Breast reduction
Many women with large breasts can benefit greatly from breast reduction surgery to alleviate or completely eliminate various concerns and problems. The weight and size of the breasts often cause poor posture and back and neck problems that can lead to tension headaches. Some women regularly suffer from fungal infections and eczema under the breasts. It can be difficult to exercise and running is completely impossible without two or three bras to keep the breasts in place. In addition, the psychological and psychosocial problems that affect women with large breasts are rarely talked about. Some women feel uncomfortable when they have little clothing, for example in a swimming pool or on the beach, in intimate situations with their partner or in a dress at a party.
No other clinic in the country has more knowledge about this operation, as in 2016 Dr. Richard Lewin did his thesis on this topic.
operations
When the breasts become smaller after breast reduction surgery, posture improves, neck and back problems decrease and it becomes easier to find clothes that fit. It becomes easier and more enjoyable to exercise, while self-esteem and psychosocial security are strengthened. Most women who have this surgery at the age of 50+ say – “Why didn’t I have the surgery 20-30 years ago”.
Risks and complications
There are no risk-free surgeries, complications can occur. Even with breast reduction surgery, certain complications arise, such as infection or wound dehiscence. But in the end, this surgery is always good.
The most common complications are:
- Wound infection, which is treated with antibiotics.
- Wounds that take a few extra weeks to heal.
- Poor circulation in the skin and fat which delays healing.
- The sensation in the areola worsens.
Unusual complications include:
- Poor blood circulation to the areola which can lead to wounds that then become a scar.
- Difficulty breastfeeding due to scars the milky breast tissue or reduced mammary gland tissue.
We know that complications increase with smoking. Therefore, stopping smoking 4 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks after surgery is an absolute requirement for undergoing breast reduction surgery.
This is how the operation works
In the morning you will meet with your surgeon who will go over the operation once again and answer any questions you may have. To get a good result from the operation, it is important to plan well. This means, among other things, that we draw on the breasts to see where the areola should be placed and how we will cut away excess skin and fat. A large bust usually has the areola placed low. Therefore, we move it up on the chest through a breast lift, while at the same time reducing the size of the breasts. There are different techniques for breast reduction operations, but the most common is a so-called Wise technique where the scars are shaped like an anchor.
The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1-2,5 hours depending on the size of the breasts, among other things. We only use stitches that disappear on their own, in exceptional cases we may need a relieving thread for a week or so. We do not use drainage tubes. After the operation you will stay in the recovery room for a few hours and will be given something to eat. For the slightly larger breast reductions we often plan an overnight stay, otherwise you will be allowed to go home after a few hours.
Follow-up
One week after the operation, you will come for your first follow-up visit. We will check the wounds, change the tape and bandages. The breasts are swollen after the operation and sometimes one breast may be more swollen than the other. This will even out over time, but expect it to take at least six months before you can see the final result. Scars go through different maturation phases even if they look healed on the outside. It takes at least a year before all phases have passed and the scar begins to fade. We will then do a final check of the result and how you perceive your bust. We want you to be happy with the result.
Convalescence
You are back on your feet the day after the operation. In the first few days you will be given slightly stronger painkillers. After that, painkillers such as Panodil or Alvedon are usually enough. If you have a physically demanding job, we will put you on sick leave for about three weeks. During the first month, you should be careful with heavy lifting and strenuous physical exercise.
Book a consultation and talk to a specialist to find out what is best for you.