Breast Reduction Operation

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The Preparation

 

If you are over the age of 30, you should have a mammogram before surgery. If you take medication regularly, you must discuss this with your doctor in advance. Taking aspirin or medications that contain aspirin in the two weeks prior to the operation are forbidden, as these can inhibit blood clotting.
You should be in good health before the operation takes place.
Reduce your alcohol consumption several days before the operation and refrain from smoking if possible. Plan to take off a week for rest after the operation. The first few days after the operation you will have to reduce physical activity. Before surgery, take care of all open questions.

 

The Surgery of breast reduction

 

Depending on how extensive the surgery is, breast reduction can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis (for more extensive surgery). The procedure generally lasts between two and three and a half hours.
Techniques
There are various methods of breast reduction. Most frequently excess glandular and fatty tissue in the lower breast region are removed and combined with the repositioning of the nipple to a higher location and a possible reduction of the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple).
In some cases breast reduction is combined with liposuction in the breast region. Particularly if the base of the breast is very wide, this can greatly improve the final result.
Before surgery, the incision lines and the new position of the nipples are marked on the skin, usually when the patient is sitting or standing. After disinfecting the area to be operated on and covering the patient with sterile sheets, the necessary incisions are made. Then the skin and tissue is removed from the designated areas, the breast is reconstructed along with the nipple.
The incision generally circles the areola, then goes down directly to the natural crease under the breast. For larger breasts or strongly sagging breasts, an incision in the lower half of the breast is necessary, resulting in a scar in the shape of an upside-down T or L. In smaller breasts, an I-shaped incision will suffice. At the end of the surgery, a bandage or a bra is put on to keep down post-op swelling. Small drainage tubes allow for excess fluid to flow out during the first days after the operation. The technical details of the various surgical procedures will be explained to you by your surgeon.

 

The Anaesthesia

 

Breast reductions are usually performed under general anaesthetic. General anaesthesia has the advantage of drastically reducing the stress on the patient. The anaesthetist decides after a thorough examination whether or not a patient can undergo general anaesthesia. The anaesthetist is present during the complete operation and monitors the anaesthesia.

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