Breast Reduction Wellington
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a plastic surgery procedure to remove extra fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. Breast reduction can be considered if you have large breasts that are out of proportion to the rest of your body and causing symptoms such as neck pain and back pain.
The majority of women who get breast reduction are very satisfied with the results. Men with conditions such as gynecomastia (male breast which is enlarged) may also have it (male breast reduction).
What breast reduction involves?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic.
The breast reduction surgery involves:
- moving your nipple to its new and higher position on its own blood supply
- removing excess fat, breast tissue and skin from the breasts
- reshaping the remaining breast tissue
The operation takes 3-4 hours, depending on the extent of the breast reduction. Usually, you will remain in the hospital for one night post operatively
What happens after the surgery?
When you wake up after surgery, you will have dressings on your breasts. No drains are used. You may have some pain and discomfort for a few days, which can be relieved with painkillers that are prescribed by the anaesthetist.
The breasts will be swollen, and the swelling may last for around 3 months. You will not see what your breasts look like until the swelling has gone down.
Recovery after breast reduction surgery
It can take 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from breast reduction surgery.
1-2 weeks off work may be needed, including help with housework, childcare and shopping and you should not drive until it’s no longer painful to wear a seatbelt.
You need to avoid stretching, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for up to 6 weeks after the operation.
A sports bra is worn 24 hours a day for 1 month.
Scars
You will have scars around your nipples, as well as a vertical scar running down the breast and a horizontal scar across the crease below the breast.
Occasionally, you may only have a vertical scar running down your breast and it depends on the type of surgery you have.
What are the complications of breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery can sometimes result in problems, including:
- thick and obvious scarring
- bleeding
- infection
- asymmetry
- wound healing problems
- loss of nipple sensation
- being permanently unable to breastfeed
- fat necrosis
- further revisions
The Consulting Suites
One Health Building
Level 2, 122 Remuera Road
Auckland, 1050, New Zealand
Phone: 09 522 0652
Fax: 09 522 0435
