Breast reduction

What is a breast reduction?

Puberty, hereditary factors, your weight, a pregnancy or breastfeeding can make your breasts enlarge. Not only can they sag when the skin loses its elasticity, but they can also cause certain neck, shoulder and back problems in the long term. The aesthetic aspect can also have a negative impact on your self-confidence.

Breast reduction surgery removes excess fat, glandular and skin tissue to reduce the size of your breasts and give them a new shape. This will make them fit your body better and may be less uncomfortable due to their new size.

Because your breasts are reshaped and tissue is removed, this procedure involves a breast lift.

Procedure – How does a breast reduction work?

• During a consultation, your surgeon will draw up your treatment plan with you. In this plan, you will determine together what you expect, what the possibilities are, etc.
• Before the operation, the surgeon will make the necessary notes on the skin. You will then be put under anesthesia and the procedure will take an average of 2 to 3 hours.
• Depending on the size and shape of your breasts, the surgeon will tailor the surgical technique based on your treatment plan. Your personal wishes for the final result also play a major role.
• One of the most common techniques involves making three incisions in the breast during the procedure: around the areola, from the lower edge of the areola vertically downwards and horizontally in the natural curve. This method is also called the anchor method (after the shape of the scar). The breast is then 'rebuilt'.
• After the procedure you will have an anchor-shaped scar on each breast:
  • 1 in the natural skin fold under the breast.
  • 1 from the center of the skin fold runs vertically to the nipple
  • 1 around the nipple
• Our surgeon will do everything he can to keep this to a minimum. After your recovery, the scars in the breast fold and around the areola will be barely visible. The part that fades vertically from the breast fold to the nipple will fade slightly but will remain visible
• The plastic surgeon does everything possible to keep the scars as subtle as possible.

Benefits

• Your breasts will be smaller, feel less heavy and have a more beautiful shape. They will also be lifted.
• Because your breasts are less heavy, possible pain complaints in your back, neck and throat will decrease. This makes sports or other physical exertion much more pleasant. Cutting or pressing bra straps will also decrease.
• Your areola will be adjusted so that it is in proportion to the rest of your breast.
• You can find and try on clothes and lingerie more easily.

Disadvantages or complications

It is a major operation that can entail certain risks and complications. Open communication during the consultation about your medical history, medication use and lifestyle is therefore very important. Only in this way can we reduce possible risks to an absolute minimum.
Possible complications include:

• Infection
• Wound dehiscence (opening of the wound along the incision line)
• Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that may require removal)
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Delayed wound healing
• Post-operative bleeding
• Nipple necrosis
• Fat necrosis
• Seromas (accumulation of wound fluid)
• asymmetry
• Sensory disturbances and/or changes in sensation of the nipple and skin, possibly permanent
• Permanent scars
• Damage to underlying structures
• Allergic reactions to tape, sutures and plasters
• Ache
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic result.
• Breastfeeding may become more difficult and sometimes even impossible after breast reduction.
• We recommend that you stop smoking before surgery. Patients who smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products (such as nicotine patches and gum) at the time of surgery have a higher risk of complications such as skin necrosis and poorer wound healing.

Recovery – How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery

• After your breast reduction, you will stay one night at the o2 Clinic. After your procedure, you will be closely monitored in the recovery department. If everything is fine, you will then be taken to your room where you will stay the night. Only the next day, after approval from the surgeon and under supervision, you may go home.
• You should purchase a sports bra in advance. It is important that you wear the sports bra day and night for six weeks.
• We recommend arranging transportation when you return home, driving yourself will not be possible and is strongly discouraged to avoid complications.
• The first 24 hours your breasts will feel stiff, painful and tense. Engorgement may also occur. This is because the skin has to adjust to the new size of your breasts. Of course you will be given painkillers for this. This feeling will gradually decrease as you recover.
• You will have bruising and your scars may be red and swollen. This will last for a few weeks to a few months until it goes away or fades.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, sports activities and the like for the first 2 months.
• Once the wound is closed and the scabs have disappeared, you can start applying scar cream. Apply this twice a day to the closed wound; this increases the chance of a good healing. Avoid direct sunlight or use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (e.g. factor 2).
• The discomfort can last for months. Usually it takes up to a year and a half for your scars to calm down. Patience and good aftercare are therefore crucial.