual should
take if considering reduction mammaplasty. You should discuss
candidly your expectations regarding the size and contour
of your breasts following surgery, while keeping in mind
that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.
We will conduct a routine breast examination and, depending
on your age and family history, may determine that mammograms,
or breast x-rays, are required. After examining you, we
will discuss other variables that influence the decisions
involved in reduction mammaplasty, such as the size, shape
and skin tone of your breasts. Since the ability to breast-feed
following reduction mammaplasty is unpredictable, you should
discuss the matter with us at this time. During the initial
visit, we will explain specific details of your case, including
the surgical technique to be used, the anesthesia and what
the surgery realistically can accomplish. Additional factors
to consider before undergoing reduction mammaplasty, such
as risk and cost, should be discussed during the consultation.
Thousands of reduction mammaplasties are performed successfully
each year. Nevertheless, you should be aware of the potential
risks of surgery and specific complications associated with
reduction mammaplasty. Postoperative complications, such
as delayed healing, infection or localized collections of
blood are uncommon. Poor healing may necessitate subsequent
scar revision. Risk of complications can be minimized by
closely adhering to our advice on follow-up care during
the healing process.
SURGERY
Reduction
mammaplasty typically is performed to reduce disproportionately
large, sagging breasts. It also can reduce the size of the
areola (the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple) which
frequently becomes enlarged as the breast develops. (Fig.
1) The extent of the procedure depends on what changes are
desired and what your surgeon deems appropriate.
Working
through the incisions, excess tissue, fat and skin on the
sides of the breast are excised (Shaded area, Fig. 2) Skin
is removed from the area within the vertical incision and
around the areola. The nipple, areola and underlying tissue
are moved through this space to a new higher location. (Fig.
2). After the nipple is repositioned, skin on both sides
of the breast is moved down and around the areola and then
brought together to recontour the breast. Sutures close
the wounds under the breast and around the nipple area.
(Fig. 3) Following surgery, a gauze dressing may be applied
to the breasts, or the patient may be placed in a surgical
brassiere. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the procedure
usually lasts three hours or longer.
Recently
vertical mammaplasty techique is most popular in breast
reduction. The advantages of this technique are the elimination
of the horizontal incision and the provision of an attractive
breast shape without the areolar enlargement. Another technique
involves completely detaching the nipple from the breast
before relocating it. Since a transplanted nipple loses
all sensitivity, this approach is performed only when deemed
necessary for patients with extremely large breasts.
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Reduction
mammaplasty patient, shown before surgery
with oversized heavy breasts and shoulder
indentations caused by tight brassiere straps.
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Breast
tissue, fat and skin in the shaded area are
removed, and the nipple is relocated to a
higher position. |
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Sutures
close the incisions, leaving permanent scars
that are concealed easily by a nor mal brassiere
or bathing suit. |
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The
postoperative patient is seen with smaller,
well contoured breasts, |
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POST
- SURGERY
After surgery,
pain that is controlled easily by medication will subside
in a day or two. The patient can be discharged from hospital
a few hours after the surgery. Swelling and skin discoloration
around the incisions generally will subside in a few days.
After surgery, there may be a temporary loss of sensation
in the nipples and breast skin. If it occurs, this condition
will improve with time. Sutures will be removed within two
weeks of surgery. The patient can return to normal daily
activities in a few days.
Although
we make every effort to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible,
reduction mammaplasty scars are extensive and permanent.
The patient must be willing to accept the change from large
uncomfortable breasts without scars to small comfortable
breasts with scars. Scars remain highly visible for a year
following surgery, then fade to some degree. Since incisions
were made around and below the nipples, scars should not
be noticeable even in low-cut clothing.
The objective
of this surgery is smaller breasts which are in better proportion
to the patient's physique. (Fig. 4) Since no two breasts
are the same size and shape before surgery, a slight variation
can be exist after surgery.
If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact us E-MAIL
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