For women who suffer the pain and discomfort of overly large breasts, then the surgical option is a breast reduction or mammaplasty. This entails the removal of fat, tissue and skin from the breasts to reduce them in size. The breasts are then reshaped into a youthful shape and the nipples repositioned if necessary.
Breast Reduction: Am I suitable?
If the size of your breasts causes you back, shoulder or neck pain or if you are prevented from performing normal daily activities or exercising then you are a good candidate for this procedure.
The consultation stage is important to ensure that you have realistic expectations about what can be achieved and, at the same time, a thorough medical examination will be performed to ensure you are fit for surgery.
Breast Reduction: What do I have to do to prepare?
Your surgeon will give you instructions to help you prepare for breast reduction surgery and these may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.
Breast Reduction: What’s the treatment like?
The breast reduction procedure takes two to four hours under general anaesthetic. Incisions will usually be made around the areola, from the areola down to the lower crease and then in the crease under the breast. Breast and fatty tissue is removed, excess skin is excised and then reshaped. The areola can be reduced in size if necessary and the nipple and areola moved to a higher, more youthful position on the breast.
Some surgeons will also add an internal bra to help support the breast.
Breast Reduction: What about after?
You should be able to return to work from one to two weeks after breast reduction surgery.
Breast Reduction: Are there any risks or side effects?
This is a more complex surgery than breast augmentation but is a perfectly safe operation in the right hands.
Breast Reduction: What will it cost me?
From £4,000 to £6,000.
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